Search Committee FAQ

The selection of a new principal is one of the most important roles of the Trustees. We are strongly committed to embarking on a broad and inclusive search to find a new principal with the skills, leadership, and vision to continue to strengthen Exeter for the benefit of future generations.

• What is the timeline for the search?

  • The Trustees have hired a search firm, formed the Principal Search Committee, and held preliminary discussions about the vision for Exeter’s future and what kind of leader is needed.
  • A critical first phase starting late in February will solicit insights from faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and others across our community.
  • The search committee will develop and share a position profile by early April.
  • Candidate recruiting, screening and interviewing will occur through the summer and into the fall.
  • The search committee will recommend a preferred candidate to the Trustees for their consideration and vote in the fall.
  • The Trustees aim to be able to announce the next principal before Thanksgiving.

• What search consultant is supporting the process?

  • After interviewing several candidate firms, the Trustees have appointed Perrett Laver to work with us on the search for our new principal. Perrett Laver has deep experience in head of school searches as well as leadership searches for colleges and universities.
  • Our search will be led by Lucy Hayes, Partner and Global Head of the Schools practice. Lucy has advised independent schools on leadership search and transition for well over a decade, and she has an excellent track record of partnering successfully with many of the world’s best independent schools. Lucy also brings an understanding of Exeter having recently led the search for our new Dean of Students.

• How will the Exeter community be involved in the search process? How can I help?

  • Please plan to participate in various stakeholder forums and complete a forthcoming survey about the future of Exeter and what we should seek in our next principal. We also encourage you to recommend any highly qualified candidate to the search committee.  You may share any thoughts directly via email at our confidential dedicated email address: exeter@perrettlaver.com

• Who is on the Principal Search Committee?

  •  You will find a listing of the search committee and brief biographical information for each of its 10 members here.

• How was the committee selected?

  • Members were selected from the Trustees and the faculty and administration. They provide a diverse set of experiences and points of view as well as a strong degree of commitment and involvement in the Academy. Best practices provided by our search consultant also supported the selection of committee members.

• What is the role of the Principal Search Committee?

  • The role of the committee is detailed in the charge from the Trustees. It is tasked with working with our search consultant to collect community input; develop a position profile; recruit, vet, and interview candidates; and make a recommendation of a highly qualified candidate to the Trustees for their consideration and vote.  They will also help support a successful transition to our new principal.

• What is the role of the Trustees in the search?

  • The Trustees ultimately have the responsibility for the appointment of the principal. They delegate the work of identifying and vetting candidates to the search committee and provide advice and support to the committee throughout the process, while respecting the confidentiality required.

• Will the search be confidential?

  • The search will be confidential. In order to attract the most highly qualified candidates, who are likely in positions of leadership themselves, it is essential that we commit to complete confidentiality.

• How will the search committee keep the community updated? How can I provide input to the committee?

  • The chair of the search committee will provide updates on key milestones throughout the process. These will be communicated to our community and posted on the search webpage at Exeter.edu. If you have specific questions or suggestions at any time, please send a confidential email to exeter@perrettlaver.com.  It is important to hear from the Exeter community and we welcome your thoughts and feedback.

• Will this be a global search?

  • This will be a broad search to identify the best person to lead Exeter as its next principal. Input from our community will help us articulate more specific characteristics of a successful candidate.

• Who will make the final selection for the principal?

  • The final selection is made by the Trustees.

• What plans are being made for the transition?

  • The Trustees are actively developing a comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition for our new principal.

• July 2026 is still some time away. What happens in the meantime?

  • As Principal Rawson said in his message last week, “We have important work to do this year and next to support our students and build for the future.” Principal Rawson will remain fully engaged in leading Phillips Exeter Academy during this period, continuing to guide the school with the same steady leadership and deep commitment to our students.