Ada, Michigan — Following a thoughtful and prayerful search process, Ada Christian School has selected Dr. Maximino “Max” Fernandez to serve as Head of School beginning July 1, 2026.
Dr. Fernandez brings more than two decades of experience in pastoral ministry, Christian education, and organizational leadership. He comes to ACS after serving as Head of School at First Baptist Christian Academy in Palm Coast, Florida, where he led a multi-campus school through strategic planning, academic leadership, faculty development, and financial stewardship. Throughout his career, he has also served as a Superintendent, Lead Pastor, and ministry leader, overseeing large teams, multi-million dollar budgets, and thriving school communities.
His leadership experience includes guiding accreditation processes, strengthening curriculum and instruction, leading capital and expansion projects, and building unified communities around a shared mission. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to financial stewardship and long-term organizational sustainability.
Dr. Fernandez holds multiple advanced degrees in ministry, biblical studies, and educational leadership, and is fluent in English and Spanish. He and his wife, Catrina, have been married for 25 years and have two children, a son and a daughter. Their family has been deeply shaped by the local church and Christian education. His desire is to help build communities where the gospel is not only taught but lived, and where students learn to see the world through Scripture and live under Christ.
JobfitMatters consultants Laura Coverstone and Ed Poff were honored to partner with the Ada Christian School Board throughout the search process, helping clarify leadership priorities, engage stakeholders, and evaluate candidates through sourcing, interviews, reference vetting, and JobfitMatters’ SIMA® assessment process.
Kelly Ardema, ACS Board Secretary said, “We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership of JobfitMatters during Ada Christian’s recent Head of School search. Their process was thoughtful, strategic, and deeply personal — taking the time to understand not only the role, but the heart and long-term needs of our organization. What stood out most was the genuine care and compassion throughout the process. I would highly recommend JFM to any organization seeking a trusted and insightful search partner.”
