Stuart Hirstein Named Eighth Head of School

WP (lk)
It is with great excitement that we introduce Stuart Hirstein, who, with the support of the Board of Trustees, will be appointed as the eighth Head of Saint Edward’s School following the unanimous recommendation of the Search Committee.  Stuart Hirstein will succeed Mike Mersky effective July 1, 2020. [click headline to read full letter from Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Barry]
 
 
Stuart is the current Head of The University School, a K-12 day school in Jackson, Tennessee.  Before beginning his career in education, Stuart served as a Sergeant in the Army and worked in banking for over a decade. Stuart describes himself as an educator first; he majored in education in college and is currently working toward his Ed.D. at Drexel University, which he expects to complete prior to joining Saint Edward’s. Also, he holdsan MBA. Stuart’s financial background and experience have served him well in leadership at two K-12 independent schools. Stuart first served as CFO/COO/Associate Head at Island Pacific Academy in Hawaii for eight years before becoming Head of University School of Jackson (USJ) in 2013. His current board chair described Stuart as a “positive force” and he wishes Stuart would stay for another five to ten years! Stuart and his wife, Mimi, have been very active in the wider community of Jackson; Stuart is on the Board of a local center for abused children and is Chair of the local United Way chapter. With their twin daughters (the youngest of four) enrolled in college at Cal Poly, Stuart and his wife are ready to make a move. Stuart is excited about Saint Edward’s as well as Vero Beach, where he has visited several times and feels he has a lot of energy and experience to offer Saint Edward’s School with clear goals and the drive to reach them.
 
Search Process
 
Following Mr. Mersky’s announcement that he would step down effective July 1, 2020, after 11 years of outstanding service, the Board was given the time to conduct a thorough search for his successor. In February 2019, the Search Committee was identified and with the support of the Board, the School engaged the services of Carney Sandoe, one of the leading search consultants for independent schools.  A national search was conducted and the pool of candidates was exceptional in numbers and in quality. According to our consultants, more candidates than usual pursued this opportunity. The candidates consisted of a wide range of sitting Heads and others who had significant experience in independent schools.  After careful review of candidates, the Search Committee selected eight semi-finalists to interview in August. Out of the eight, three were chosen as Finalists and were invited to Saint Edward’s at the end of August and the beginning of September to meet with faculty, staff, parents, local alumni, students, and the Board of Trustees.  On September 11th, the Search Committee unanimously agreed to recommend Mr. Hirstein to the Board as the next Head of Saint Edward’s School.
When informed of the Search Committee’s recommendation. Mike’s response was, 
 
“Stuart was my first choice candidate from my review of the eight semi-finalists back in August.  He exceeded all in his energy, his heart, and his love of our School. I am reminded of a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.' Stuart sees clearly with his heart!"
 
The Board of Trustees will look for ways to introduce Stuart and Mimi Hirstein into our community over the course of the school year. I know you will join us in welcoming them.
 
I would like to express my profound thanks to the tireless work of the Search Committee and the guidance and insight provided by the Saint Edward’s community. Thank you for the time and input you have invested in this important process.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Kevin M. Barry
Chair of the Board of Trustees
 
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