Announcing KCD’s Interim Head of School for 2024-25

Jon led the educational community beyond Oakridge. While Head at Oakridge, Jon served as a member of the Board of the Texas Private Schools Association, Chair of the Board of the Southwest Preparatory Conference, and the Executive Board Secretary and member of the Board of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). He also chaired several visiting teams charged with re-accreditation of ISAS member schools.

 

A graduate of Texas Christian University with a BS in Education, Jon earned his Master of Education degree in Administration from TCU. He attended the School Leadership Development Institute at Stanford and the Klingenstein Heads of School Program at Columbia.

 

Since retiring from The Oakridge School in 2022, Jon opened his own consulting firm. In his two years as a consultant, Jon has done leadership consulting and executive coaching of heads, assistant heads, and senior administrators. Some of the top independent schools in the Southwest have engaged Jon and benefited from his experience and expertise.

 

Jon was the enthusiastic recommendation of our search committee, which Ross Cohen and Dr. Swapna Chandran chaired. Over thirty candidates from across the country were vetted by our consultants from The Education Group who recommended nine individuals for the committee’s consideration. The committee conducted extended interviews with six candidates, ultimately inviting two finalists to visit the campus.

 

Throughout the search process, Jon impressed us with his calm, confident, and thoughtful demeanor. His references speak enthusiastically about Jon’s ability to defuse situations and to listen to all voices before making decisions. References describe him as a people person, a consummate diplomat, and one who knows how to effectively build support for ideas.

 

In accepting the appointment, Jon said, “Everything I read and learned about KCD prior to my visit came to life while I was your guest in Louisville. I found the campus to be well designed and beautiful, the mission well-crafted and alive, and the various constituent groups well invested and welcoming. I am honored that the Search Committee and Board of Trustees have chosen me to serve as KCD’s Interim Head of School for the 2024-25 school year, and I am excited to join the Bearcat Community.”

 

We will be appointing a Transition Committee in the near future to help Jon and his wife Kristi in their move to Louisville and to the Bearcat Community. I know that you will give the Kellams a warm Kentucky welcome.

Sincerely,