Dear Family,

On Thursday afternoon I announced to faculty and staff that Annie MacKenzie, P'22, '24 has been appointed Proctor Academy’s Assistant Head of School. Annie steps into this role as a 25 year independent school veteran with extensive experience supporting young people through her work on Proctor’s Deans Team, Learning Skills Department, as an advisor, dorm parent, and coach. Annie takes over the Assistant Head of School role from Alisa Barnard, who will be stepping into a different role at Proctor as Advisor to the Head of School on Student Safety and Well-Being. 

A native of Lake Bluff, Illinois and graduate of Berkshire School, Annie completed her undergraduate degree in social work at the University of New Hampshire before embarking on a career with Outward Bound. In the fall of 1999, Annie joined the Proctor community as a Mountain Classroom instructor. Following her years leading Mountain Classroom groups throughout the American Southwest, Annie immersed herself in the work of understanding and supporting Proctor’s diverse thinkers in the Learning Skills Department while earning her M.Ed.

She and her husband, Matt, have raised their two daughters on campus, Sasha '22 and Braeden '24. Over the past year, Annie further evolved her role at Proctor as she became the 11th Grade Class Dean and served as the Deans Team Facilitator supporting the student life experience at Proctor. 

A product of a boarding school herself, and a certified reading and writing specialist and experienced advisor, dorm parent, and coach, Annie understands deeply the challenges and opportunities that accompany adolescents as they navigate life at boarding school. Similarly, her experience in multiple facets of the Proctor community, and long-tenure as a faculty member prepare her well for the role of Assistant Head of School. I am delighted that Annie has accepted the position of Assistant Head of School. She provides necessary long term stability for Proctor during this time of leadership transition. Annie is such a logical choice for this role because she is both a Proctor culture keeper and a culture maker. 

Join me in welcoming Annie to her new role and read more about her excitement for this evolution in her responsibilities at Proctor below. 

Best,

What are you most excited about as you step into this role? 

I am excited about serving Proctor in a new capacity and broadening my work with various constituencies. I am also looking forward to serving as a conduit between interim Head of School Steve Wilkins and the subsequent Head of School by offering insights into the school's culture and legacy while supporting its growth and development.

How will your previous roles at Proctor inform your approach to serving as Proctor's Assistant Head of School? 

Having the opportunity to live our mission and values through my various roles will shape my approach as the Assistant Head of School. Whether gathering around the fire during evening meetings on Mountain Classroom or engaging in challenging conversations with students as part of the Deans’ Team, I have worked to uphold our shared goals. In my new role, I aim to continue using these values as guiding principles, approaching each situation with curiosity and a commitment to our mission.

How do you see this role continuing to evolve in support of the overall school community? 

As the new Assistant Head of School, I envision my role evolving in dynamic ways to support the overall school community, encompassing both students and adults. First and foremost, I see myself as a bridge between the administrative leadership and the various stakeholders within the school. This means fostering open lines of communication, listening attentively to the needs and concerns of both students and adults, and advocating for initiatives that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity within our community. I am committed to evolving my role in alignment with the evolving needs of the Proctor Academy community. By fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, and continuous improvement, I believe we can create a school environment where all members feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

One key aspect of my role will be to support the holistic development of our students. This involves not only academic success but also their social, emotional, and physical well-being. I will work closely with faculty and staff to ensure that our students have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. 

I recognize the importance of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment for our faculty and staff. As such, I will help people engage in professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and other resources to support their growth and well-being. By investing in our educators, we ultimately enhance the quality of education and support we provide to our students.

In addition to internal initiatives, I also see the Assistant Head of School playing a vital role in strengthening our relationships with external partners, including parents, alumni, and the wider community. These partnerships can provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for our school community.