New Head of School Announcement

Dear Peabody Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School Search Committee, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Rudnick as Peabody’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2026. Following a nine-month search process that included voices from our students, faculty, administration, parents, and alumni, the Board unanimously approved the Search Committee’s recommendation to appoint Charles as our next Head of School.

Charles will succeed Rob Orlando, who after ten years of service to Peabody, is moving to Delaware to head St. Anne’s Episcopal School. We are deeply grateful for his steadfast leadership over the past decade. Rob and the senior administration have already begun planning for the upcoming school year, assuring a smooth transition and successful onboarding for Charles.

The Head of School Search Committee, comprising five members of the Peabody Board of Trustees, and co-chaired by Board Members Kelli Palmer and Natasha Lawler, launched its work last April by engaging RG175 to conduct a nationwide search for Peabody’s next Head of School. After reviewing thirty-eight candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and conducting multiple rounds of interviews, we are overjoyed to welcome Charles to Peabody.

“Throughout our conversations with Charles and those around him, it became clear that he is a strategic thinker of the highest order, who has a knack for building highly effective teams and leading them with integrity, honesty, and diplomacy,” said Hayes Humphreys, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Charles’ personal skillset is a perfect match for our needs at Peabody, and his talent for empowering those around him to succeed means that our faculty and staff will continue to shine as educators and role models for our children.”

Charles currently serves as the Chief Advancement Officer, Director of External Relations, and US History teacher at Dedham Country Day School, a PreK – Eighth grade school located just outside of Boston, MA. Over the past decade there, Charles has worked very closely as a senior leader and trusted advisor to the Head of School and has participated in all strategic decisions and Board meetings. He has built a highly collaborative advancement team that prioritizes community building. Charles also serves as a history teacher at DCD, leading a popular history course for eighth grade students. It’s a combination of roles that enables him to help guide every aspect of the school’s growth and culture.

Charles majored in history at Harvard College and has a law degree from Georgetown University. “Charles brings a diverse background as a lawyer with experience in international conflict resolution, politics, fundraising and teaching that brings credibility and a fresh perspective to Peabody,” says Kelli Palmer, co-chair of the Search Committee.

“In many ways, Charles is a Peabody kid, all grown up. The through line in his career is working for mission-driven organizations, driven by a genuine curiosity about the world around him and a desire to make a difference. He is also the rare bridge builder in today’s increasingly polarized world, welcoming intellectual debate and not shying away from controversial topics,” says Natasha Lawler, co-chair of the Search Committee.

Charles says, “Peabody is a very special place, and I believe my values, capabilities, and leadership experience align deeply with the school’s mission—to nurture a love of learning through challenge and exploration, in a caring environment that inspires students to lead lives of purpose and impact. I am honored to lead the school into its next chapter, and can’t wait to join the Peabody community.”

We look forward to welcoming Charles and his wife, Ilyse Greenberg, to Charlottesville in the summer of 2026. Until then, we will continue to celebrate our own Rob Orlando as he concludes his distinguished and transformative headship. Opportunities to honor Rob will be shared with the community in the months ahead.

With much excitement,

Peabody Head of School Search Committee:
Kelli Palmer and Natasha Lawler – Co-Chairs
Hayes Humphreys, Chair, Board of Trustees
Marie Bourgeois, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
Maran Garland, Secretary, Board of Trustees

A Message from Charles Rudnick

Dear Peabody Community,

I am truly excited to be joining you as Peabody’s next Head of School. As Kelli, Natasha, and Hayes shared in their gracious announcement, my career has been grounded in purpose, and my educational philosophy has focused on ensuring that students develop the knowledge, confidence, and character to thrive and have an impact in their communities—both today and into the future. It is deeply meaningful to join a school whose mission so closely reflects these values.

With best wishes for the remainder of the school year,

Charles Rudnick