Heather Daly stepped onto the Hilltop with a clear mission: to listen, learn, and connect. In her first visit since being named Pomfret’s thirteenth head of school, she spent time immersing herself in the community — meeting students, faculty, and staff and discussing the school's future with key leaders. Her top priority is deep engagement, and her visit reflected that commitment.

Prior to her visit, Heather has been meeting regularly with current Head of School Tim Richards, outgoing Board Chair Justin Klein ’65, and incoming Board Chair Daryle Bost ’89. She has also met with Director of the Grauer Institute Gwyneth Connell to discuss academics and with Dean of Enrollment Management Susan Mantilla-Goin about admissions. Along with a group of senior administrators, Heather has been attending Pomfret’s Leadership Circle, a monthly meeting with Dr. Kristin Hoins, an expert in organizational psychology who helps school administrators cultivate cultures of belonging, collective resilience, and mission-based alignment. 

Guided by the Head of School Transition Committee, Heather is taking on the challenge of fully internalizing the climate and culture of a school she is still getting to know while representing the school with purpose and authenticity. The committee, comprised of members of the Board of Trustees and senior administrators, is charged with identifying key institutional resources, including financial resources, that Heather can use to inform her strategic priorities as incoming head.

Her journey to Pomfret is just beginning. Before officially stepping into her role in July, Heather will return in May for the Colhoun Conference and again in June for Reunion — each visit offering new opportunities to deepen her connection with the school she will soon lead.
 

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