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Leadership Search

We Bring Precision and Expertise to Every Search

At Carney Sandoe, we specialize in connecting schools and organizations with transformational leaders. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, we ensure every search uncovers candidates who inspire progress and growth. 

Global Reach, Personal Touch: Trusted Leadership Search

With almost 50 years of experience in education leadership search, we offer our partners the best of both worlds: the personal attention and agility of a bespoke firm, paired with the resources, technology, and market insight of a globally-connected network. Our longstanding reputation has earned the trust and respect of education leaders, both current and future, as we guide them through their careers.

Leadership Consultant Specialties

Explore Our Practice Groups

Head of School

Academic Leadership

Athletic

Catholic Schools

College Counseling

Development & Communications

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Enrollment Management

Finance & Operations

International Schools

OUR PROCESS

Our Executive Search Works

Customized Search Strategy

We collaborate closely with schools and educational organizations to understand their unique needs. Using a proven process, benchmarks, and powerful technology, we devise the most effective search strategy for each community, supported by proprietary research and market insights.

Candidate Identification & Evaluation

Our team rigorously identifies and evaluates candidates using a blend of proven methodologies, advanced tools, and industry expertise. We prioritize finding leaders whose skills and values align with your school’s mission.

Seamless Transition Support

We go beyond placement by offering comprehensive transition support, ensuring your new leader integrates smoothly and effectively into your school’s community and culture.

Ready to find your next leader?
Let's Get Started
Let's Get Started

Find the Right Leader for Your School

Carney Sandoe specializes in connecting schools with exceptional leaders. From heads of school to senior administrators, our proven process ensures the best match for your unique needs.

Recent Appointment

Suffield Academy logo featuring the seal with the Latin motto "Esse Quam Videri" and the year 1833.
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School Name
Suffield Academy
Appointee Name
Casey Hagerman Bobo
Position
Head of School
Location
Suffield, CT

Recent Appointment

Logo of The Harvey School with a stylized red and blue letter H next to the school name in blue text.
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School Name
The Harvey School
Appointee Name
Paul Adler
Position
Head of School
Location
Katonah, NY

Recent Appointment

CAIS logo, California Association of Independent Schools, colorful overlapping squares with bold letters.
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School Name
California Association of Independent Schools
Appointee Name
Phil Gutierrez
Position
Executive Director
Location
Glendale, CA

Recent Appointment

Logo of Charlotte Country Day School showing acorn and leaves above the establishment year 1941 in gold and green colors.
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School Name
Charlotte Country Day School
Appointee Name
Eric Brunt
Position
Director of Enrollment Management
Location
Charlotte, NC

Recent Appointment

Good Hope Country Day School logo with an orange tree graphic above the school's name in black text
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School Name
Good Hope Country Day School
Appointee Name
Ali Morgan
Position
Head of School
Location
St. Croix, USVI

Recent Appointment

MICDS logo, Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School in red and green text.
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School Name
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School
Appointee Name
J. Michelle "Chelle" Wabrek
Position
Head of School
Location
St. Louis, MO

Recent Appointment

Elmwood Franklin School logo with tree, building, and the phrase "Thinking beyond." in blue and green colors.
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School Name
Elmwood Franklin School
Appointee Name
Johnathan Letcher
Position
Head of School
Location
Buffalo, NY

Recent Appointment

Ravenscroft logo featuring a green shield with a white letter R and stylized graphic above the company name in bold letters
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School Name
Ravenscroft School
Appointee Name
Ryan Holleman
Position
Director of Athletics
Location
Raleigh, NC

Recent Appointment

Colorado Academy logo featuring a black and red shield with the letters C and A, and a red flame at the bottom.
Smiling person with short hair, wearing a dark outfit, outdoors with greenery blurred in the background.
School Name
Colorado Academy
Appointee Name
Kimberley "Kim" Berndt
Position
Upper School Principal
Location
Denver, CO

Recent Appointment

Emblem of Westminster Schools Atlanta featuring stylized sunburst design and text encircling “The” in the center.
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School Name
The Westminster Schools
Appointee Name
James "Jay" Rainey
Position
President
Location
Atlanta, GA

Our Team

Meet Our Leadership Search Specialists

As highly successful former heads of school and administrators, our consultants utilize their training and experience to help school leaders grow personally and professionally. They understand the intersection of leadership and strategy and bring an extra level of knowledge to ensure the success of each leadership search.

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Darryl J. Ford

Vice President, Education Leadership Services; Coach

Read Bio
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Sara Shulman

Practice Leader, Development & Communications, Finance & Operations; Senior Consultant

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Kim Peeples

Senior Consultant

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Allison Gaines Pell

Senior Consultant, Coach

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Meet the Rest of the TeamMeet the Rest of the Team

our insights

Thought Leadership from Our Experts

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Leveraging the Head of School Evaluation to Promote Trust, Growth, and Sustainability Within the School Community

Read Article
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Navigating New Beginnings: Two Models of Leadership Transition  

Read Article
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The Missing Thread: Why Schools Must Teach Both the Local and the Global

Read Article
Want to learn more from our team?
Read More Insights
Read More Insights
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Contact Us to Begin Your Executive Search

Ready to find the perfect leader for your educational institution? Get in touch with us today. Our team is here to assist you in every step of the executive search process.

617-542-0260 Recruitment@carneysandoe.com
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Expertise You Can Trust

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Personalized Support

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Making the Match

Contact Us- school inquiring about a high-level search and/or consulting
Icon of three abstract human figures in a circle, symbolizing a group or community concept.

Expertise You Can Trust

Icon of two hands supporting a person symbol, representing care and support.

Personalized Support

Icon of a person inside a circle with two arrows forming a loop around it, symbolizing user interaction or feedback.

Making the Match