Dr. Caroline Flynn Named St. Mary's 14th Head of School

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

We are pleased to share that Dr. Caroline Flynn will be St. Mary’s 14th Head of School, beginning July 1, 2027.

After a comprehensive and thoughtful nationwide search, grounded in extensive community input, the Search Committee recommended Dr. Flynn to the Board of Trustees, who unanimously voted to appoint her as St. Mary’s next Head of School.

This is an important milestone in St. Mary’s 179-year history, and we want to thank everyone, including parents, students, alumnae, faculty, and staff, who participated in the search process over the past eight months. Your thoughtful feedback, including more than 400 responses to the community survey last fall, was invaluable to the committee.

Dr. Flynn currently serves as Principal (Head of School) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (OLPH) in Chattanooga, where she has led with distinction for the past six years. She joined OLPH as Academic Dean and was promoted to Principal after one year. Prior to that, she held several leadership roles at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, including Dean of the Ninth Grade, Director of the Lacrosse Program, and a member of the Founders Fellows Leadership Development Program.

At OLPH, Dr. Flynn led the development and implementation of the school’s strategic plan and accreditation process, strengthened fundraising and endowment strategy, and oversaw admission and retention efforts—improving retention to 97% and increasing enrollment by 25%. Deeply committed to faculty excellence, she enhanced compensation, expanded professional development opportunities, and added key support roles to strengthen the student experience. 

A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls school in Pennsylvania, Dr. Flynn earned her Bachelor of Arts in International and Global Relations from The University of the South (Sewanee) and holds both a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership and a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Flynn has distinguished herself as an authentic, confident, and deeply relational leader who listens first, builds trust quickly, and inspires those around her. Her ability to bring people together, communicate with clarity, and lead with both head and heart positions her well to guide St. Mary’s into its next chapter.

As we enter a new chapter in leadership, the story of St. Mary’s endures. We are a community rooted in academic excellence, belonging, and purpose, with a shared commitment to the growth and well-being of every girl.

Mr. Throckmorton and the leadership team will work closely with Dr. Flynn over the coming year to ensure a seamless transition in the summer of 2027. In thoughtfully planning for his retirement, Albert has given the community the gift of time. We are committed to a transition that builds on the remarkable foundation he has established. In the months ahead, you will have many opportunities to meet Dr. Flynn, hear her vision, and begin building relationships together.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to making St. Mary’s an extraordinary place for girls to grow and thrive.

With appreciation,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

1. How was the new Head of School selected?
The Board of Trustees conducted a thorough, eight-month search in partnership with The Education Group, a national search firm. The process included developing a leadership profile informed by community input, reviewing a strong pool of internal and external candidates, conducting interviews, hosting finalist visits, and making a final decision by the Board.

2. How was community input considered?
More than 400 members of the St. Mary’s community contributed to the leadership profile through a survey last fall. Additional input was gathered through meetings, conversations, and post-visit feedback, all of which informed the process.

3. Why was this candidate chosen?
Dr. Flynn was selected as St. Mary’s 14th Head of School because she aligns strongly with the leadership profile developed from community input, the current needs of the school, and because she demonstrates a clear commitment to St. Mary’s mission, values, and the growth of each girl. 

4. When will the new Head of School begin?
Dr. Flynn will begin her role on July 1, 2027. 

5. What happens between now and then?
Mr. Throckmorton’s decision to retire, announced in September, gave us significant time for a thorough transition plan. Albert will continue to lead the school and work closely with Dr. Flynn to ensure a thoughtful, seamless transition next summer.

6. What will change for my daughter?
Your daughter’s daily experience will remain consistent. She will continue to be supported by the same dedicated teachers, strong academic program, and caring community that define St. Mary’s. Dr. Flynn is committed to investing in the people and programs that make St. Mary’s the best all-girls school in Tennessee. 

7. What will Dr. Flynn’s priorities be in her first year?
Her early priorities will include listening to faculty, students, families, and alumnae; building relationships; and gaining a deep understanding of St. Mary’s culture and strengths.

8. How will the school ensure a smooth transition?
Mr. Throckmorton and the leadership team will work closely with Dr. Flynn over the coming year to support a deliberate and well-planned transition for students, families, and faculty. A transition team comprising trustees, staff, and other constituents will guide this effort.

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

On behalf of the Head of School Search Committee, we would like to thank you for the time and care you gave to engaging with the three Head of School finalists over the past two weeks. We are especially grateful for the thoughtful ways you welcomed each candidate and represented the strength and spirit of our community.

Each finalist shared how meaningful their time on campus was, pointing to the energy they felt in our classrooms, the thoughtfulness of their conversations with students, and the warmth and purpose that define St. Mary’s.

