Head of School Search

Head of School Search Committee

Walnut Hill School for the Arts is pleased to announce the members of the Head of School Search Committee, which will partner closely with the Board of Trustees and the School’s search consultants, Educators Collaborative, throughout the search process.

The Committee includes trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and past parents who bring a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and relationships to the Walnut Hill community. Together, with the benefit of community-wide input, they will help shape the portrait of Walnut Hill’s next Head of School, participate in candidate evaluation and interviews, and support a thoughtful and confidential search process.

The Board of Trustees retains final responsibility for the selection and appointment of Walnut Hill’s next Head of School.

Search Committee Members

Nicole Gakidis ’81, P’18 (Chair)
Evangeline Delgado ’11
Jennifer Elowitch
Eric Herbst ’09
Bill Hughes P’13
Deborah Mankiw P’18
Michael Micucci
Erika Picciotto Zanussi
Amy Wheeler
John Williams P’05
Bethany Zaheer ’00

Additional information regarding the Search Committee, including committee responsibilities and member biographies, is available here:

SEARCH COMMITTEE OVERVIEW & BIOS

The school is grateful to the members of the Committee for their time, thoughtfulness, and commitment to this important work.

Community Survey: Shaping the Portrait of Walnut Hill's Next Leader

Last week, the Board of Trustees announced that Eric Barber will conclude his tenure as Head of School at the end of the 2026–27 academic year, beginning a thoughtful search process for Walnut Hill’s next leader.

Input from across the Walnut Hill community is an essential part of the search process.

Today, Walnut Hill is launching a community-wide survey to gather perspectives on the School’s strengths, opportunities, priorities, and the leadership qualities that will best support the institution’s future. Feedback will help shape the portrait of the next Head of School and inform the Leadership Profile that will guide the search.

As you reflect on the experience, leadership qualities, and personal attributes most important in advancing Walnut Hill’s mission, we encourage you to share your thoughts candidly. Please note this survey closes end of day Sunday, May 17.

TAKE THE Survey

During the week of May 18, our search consultants will visit campus to meet with members of the Walnut Hill community and learn more about the School and its aspirations for the future.

Additional information regarding the transition and search process is available in the Head of School Transition: Questions & Answers. Please refer to the Head of School Transition webpage for ongoing updates throughout the process.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your perspectives and support this important process.

A Message from the Board of Trustees

Dear Walnut Hill Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we share that Eric Barber will conclude his tenure as Head of School at the close of the 2026–27 academic year, marking the completion of five years of dedicated service to Walnut Hill School for the Arts.

Since our founding in 1893, our school has been guided by only thirteen Heads of School. Each has ushered the institution through a unique chapter, and Eric's leadership has been particularly vital. He has guided us through a period of renewal following a global pandemic, helping to steady our community and reestablish the momentum that positions Walnut Hill so well for the future.

Transitions in leadership are a natural part of the life of any strong institution. We are fortunate that this transition comes with the gift of time, allowing for thoughtful planning and the benefit of Eric's active leadership throughout the coming year.

Over the next fourteen months, Eric will remain fully committed to our mission, centering our students, faculty, and staff in all that we do. He is dedicated to ensuring his final year is one of strength and success for our community, and we look forward to partnering closely with him during this productive time ahead.

The Board is now beginning a comprehensive search process for our next Head of School, supported by the expertise of Educators Collaborative. They bring deep experience as educators, school administrators, and trusted advisors in leadership transitions within the independent school community.

To lead this effort, the Board is appointing a Search Committee composed of trustees – including alumni, past parents, and friends – as well as faculty and staff representatives. This committee will work alongside our consultants to gather input and engage with candidates on behalf of the Board.

Hearing from you is essential as we shape the portrait of Walnut Hill’s next leader. A survey inviting perspectives from across the community will be distributed next week. During the week of May 18, our search consultants will conduct an on-campus visit to meet with stakeholder groups and experience our unique school firsthand. Additional information about the transition and search process is available in the Head of School Transition: Questions & Answers. A dedicated Head of School Search webpage launching next week will also provide ongoing updates throughout the process.

We remain committed to clear communication and will keep you informed as this journey moves forward. Thank you for your partnership, your perspective, and all that you bring to this community.

In gratitude,

Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe
Chair, Board of Trustees

Deborah Mankiw
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

A Message from Eric Barber

Dear Walnut Hill Community,

Serving as your Head of School for the past four years has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my life. It is the first time I’ve been able to bring together my artistic and administrative work in service to one school and one community.

One of the great privileges of this role has been connecting with so many of you -- on campus and beyond -- and hearing your stories, your hopes, and your deep connection to Walnut Hill.

We have experienced a great deal together. We marked Walnut Hill’s 50th anniversary as an arts school. We found our way forward following a global pandemic. We supported one another through moments of both joy and grief, including the loss of a student and a beloved school leader. We developed and launched an enterprising Strategic Plan and, this year, expanded our reach through Walnut Hill in Boston, sharing our students’ creativity more broadly.

Through it all, we have continued to center our mission and our motto, Non Nobis Solum -- Not For Ourselves Alone.

After much reflection, Joy and I have decided to return to the West Coast to be closer to family. This was not an easy decision, given how much Walnut Hill has come to mean to us.

I remain fully committed to Walnut Hill and to the work ahead. We have fourteen months together – this spring and all of next year – and I look forward to all that we will continue to do in support of our students and one another. There will be a myriad of moments ahead as our students grow, create, and thrive.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and all that you bring to this community.

In gratitude,

Eric Barber
Head of School

Head of School Transition: Questions & Answers