John M. Mackenzie

John Mackenzie joined Educators’ Collaborative in 2013 with over forty years experience in independent schools. An independent school graduate, John’s early experience as a teacher, coach, department chair, college counselor, and dean provided him with a hands-on understanding of schools as both academic and social communities. He worked at day and boarding schools as well as coeducational and single-sex institutions on the East Coast and in the Midwest.

 

John earned an A.B. in Government from Bowdoin College and was a Joseph Klingenstein Fellow at Teacher’s College Columbia University, from which he earned a M.A. in Educational Administration. He served as a Head of School for twenty-two years, including six at Worcester Academy (MA) and sixteen at Columbus Academy (OH). Prior to becoming a Head, John had senior administrative positions at Belmont Hill School (MA), Milton Academy (MA), and Potomac School (VA). He was a Trustee of the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS) for nine years, including two as Board Chair.

 

Since joining Educators’ Collaborative John has assisted a range of schools with head and senior administrative searches, mentored new heads, and advised on facility planning. He was named Managing Partner of the firm in 2014.

Professional Experience

  • Educators’ Collaborative, Partner, 2013 – 2014, Managing Partner, 2014 – 2019
  • Columbus Academy, OH: Headmaster, 1997 – 2013
  • Worcester Academy, MA: Headmaster, 1991 – 1997
  • Providence Day School, NC: History Department Chair, 1990 – 1991
  • Potomac School, VA: (Founding) Head of Upper School, 1986 – 1990
  • Milton Academy, MA: Principal for Boys, Dean of Upper School, 1981 – 1986
  • Belmont Hill School, MA: History Department Chair, Coach, College Counselor, Director of Upper School, 1970 – 1981
  • Canterbury School, CT: History Teacher, Coach, Dormitory Master, 1969 – 1970

Education

  • The Governor’s Academy, 1965
  • Bowdoin College, A.B. Government, 1969
  • Columbia University Teachers College, M.A. Educational Administration, 1981 (Joseph A. Klingenstein Fellow)

Professional Affiliations

  • Board of Trustees, Cincinnati Country Day School, 2015 – present
  • The Country Day School Headmasters Association, 2008 – present
  • Board of Trustees, Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), 2005 – 2013; Chair, 2010 – 2012
  • Board of Trustees, Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS), 2001 – 2005
  • Board of Trustees, Dynamy, Inc., Worcester, MA 1995 – 1997
  • Eight Accreditation Visiting Teams for Independent School Association of Central States and New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Executive Committee, Bowdoin College Alumni Council, 1989 – 1993

Professional Experience

  • Educators’ Collaborative, Partner, 2003 – present
  • Middlesex School, MA; Head of School, 1990 – 2003
  • University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Development, 1983 – 1990; Assistant Chancellor, 1982 – 1983; Dean of Academic Support Services, 1981 – 1982; Dean of Admissions, 1979 – 1981; Director of Freshman Admissions, 1978 – 1979
  • State University of New York at Stony Brook; Assistant Director of Admissions, 1974 – 1978
  • Western Michigan University; Admissions Counselor, 1973 – 1974

Education

  • University of Rochester, B.A. Philosophy, cum laude, 1965
  • University of Rhode Island, M.A., English, 1968
  • Tufts University, Teaching Assistant, Ph.D. English, 1976
  • Klingenstein Visiting Fellow, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1996

Professional Affiliations

  • The Louis August Jonas Foundation, 2009 – 2014
  • Headmaster’s Association, 1993 – present
  • Head Mistresses Association of the East, 1990 – present
  • National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls, 1990 – present
  • Falmouth Academy; Board of Trustees; 2003 – 2009
  • Fay School; Board of Trustees; 2003 – 2009
  • Council for the Advancement and Support of Education; Board of Trustees; 1993 – 2003
  • Educational Records Bureau, Board of Trustees, 1996 – 2003
  • Emerson Hospital, Board of Trustees, 1996 – 2003
  • NEASC, Commission on Independent Schools, 1994 – 1995
  • AISNE, Board of Trustees, 1992 – 1995
  • The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Board of Directors, 2007 – 2010
  • The College Board, 1983 – 1987