THE HUDDLE

The monthly webinar series for school leaders on the topics that are most on your mind.

Thank you to this season’s presenting sponsor Big Back Pack—specializing in placing great people in the nation’s top independent schools.

Passing the Baton:

A Peek Inside NWAIS’ Leadership Transition

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm EST

Cost: FREE

The Huddle will be recorded and shared with all registrants.

After six years of successful leadership at NWAIS, Mark Crotty will step down as Executive Director this summer. His successor, Chris Watson, a longtime Head of School in the Association, will assume leadership July 1. 

Join us for a discussion about leadership transitions at the Association level. Learn about how NWAIS has thoughtfully planned for the transition and discover how NWAIS’ unique culture of community will be a guiding force as the leadership baton is passed. 

With 111 member schools stretching across multiple states, NWAIS is a regional association with schools of various missions, sizes, and locations. Even though you might not be at an NWAIS school, join us for a rich discussion about leadership, culture, and governance.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Discover what leading at 50,000 feet looks like in service to all member schools. 

  • Understand the differences in governance between an independent school and an association. 

  • Explore how NWAIS is grappling with questions like, “What does it mean for an association to be a community?”

  • Hear how this incoming Executive Director envisions supporting school leaders during a time of consistent change? 

Who Should Attend?

  • Head of School 

  • Senior Administrators

  • Trustees

  • Association Leaders

Presenters: 

Chris Watson, Head of School, Soundview School (WA); Incoming Executive Director, Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)

Mark Crotty, Executive Director, Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)

This webinar is offered in collaboration with NWAIS.

LeadTeam Past Association Partnerships

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