Holton-Arms School Announces the Appointment of Barbara Eghan as Associate Head of School

January 22, 2024

Holton-Arms School enthusiastically announces the appointment of Barbara Eghan as Associate Head of School, beginning July 1, 2024. A comprehensive search, facilitated by Carney Sandoe and Associates, drew more than 100 outstanding local, national, and international candidates who were drawn to Holton’s strong sense of community and commitment to growth and development. The search process, was open to all Holton-Arms families, faculty and staff, and Trustees, as well as a group of Middle and Upper School students–each of whom provided invaluable feedback that contributed to the Head of School’s final decision.

Eager to join Holton and partner with the School’s faculty and staff, volunteers, families, and students, Barbara shared, “I was blown away by the talent, dedication, and heart I witnessed during my visit to Holton. This opportunity called to me in a special way. In particular, the motto “find a way or make one” resonates deeply with my professional journey. I am beyond excited to help advance the important work of leading this phenomenal institution.”

When applying for the role, Barbara wrote, “I am ready to serve as a trusted thought partner and translate and operationalize a vision, while engaging the input and expertise of the entire community. Holton has defined academic excellence for girls for more than a century, and its commitment to promoting intellectual and spiritual wellness, providing strong role models, and creating space for them to find a way or make one in order to advance innovation and steward change will strengthen the school community and ultimately the world.”  

Born and raised in New Jersey, Barbara’s desire for a career in independent schools took shape during her years at her alma-mater, the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. She received both her A.B. in History & Literature and ED.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University. During subsequent years at Groton School in Massachusetts, she served as an English teacher, faculty advisor, and coach and eventually as Associate Director of Admission. Thereafter, she joined Polytechnic School in California where she served as Director of Community Outreach, English teacher, and faculty advisor.

Since 2014, Barbara has served on the administrative team at Holton’s peer institution Georgetown Day School (GDS), and she will complete her tenure there at the end of this academic year. Barbara has held myriad roles at GDS, including Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid; Founding Executive Director of the Civic Lab, a hub of experiential learning, civic leadership, and civil discourse; and currently Director of Strategic Partnerships. Barbara brings to Holton her expertise in so many of the complex internal and external aspects of independent school leadership: spearheading cross-functional collaborations to bring big ideas to reality; managing the logistics of schedules, strategic planning processes, and accreditations; serving as a liaison to the Board of Trustees; focusing on budgets, talent management, and neighborhood relations; lining up guest speakers; incubating ideas to advance the School’s mission delivery; fundraising; and overseeing the high-touch experience of prospective and current families. Her breadth and depth of experience in these key areas and more provide a solid foundation for this leadership role. 

When not wearing her many professional hats, Barbara serves on the board of an independent school, presents at industry conferences on topics related to the future of independent schools, and is an avid independent school networker, always furthering her craft to ensure the children, faculty and staff, families, and learning communities in her purview receive what is best suited for the time and goals at hand. Away from work, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and traveling.

During her visit to Holton, Barbara shared her fundamental belief that leadership requires the willingness to inspire and facilitate effective collaborations so that each individual will bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to reach collective problem-solving. No doubt her calming confidence assists her in achieving such results. Current and former colleagues and supervisors describe her as a practical and wise strategist who persuades with smart data.  Barbara is revered for her ability to align constituents in support of priority goals, while at the same time valuing each member in a community by allowing space for active sharing and listening to differing perspectives. 

“I am eager to partner with Barbara,” said Penny Evins, Holton’s Head of School. “Her ability to listen with empathy and leadership acumen without bias is crucial to success in this role. Together with our Holton community we shall advance the School’s mission and achieve our operational, strategic, and educational goals. Barbara, along with my extraordinary colleagues, families, volunteers, and Panthers near and far, will build upon Holton’s great history by holding true to our ‘open door,’ where students are inspired to explore new ideas, develop their full potential, and give back to the community.”

Holton-Arms extends a supportive and enthusiastic welcome to Ms. Barbara Eghan, who will join a community that is working together to cultivate the unique potential of young women through an education, not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.

Media Inquiries: Contact Sally Abbey, Director of Strategic Communications, sally.abbey@holton-arms.edu