We also appreciate your thoughtful feedback throughout this process, from the community survey last fall—completed by more than 400 of you—to the conversations, meetings, and emails you have shared along the way. Your commitment to engaging in this process and attending the sessions over the last two weeks has been invaluable. The input you provided through the post-visit surveys will play an important role as the Committee moves forward in its work.

The Search Committee will carefully review all feedback, apply its collective discernment, continue reference and background checks, and complete the final stages of due diligence. The Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending the candidate who best aligns with the leadership profile we developed and is well-positioned to lead St. Mary’s into its next chapter. The Committee will present its recommendation to the Board of Trustees, who will make the final decision and appoint the next Head of School.

Thank you again for your engagement, your trust, and your commitment to St. Mary’s during this important time. We will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward.

Sincerely,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

On behalf of the Head of School Search Committee, we are pleased to share that we are moving into the finalist stage of the search for St. Mary’s next Head of School.

Over the past several weeks, the Search Committee engaged in a thoughtful and thorough vetting process. In partnership with our search consultants, we reviewed a robust national pool of applicants and conducted semifinalist interviews. We were deeply impressed by the caliber of these leaders, particularly their depth of experience and evident care for students. From that group, we have selected an outstanding slate of three finalists.

In the coming weeks, each finalist will spend three days on campus. These visits are a vital opportunity for our community to engage in this process together. Parents, faculty, and staff will have the chance to meet each candidate, and we will share a brief questionnaire after each visit so you may share your impressions.

To protect the professional standing of our candidates and the integrity of the search, we ask for your continued partnership in maintaining the confidentiality of this process. We will share the name and biography of each finalist shortly before they arrive.

We hope you will take part in this defining moment for our school. Your perspective is invaluable to the Search Committee as we fulfill our responsibility to recommend a final candidate to the Board of Trustees. The Board will then vote to approve and hire our next Head of School.

Finalists will visit campus April 7-9, April 12-14, and April 14-16.

Parent Meetings (South Campus Dining Hall)

• Candidate 1: Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00–5:45 p.m. or Thursday, April 9 at 8:15–9:00 a.m.
• Candidate 2: Monday, April 13 at 5:00–5:45 p.m. or Tuesday, April 14 at 8:15–9:00 a.m.
• Candidate 3: Wednesday, April 15 at 5:00–5:45 p.m. or Thursday, April 16 at 8:15–9:00 a.m.

Faculty & Staff Meetings (South Campus Dining Hall)

• Candidate 1: Wednesday, April 8 at 3:30–4:15 p.m.
• Candidate 2: Monday, April 13 at 3:30–4:15 p.m.
• Candidate 3: Tuesday, April 14 at 3:30–4:15 p.m.

We hope you will take part in this important moment for our school and share your perspective after meeting the candidates. We encourage you to extend a warm welcome and to help them experience the spirit, strength, and sense of purpose that define St. Mary’s School.

While the Search Committee will thoughtfully consider all community feedback, it is our responsibility to recommend one candidate to the Board of Trustees, who will then vote to approve and hire the next Head of School.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support throughout this process. We are grateful for this community and look forward to sharing more in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

Thank you for the care, thoughtfulness, and engagement you continue to show as we move forward in the search for our next Head of School. We are at an important moment in the life of St. Mary’s, and the Board of Trustees and Search Committee are committed to approaching this work with intention, openness, and respect for the voices that shape our community.

As shared on our Head of School search page, the Board launched a national search following Albert Throckmorton’s announcement that he will retire at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. With deep appreciation for the leadership that has shaped the school over many years, the Board appointed a search committee representing trustees, parents, and alumnae, and has partnered with The Education Group (TEG) to guide the search.

TEG is leading a community-centered process that has included surveys, on-campus listening sessions, and multiple opportunities for stakeholder feedback. In late 2025, nearly 400 students, parents, faculty and staff, and alumnae shared their perspectives through surveys and listening sessions, helping to inform a leadership profile grounded in St. Mary’s mission, values, and vision for the future.

We are pleased to share that the search is progressing well. Our consultants are actively interviewing candidates and having conversations with prospective leaders who are excited about the future of our School and inspired by St. Mary’s strong sense of purpose.

At times, the search process may feel quiet, but significant work is happening behind the scenes. Throughout this process, we remain committed to clear communication, transparency, and keeping our community informed as milestones are reached. We value the trust you place in the Search Committee and take seriously our responsibility to steward this process with care.

As Katherine Stuart, TEG President, shared: “St. Mary’s really knows St. Mary’s. When a school’s mission and vision are clear, and the community truly knows who they are, it makes the search work both easier and more meaningful—and it naturally attracts a strong candidate pool.”

