PA Community,
On behalf of the Pulaski Academy Board of Trustees, we are pleased to announce an exciting change to the leadership structure of our School.
The Board of Trustees has worked diligently since January to first identify an Interim Head of School, while simultaneously launching a national search for our next Head of School. As we have worked through this process, we have looked closely at what will best serve PA for years to come.
As we make our next transition in leadership, the Board has elected to implement a President and Head of School Model, with the Head of School reporting to the President. This model, proven successful in numerous institutions of comparable size, is anticipated to bring substantial advantages to Pulaski Academy.
It is our great pleasure to announce that, effective immediately, Rachel Deems will be transitioning from her current role as PA’s Interim Head of School into that of President of Pulaski Academy. Rachel will serve in this capacity through the 2025-26 school year and will focus on key strategic efforts for Pulaski Academy while leading our School Community. The Board of Trustees’ unanimous decision to appoint Rachel to this position reflects the steady leadership and experience that she has brought to our school and the love that she has developed for PA.
"It has been a joy to get to know Pulaski Academy over the past months. What a tremendous honor to lead PA under this new leadership model designed to further our school’s story of continuing excellence. We have important work ahead and I look forward to all that we can accomplish together for current and future Bruins!"
It is also our great pleasure to announce that the Board has unanimously selected Garry Sullivan to be Pulaski Academy’s next Head of School effective July 1, 2024. Garry emerged as the clear choice after a comprehensive nationwide search that included over 20 candidates, six semi-finalists, and four finalists. Garry will report to the President through the first two years of his tenure at Pulaski Academy and will oversee the execution of the School’s mission on campus. In this role, Garry will oversee PA’s four academic divisions, as well as technology, athletics, auxiliary programs, enrollment and admissions, and other areas of leadership as directed by the President.
Garry is a native of South Africa, having come to the States on a tennis scholarship at Columbus State University in Georgia where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Florida. Garry has completed both the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads and graduated from the FCIS Prospective Heads Institute. Garry brings 20 years of independent school experience, most recently serving as the Head of Upper School and Director of K-12 Strategic Academic Initiatives at The Brookstone School in Columbus, GA.
"I am honored to join the Pulaski Academy family as the next Head of School, and I am humbled by this opportunity. My wife April and I had the privilege of visiting Little Rock, engaging with the local community, and it became evident that PA is more than a quality school; it is a close-knit community with an outstanding reputation. While my eldest is away at college, Caleb and Eliza’Kim eagerly anticipate becoming part of the Bruins family. The school's steadfast commitment to its mission, core values, and dedicated focus on each student's well-being, along with its emphasis on servant leadership and excellence, contribute to creating a special environment. The genuine relationships among all constituents left a lasting impression on me. This commitment to fostering connections and providing an outstanding education for all students aligns with my personal values. Professionally, I look forward to partnering with school leadership, faculty, families, alumni, and donors in our shared mission of building on the already rich PA legacy. I see a school community with unlimited potential and look forward to being part of a leadership team that guides us toward realizing that potential. Go Bruins!"
We are excited to welcome Garry’s family to PA as well. His wife, April, is an elementary school teacher. His oldest daughter, Eva, is a sophomore at West Virginia State University, and he has two younger children, Caleb and Eliza’Kim, who will attend PA.
The Board of Trustees believes strongly that this new leadership structure will provide PA the capacity to execute our vision and mission for years to come while addressing many strategic opportunities along the way. We are excited to have the leadership of Rachel Deems and Garry Sullivan to guide us through the next chapter of the School’s journey. Our search process included tremendous input from our parents, faculty, staff, and students. The Board is tremendously thankful for all of your participation, advocacy, and patience throughout the process.
We are excited about the future and look forward to your continued support.
Sincerely,
Erin Cullum Marcussen
PA Board of Trustees Chair
Keith Liesmann
PA Board of Trustees Vice Chair and Search Committee Chair
