Head of School Search

Head of School Search

The search for St. Mary’s Episcopal School’s next Head of School is underway. The Board of Directors hired The Education Group (TEG), a nationally recognized search firm, to guide and advise us during this process and to assist us in identifying both interim and permanent Head of School candidates who align with our values, mission, commitment to academic excellence and Episcopal Identity.

Over the past several months, our consultants at TEG have worked closely with the HOS Search Committee to recruit an Interim Head of School. The Board is extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Rob Kelley, and his wife, Ann, to the SMES family for the 2023-2024 school year.  Rob and Ann made their first visit to Edmond and SMES in late May. They both remain very excited about this opportunity. His official start date was July 1st.

January 2024 Update: SMES Selects New Head of School
 

It is our great pleasure and honor to announce that Michael Zeigler has been appointed the third Head of School of St. Mary’s Episcopal School, effective July 1, 2024. The Board’s unanimous decision to select Michael followed the enthusiastic recommendation of the Search Committee.

Michael comes to us from St. George Episcopal School in San Antonio, Texas, where he has been Director of Advancement and Marketing since 2014 and has led outreach efforts with the school, church, and businesses to foster a strong community culture. Prior to his tenure at St. George, he was Director of Technology at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in San Antonio. He is a seasoned leader with twenty-six years of experience in education and administration, with the last 15 years serving at PK to 8th Episcopal schools. His experience is broad and encompasses teaching, curriculum and program development, accreditation, strategic planning, and fundraising. 

Michael was selected from a diverse pool of over 20 candidates, five semi-finalists, and three finalists following a comprehensive national search led by our invaluable consultants, Andrew Wooden and Marci McLean, from the highly regarded independent schools consulting firm, The Education Group. The Search Committee was immediately impressed with Michael’s leadership style, growth mindset, experience, and sincerity.

Michael has a strong appreciation for the Episcopal tradition and will provide a nurturing environment to students, a supportive atmosphere to faculty, and a focus on educating the
whole child. We are confident that Michael is a visionary, thoughtful, and gifted leader who will
take St. Mary’s to the next level of excellence.

The Search Committee members, along with Andrew and Marci, deserve our deepest thanks for working diligently to help us successfully complete the selection of the next Head of School. We are grateful for their tireless efforts over the past year. The Board also appreciates each of you for your patience, participation, and support throughout this process.

We are extremely grateful to Rob Kelley for his leadership and for serving as Interim HOS for the 2023-2024 school year. His positivity has been contagious, and the Board and SMES community have been truly blessed to have Rob and Ann in our presence this year. Rob will be working with Michael and the Board in the months ahead to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.

Please join us in the celebrating and welcoming of Michael and his wife, Anne-Melanie, to St. Mary’s Episcopal School and to Edmond in the coming months. We are delighted that they are joining the SMES family!

Michael Zeigler Bio
Community Message from the Head-Elect