Dear Kingsbury Community,

CEO/Head of School Eric M. Isselhardt, Ph.D.

As I look with eager anticipation towards assuming Kingsbury’s leadership in July, I want to take a moment with you by way of introduction. Of course, this letter is by no means meant to represent an exhaustive introduction. Rather, my intent is to give you a flavor of my professional work and personal leadership philosophy –and perhaps a hopeful glimpse into Kingsbury’s future.

Professionally, during my career spanning 25 years, I held direct senior leadership positions in both secondary and post-secondary education venues, as well as significant foundation/fundraising positions on both sides of the foundation equation. My work has focused on multiple aspects of education-primarily in special education schools, leading efforts with operating budgets from several million dollars to over fifty million dollars.

For example, I was Vice President at a small college in Vermont for students with differences, Headmaster at two college-preparatory schools for students with learning disabilities, and Special Assistant to the Dean of the School for Education at the State University of New York at Albany where I led several large curriculum and school development projects. Most recently, I am the headmaster at a college-prep school for students with learning disabilities, a University Supervisor for Master’s-level teachers at John Hopkins University, and a founding board member and Development Committee Chair for the Carroll County Public School Foundation.

Personally, my work experience has helped me to define what I believe to be five qualities essential to effective leadership: the highest integrity, the ability to critically assess and evaluate program proposals based on a clear criteria, an understanding of how to work with individuals and groups towards a common goal, powerful communication skills, and an honest passion for the organization’s premise.

The highest integrity. Although this quality may appear obvious, unfortunately it seems to be a more and more rare trait among leaders. And yet, I believe that personal integrity is the most critical aspect of effective leadership.

Assess and evaluate. Programs should be evaluated based on what they can demonstrably achieve. Although we may believe in a given goal, we only make true progress through what we measure against a clear standard.

Common goals. It takes finesse and patience to assist a group or individual in achieving common goals. Certainly, mutual respect and personal integrity are essential elements to that process. In addition, though, a leader must be able to “let go” and enable others to lead with their own strengths.

Powerful communication. Of course, the ability to communicate (both orally and in writing) is a prerequisite of good leadership. Common goals, integrity, and passion-these are all for naught if a leader cannot clearly and powerfully communicate.

Passion. If integrity is the foundation on which all other leadership traits are built, then passion is the fuel that drives the enterprise. I have a passion for making positive differences in peoples’ lives. I have a passion for helping to create productive citizens. I have a passion for the children who are our future leaders. Who could ask for anything more than to wake up each morning knowing that he or she is going to help improve our world?

Throughout my career I have striven to imbue my leadership style with those qualities.

Although my experience in education milieus is extensive and varied, I am truly excited about being a part of Kingsbury’s future. Kingsbury has an impressive academic and service track record. But Kingsbury has been a “hidden gem” quietly accomplishing great things for too long. Now, Kingsbury is poised to become the recognized comprehensive national model for the learning disabilities field-school, diagnostic, tutoring. Our journey towards that goal promises to be one of discovery and synthesis.

Together, I believe we can make Kingsbury even stronger. I look forward to joining with you as we embark together on Kingsbury’s next decade, building on successes and fulfilling potentials.

Sincerely,

Eric M. Isselhardt, Ph. D
C.E.O. & Head of School (July 1, 2007)