Thanking Those Who Kept Us Running

Perspectives on a

Transition in Leadership

“Proctor has long been committed to supporting the needs of individual learners and encouraging its students to take a risk to try something new and lean into discomfort in order to grow. As adults, we also benefit from coaching, reflection, and embracing new learning experiences. I look forward to Brian’s dynamic leadership with regard to setting high expectations for our own professional growth as well as helping us capitalize on the creativity we harnessed as a community while teaching during the pandemic. It will be important for us to remain committed to forging strong relationships with our students and their families while also being mindful of the need to further innovate our model and teaching practices as we emerge from the pandemic and seek to prepare our students for the challenges of our world.”

Jennifer Fletcher, P’18, ‘21, ‘21

Learning Skills Department Chair - Appointed 1998

“In 1675, Isaac Newton wrote to fellow scientist Robert Hooke: ‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ Since its founding in 1848, many people have made important, lasting contributions to Proctor Academy. Those of us who are fortunate to be stewards of the school now, stand on their shoulders. We recognize Proctor constantly evolves, yet remains true to itself. Our privilege is to engage in the ongoing process of shaping a remarkable community that cultivates individuality while simultaneously embracing shared values and common expectations grounded in respect. Our charge is to ensure that generations from now, others benefit from the opportunity to ‘see further.’”

Gregor Makechnie ‘90, P’17, ‘19, ‘22, ‘25

Director of Athletics - Appointed 1997

Forty-nine Proctor employees have dedicated more than twenty years of their professional lives to the school. The institutional memory and consistency of leadership allow the school to navigate times of transition with confidence. Veteran faculty members below share perspectives on this time of transition and their optimism for what lies ahead for Proctor.

“Brian is so clearly eager to step in as our ship’s captain. He recognizes that Proctor’s mission is solid, the community sacred, and our students central to all that we do. Thus, he knows he will not have to steer us in a new direction, but merely guide us gently from within, helping us to refine that which is core to Proctor’s soul and building upon the strong foundation that has served this school for so many generations.”

Annie Mackenzie, P’22, ‘24

Learning Skills - Appointed 1999

“Organizations like individuals need to evolve and change and take the risks associated with change. It’s in keeping with what we ask of our students and keeping us in a dynamic growth model. As an alum, former Proctor parent and faculty member, I am excited and energized to see the new leadership, vision and initiatives that Brian Thomas will implement and hope that as we move forward, the school can place a much greater emphasis on increasing its endowment so we can provide greater opportunities for students across the socio-economic spectrum to have the incredible learning opportunities that Proctor can provide to young people.”

Brooks Bicknell ‘77, P’11, ‘15 Social Science, Arts, Costa Rica and Ocean Classroom Appointed 1989

“I am so appreciative of the faculty and staff that had been here for decades and help communicate and preserve the Proctor “green” during each transition in leadership. The heart of Proctor is never in jeopardy; it is the very thing that drew Mike and now Brian to Proctor. Our job as keepers of that green flame is to help our leaders REALLY understand our relationships, community and commitment to Proctor’s model of support and togetherness. I am so excited to be one of the ‘several decade’ faculty now and to help Brian and the school during this exciting time.”