On November 10, 2011, the Board of Trustees of Portledge School appointed Simon Owen-Williams as its next Head of School. Mr. Owen-Williams succeeds Mr. Steven L. Hahn, who is retiring after six years as Head of School. Board President, Terri Keogh ‘85, said, “When Steve announced his retirement last March, we committed ourselves to a thorough national search that would identify the man or woman who will lead our school into an even brighter future. We are confident that Simon is the right person at this time in Portledge’s history.”
Portledge School will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015. It is an independent college-preparatory school that serves a diverse student body from pre-nursery through grade 12.
Mr. Owen-Williams is currently Head of School at Carlisle School in Martinsville, Virginia. Carlisle is an independent day school that has expanded to three campuses and has grown to full enrollment under his leadership. Although he is a native of Wales and attended Exeter University in England, graduating with an honors degree in Politics, Mr. Owen-Williams is well-acquainted with Long Island and the New York area, having taught for six years at The Knox School, in St. James, NY in the mid-80s, and having completed a master’s degree in education at Columbia University.
Ms. Betty Ann Roel, Chair of the Search Committee, commented, “Simon rose to the top of our list quickly after he was brought to our attention because of his successful experience as Head of School and his great reputation as an educational leader and advocate for his school. His desire to return to Long Island complements an international perspective on education, both of which will serve Portledge well. He made a strong professional and personal impression on the parents, students, teachers and alumni as well as on the members of the Search Committee. We also visited Carlisle School and saw first-hand the outstanding job he has done at that school. Finally, his references were glowing. We welcome his leadership at Portledge.”
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the next Head of School at Portledge. I have known and respected the school for many years. This is a bit of a coming home for my wife, Candace, and me, and we welcome the many opportunities the school has before it,” Mr. Owen-Williams shared with the Search Committee.
A school-wide reception for Mr. and Mrs. Owen-Williams and their daughters, Bronwyn and Gwenith, will take place in the near future. He formally begins his duties on July 1, 2012.
Simon Owen-Williams with his family: wife Candace and daughters Gwenith and Bronwyn
