A Job Well Done Allison Kropp to step down as Board Chair By Tami McMann After four eventful years, Allison (Hiltz) Kropp ’93 is stepping down as Board Chair at The Summit following the end of her second term in 2022. During that time, she led the board through the COVID crisis, approval of the Leading the Way comprehensive fundraising campaign and a head of school transition. “In the height of the crisis, we certainly had to think differently about how to do things on the board level,” she says. “It was my privilege to witness the board and the campus leadership rise to the challenge and adapt to new ways of operating. We worked together to get done what needed to be done. I’m very proud of each individual on the board and the skills and expertise they contribute.” Her leadership has been much appreciated. “Allison has been an outstanding board chair for our school,” says Head of School Rich Wilson. “She runs a tight ship when it comes to meetings, which start and end on time. She ensures that everyone has an opportunity to speak, and on important decisions, she will call on each board member to ensure all are heard. “As an alumna and a parent, she knows The Summit well. She has been a valuable sounding board for me over the years. Her advice has been on target without being overbearing. She also is a strong leader. When some board members were skittish about green-lighting the Leading the Way campaign, she was firm with the board that we should proceed. She was right! We ended up raising much more than we expected,” Mr. Wilson notes. “Allison also effectively managed the transition from me to Kelley Schiess,” he continues. “While some wanted a national search, Allison was convinced we had the 22
Spring Magazine 2022
Allison (Hiltz) Kropp ’93
right person in our building. She devised a thorough listening process for board members to express what they wanted in the next head. She then organized small groups of board members to meet with Kelley to hear her vision going forward and answer any doubts they may have. The process was thorough, fair and efficient. The board ultimately unanimously agreed with Allison that Kelley would be the best next head.” Beyond her strong governance skills, Mrs. Kropp has played a key role in the fundraising success of the school. She and her husband JB co-chaired the successful Leading the Way campaign and were responsible for obtaining one of the large leadership gifts which allowed the school to add a second intervention specialist in the Upper School. “The school and I owe Allison a large debt of gratitude for a job well done,” says Mr. Wilson. The welfare of the entire organization has been a priority for Mrs. Kropp. “I’ve worked throughout my two terms to shift our focus from ‘The’ Summit to ‘Our’ Summit,” she says, “because I believe it’s important for everyone to feel that this school is our shared gift and our shared responsibility.” As an alumna, Mrs. Kropp feels an added
