Leadership & Board of Trustees

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Stewarding excellence for the next generation of Spartans

Leadership at St. Johns Country Day School

At St. Johns, leadership begins with purpose and is grounded in our mission to educate the whole child — mind, heart, and character. Our administrators and trustees work together to guide the School’s strategic vision, support our students and faculty, and steward the values that have shaped our community since 1953.
Head of School

Leading with Purpose and Vision

The Head of School serves as the chief academic and executive leader of St. Johns Country Day School, guiding strategic direction, supporting our faculty, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the mission of the School flourishes for generations to come. In collaboration with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team, this role upholds the values, standards, and student-centered philosophy that define the St. Johns experience.

Valorie Baker

Head of School

Valorie Baker has served as Head of School since 2020 and will continue to lead St. Johns through the end of the 2025–2026 academic year. During her tenure, she has championed a mission-driven vision focused on whole-child development, experiential learning, and campus revitalization.

Under her leadership, St. Johns has:

  • Launched a comprehensive, student-focused strategic planning process
  • Reimagined key campus spaces, including the Ron and Angie Bare Lower School Playground, Nichols Family Art Gallery, refreshed Quad, and updated athletics facilities
  • Expanded health and wellness initiatives and strengthened K–12 curriculum through experiential learning, internships, and community partnerships
  • Introduced the Alumni Tuition Remission Program to celebrate legacy families
  • Enhanced academic offerings and student opportunities through Winterim and global learning

Her commitment to fostering curiosity, character, and community has helped shape a strong foundation for the School’s future.

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team ensures that every division, program, and department operates with excellence, care, and mission-driven purpose. Together, they support students, families, and faculty across all areas of school life.

Robert Choniuk

Director of Facilities

Anne Gorman

Director of Technology

Zack Silerzio

Director of Security

Otis Wirth

Head of Lower School

Ben Magidson

Head of Middle School

Krista Parker

Head of Upper School

Kelly Risdon

Director of Enrollment Management

Liz Nottingham

Director of Advancement & Human Resources

John Sgromolo

Athletic Director

Board of Trustees

St. Johns Country Day School is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Trustees composed of current and former parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of the School. The Board oversees the long-term strategic direction, financial stewardship, and institutional health of St. Johns while safeguarding the mission and future of the School.

Officers

Judson Sapp, President


Stephen W. Jones, Vice-President


Pamela Petty, Secretary


Ryan J. Mittauer ‘03, Treasurer

Holli Kendedy, Executive Assistant to Head of School, Assistant to the Board

Ex Officio

Valorie Baker, Head of School

Members

T. Douglas Benefield III ‘03


Nicholas K. Courtney ’03
Immediate Past President


Jessica Cummings


Winfield Rogers Duss ‘68


Michael Hill ‘82


Michael A. Robinson

Trustee Emeritus

Eugene B. Nichols

Craig Phillips

Allan E. Wulbern

Headmaster Emeritus
Stephen F. Russey

Head of School Search Update

St. Johns Country Day School has appointed Dr. John Murray as the next Head of School.

Learn More