Kimball Union Magazine Spring/Summer 2022

Christopher Burns ’83

Chair of the Board Chris Burns has stepped off the Kimball Union Board of Trustees after 10 years of service. He served as Chair for three and a half years, helping lead the Academy through a critical time in its history.

“Chris’ legacy includes onboarding a new head of school, navigating through our shared global pandemic, stepping off the board with the school in the strongest financial and enrollment position in our history, and always being at the center of good fun for the board and the community more broadly,” said Head of School Tyler Lewis.

Burns found his way to KUA as a student after attending a large public high school where he felt “lost in the shuffle.” During his time on The Hilltop, he played football and lacrosse and participated in wresting and recreational skiing. He says his decision to join the board came after reflecting on “things that were meaningful in your life, changed you, and set you on the right direction.”

“Chris’ love, support, and leadership was always grounded in his own extremely positive experience as a student, his parallel perspective of helping his own children navigate their teenage years, and a deep understanding of sound and responsible fiscal management,” says Lewis.

Burns said he’s proud of how the school has managed COVID-19 with a robust on-campus experience, created a roadmap to implement a strong sense of belonging for the community, and professionalized the external offices to ensure the school is full – and full of mission-appropriate students.

“Every kid should feel safe and that’s a big thing I always pushed in my time here,” said Burns. “Keep the kids in focus and you can’t go wrong. Everyone needs to care. Bringing in the right kids and making them feel safe and comfortable will help them learn better and help them be more complete humans.”

Burns is succeeded by Molly Bourne Steffey ’96 P’20, ’22 who became Chair at the April meeting of the Board of Trustees.

“It was a very meaningful experience for me for sure,” said Burns. “I also feel like it was the right time and place for me and now it’s at a place where someone with a different skill set can move the next steps forward. I feel good about where the school is.”