CONCORD — The New Hampshire School Administrators Association shares that Executive Director Carl Ladd, who has led the organization for six years, will retire at the end of June 2023.
Dr. Ladd shared his decision with administrators in June at NHSAA’s 81st Business Meeting in Whitefield. Dr. Ladd said he decided to retire to allow a new leader with fresh eyes and perspective to position NHSAA for future growth.
“This association is more important than any one person, or any group of people,” he said.
Attendees gave Dr. Ladd a standing ovation for his commitment to NHSAA and to public education.
Dr. Ladd joined NHSAA as Assistant Executive Director in 2015, and was selected as Executive Director a year later. As Executive Director, Dr. Ladd has been responsible for implementing NHSAA’s goals, vision, and mission, and ensuring the organization’s stability and growth.
He has served in numerous capacities during his career in education, including Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. He has served as a Superintendent in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and served as Superintendent of SAU 58 in Groveton before joining NHSAA.
Dr. Ladd is credited with many initiatives during his tenure including:
- Creating and developing the Granite State Leadership Academy, which identifies future New Hampshire educational leaders and provides extensive professional development toward continuous improvement in educational theory, effective communication, governance, and ethics.
- Expanding professional development opportunities to highlight social-emotional health and equity.
- Assisting educators statewide in managing the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping students’ needs in mind.
“As an incoming superintendent, Carl was a constant source of support and guidance,” said NHSAA Executive Board Chair Russell Holden, SAU 16 Superintendent. “As a member of the Executive Board, I watched Carl provide our membership with clear vision about education while helping districts navigate the rockiest of times. NHSAA has grown significantly during his tenure, and we will value him greatly during his final year.”
“I’ve worked alongside Carl for many years, both as a school administrator and now at NHSAA,” Assistant Director Jerry Frew said. “During his time as Director he has worked many hours to grow the Association into the state’s leading voice for both education and educators. NHSAA in a much better place today because of Carl’s efforts.”
The search for a new Executive Director will commence in September.
A Search Committee will be formed, consisting of Executive Board members, the Board’s past president, and one representative of each of NHSAA’s five regions. The Board hopes to post a job description in October, with the Search Committee conducting interviews with finalists in January. A final selection is expected in February.
The new Executive Director will begin on July 1.