About Us

Head of School Search

Head of School Search Process

On June 4, 2025, Head of School John Thorsen shared his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. The Athens Academy community is deeply grateful for his dedicated leadership over the past eleven years, and we look forward to honoring his remarkable contributions in the months ahead.

Following this announcement, the Board of Trustees engaged Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A), a nationally respected educational search and consulting firm, to assist in the search for Athens Academy’s next Head of School. With deep expertise in independent school leadership and a strong track record of successful placements, CS&A is partnering closely with an internal search committee appointed by the Board to guide this important process.

Messages from School Leadership

Athens Academy's Board of Trustees is dedicated to conducting a comprehensive and inclusive search process—one that invites meaningful engagement from all corners of the school community, including parents, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Below are communications from school leadership shared with the Athens Academy community throughout this important process.

Links

List of 3 items.

  • Search Consultants

  • Search Committee

    Athens Academy Head of School Search Committee
    Frank Sinkwich ‘89: Chair, Board of Trustees; Search Committee Chair; Parent ‘17, ‘21
    Ellen Wilkins Wiley ‘92: Trustee; Search Committee Co-Chair

    Natalie Glenn: Trustee; Parent ‘31, ‘33, ‘36
    Amy Ridlehuber O'Neill ‘90: Faculty Member; Parent, ‘21, ‘25, ‘25 and ‘33
    Oliver Pryor: Trustee; Parent ‘32, ‘35, ‘36
    Johnny Terrell ‘77: Former Trustee, Former Finance Committee Chair, Parent ‘11, ‘12, ‘22
    Victor Wilson: Secretary, Board of Trustees; Parent ‘08

  • Email the Search Committee

Athens Academy

1281 Spartan Lane
Athens, Georgia 30606
Phone: 706.549.9225
Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. For over 50 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.