Brunswick, Chappell End Succession Plan, Reopen Head Search

Andrew T. Chappell will not become Brunswick School’s ninth head of school in July 2027, Board Chairman R. Willett “Will” Cook said Tuesday. The all-boys private school reached the decision after deliberation and discussions among trustees and Chappell. Cook said in a Tuesday-morning email to parents, alumni and the school community that Chappell had been head-of-school-elect since March 2026.

Brunswick named 28-year faculty veteran Katie Signer interim head effective July 2027. The trustees will restart their search immediately, aiming to name a successor by Summer 2027. Tom Philip, who plans to retire in June 2027 after 26 years as head, will remain as special adviser for 2027-28, Cook said.

What did the leadership timeline look like?

Brunswick announced in March 2026 that Chappell would succeed Philip as the school’s ninth head. Philip joined in 1989 and served as Middle School Head, Upper School Head, Director of College Placement and Assistant Head of School. He became head in September 2001.

Philip told trustees last fall that he planned to retire in June 2027. In a November 2025 message, Cook said Philip would become the longest-tenured head in school history other than Brunswick’s founder when his 26-year tenure ended.

What is the new leadership timeline?

• June 2027: Philip is scheduled to retire after 26 years as head.
• July 2027: Signer becomes interim head, and Chappell does not start as the planned ninth head.
• 2027-28: Philip serves as special adviser during the reopened search.
• Summer 2027: Trustees target a permanent successor; Cook promises regular updates through next year.

Why was Chappell selected?

Chappell had headed The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH, since July 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously spent 25 years at The Roxbury Latin School. A June news release from Hunt Scanlon Media said Spencer Stuart had assisted with his recruitment.

Cook praised Chappell’s nearly three decades in education and independent-school leadership. He cited exceptional character, tireless dedication, a profound belief in traditional boys’ education, intellect, leadership, authentic relationships, clear values and alignment with Brunswick’s mission.

Why did the succession plan change?

Cook said the board and Chappell mutually agreed that he would not join when Philip retired. “We recognize this news comes as a surprise and a disappointment; this is not a decision we came to lightly,” Cook wrote.

He attributed the decision to personal circumstances and a broader view of the school community’s needs. He said trustees collectively agreed the school needed to move in a different direction.

Who will lead the school next?

Katie Signer has served as Brunswick’s Assistant Head for Elementary & Early Learning Program and Head of Lower School. Cook described her as a respected community leader, a 28-year faculty veteran, a parent of two alumni and someone with unrivaled understanding of virtually every aspect of the Brunswick experience.

Cook said Brunswick has a deep bench of talent and a long-tenured team to carry the school through the transition. Philip will remain head for the current school year while planning is under way to move Signer into her expanded leadership role next summer.

What did Philip say about stepping down?

In a Nov. 20, 2025 post on Brunswick’s alumni Instagram page, Philip said it is never perfectly clear when to leave a long-held position. He also said his instinct told him the time was right and that he would miss Brunswick. He had informed the executive committee and Board of Trustees in September 2025 that 2026-27 would be his final year.

Philip hoped the timing would give the school enough time to conduct a thorough search for its next head. He also said he had no specific professional plans after Brunswick, while adding: “I do think I have at least one more gig in me, although I should stress I don’t expect it would be at another school.”

The reopened search now carries a goal of naming a successor by Summer 2027, with Signer set to lead as interim from July 2027. Philip will stay involved as special adviser through 2027-28, and Cook said he remained confident and promised regular updates on the search and transition into next year.