JobfitMatters Executive Search and Westside Christian Academy (WCA) in Westlake, Ohio are pleased to announce the selection of Dirk Russell as WCA’s next Head of School. The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Russell from a nationwide pool of candidates. Russell will assume his role as Head of School on July 1, 2023.
For the last 18 years, Russell has served in several positions at Geneva School of Boerne including teacher, Academic Dean, and Rhetoric School Headmaster. Prior to his full-time career in education, Russell pastored Covenant of Grace Church for 10 years. He currently serves as Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Boerne. Russell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Theology from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies at Reformed Theological Seminary.
Search Committee Co-Chair Natalie Taylor shared, “Mr. Russell has a love for classical education, but more importantly, his love for the Word of God is evident in his life.” Russell commented, “I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve as WCA’s next Head of School. It is an exceptional school and a wonderful community of believers, and I look forward to building on the legacy of those that came before me. ”
Russell and his wife, Aubrey, have been married for 28 years and have raised 6 children. Russell has a love for classical education, but more importantly, his love for the Word of God is evident in his life.
Laura Coverstone and Ed Poff of JobfitMatters assisted the WCA Search Committee. Natalie Taylor shared, “The expertise of Laura Coverstone and Ed Poff was foundational to the success of Westside Christian Academy’s Head of School search. Their listening exercises generated a set of critical leadership benchmarks [CLBs] that provided a very accurate picture of our school’s needs. The thorough assessment of candidates’ qualifications in light of these CLBs gave our Board a clear picture of who was best suited to fill our open position. After interviewing candidates, we found the representation of candidates’ strengths and weaknesses was astoundingly accurate. Laura and Ed provided excellent and timely support during the entire search timeline, giving guidance as necessary. We have incredible confidence in JFM and would happily work with them again and recommend them to our peers.”
The mission of Westside Christian Academy is to integrate biblical truth with academic excellence so that our students will become leaders committed to impacting the world for Jesus Christ.