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move forward together. Updates will continue to be shared on our website, and we look forward to staying connected with you along the way.

Sincerely,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

The Head of School Search Committee is moving forward with its work and would like your input. Our consultants at The Education Group are gathering input from our community about the strengths of St. Mary’s and the qualities you believe are most important in our next Head of School. Your anonymous feedback will help guide the search and ensure candidates understand our mission and values and will help shape the qualities we seek in our next Head of School. 

Community Engagement Survey

Please complete the survey by Friday, Dec. 5. Thank you for sharing your perspective as we seek a Head who will honor St. Mary’s legacy and welcome a bright, new chapter.

With gratitude,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

We are pleased to update you on the progress of our search for the next Head of School. We have assembled a Search Committee comprising current and former Board members, parents, and alumnae. They know and love St. Mary’s and bring both expertise and heartfelt commitment to this important work.

The role of the Search Committee is to organize the search, conduct the initial vetting of candidates, interview semifinalists, arrange finalist visits, and ultimately recommend one candidate to the Board of Trustees, which has the responsibility to hire the Head.

Search Committee Members

• Amina Dilawari ’95 — Current trustee, alumna, Lower School parent
• Robert Fogelman — Past board chair, Upper School parent
• Margaret Frazier Gardner ’85 — Past board chair, alumna, parent of an alumna
• Gretchen Wollert McLennon ’93 — Past trustee, alumna, aunt of an alumna
• Anne-Morgan Brookfield Morgan ’99 — Current trustee, alumna, Middle and Upper School parent
• Lisa Breazeale Roberts ’85 — Current trustee, alumna, parent of alumnae
• Hunter Witherington — Current trustee, Upper School parent

We’re grateful for the care and thoughtfulness this group is bringing to the search.

Community Engagement Survey

As shared previously, we are committed to engaging the St. Mary’s community in the search process. In the upcoming weeks, you will receive a survey from our consultants at The Education Group. We invite you to reflect on the strengths of St. Mary’s and the qualities you believe are most important in our next Head of School. Your feedback will help guide the search and ensure candidates understand our mission and values.

On-Campus Listening Sessions

Our consultants, Katherine Stuart and Dave Davies, will be on campus December 8-10. During their visit, they will host open sessions to hear directly from parents and faculty.

Parent Meetings

• Tuesday, December 9 at 2 p.m. | Dining Hall, Athletic and Wellness Center
• Wednesday, December 10 at 8:30 a.m. | Dining Hall, Athletic and Wellness Center

Parent Listening Session RSVP

Faculty and Staff Meetings

• Monday, December 8 at 3:45 p.m. | Liza’s Library, Moss Hall
• Tuesday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m. | Dining Hall, Athletic and Wellness Center

Faculty and Staff Listening Session RSVP

Written Feedback

If you would like to share written feedback directly with our consultants, they may be reached at:

• katherine@educationgroup.com
• dave@educationgroup.com

If you have any questions about the search process, please reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support as we discern the next steps for St. Mary’s bright future.

With gratitude,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are pleased to share an update on the search for our next Head of School.

We are deeply grateful to Head of School Albert Throckmorton for providing a two-year window to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search for his successor. This timeframe allows us to approach this important process with care, reflection, and the broad engagement of the St. Mary’s community.

After interviewing several firms, the Board has engaged The Education Group (TEG) to partner with our search committee. TEG is a nationally recognized search and consulting firm with more than thirty years of experience serving independent schools across the country. While the firm includes twenty consultants nationwide, our primary contacts will be Katherine Stuart and Dave Davies.

Katherine, the President of TEG, has led searches for a number of Episcopal and girls schools and is herself a graduate of an Episcopal school. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, where her husband serves as Head of an Episcopal school. Dave has served as Head of an Episcopal school and as the founding Upper School Head at another. He has also led numerous searches for Episcopal and girls schools.

TEG is known for its inclusive and community-based approach. Early this winter, Katherine and Dave will invite input from the St. Mary’s community through an online survey and will spend parts of three days on campus meeting members of our community. Later in the process, when finalists visit campus, there will be additional opportunities to gather feedback from the community.

We will share updates throughout the process on our Head of School Search page on the St. Mary’s website. We warmly invite your participation and encourage you to stay engaged as we move forward.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, support, and partnership as we embark on this important chapter in St. Mary’s history.

With gratitude,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees, Chair

Jeffrey Block
Search Committee, Co-Chair
Board of Trustees 

Dear St. Mary’s Community, 

We are truly blessed to have had Albert Throckmorton at the helm of St. Mary’s for over 13 years. It is rare for a school to be the beneficiary of such a long and impactful Head of School tenure.

In his time as the Head of School at St. Mary’s, Albert has spearheaded two major capital projects – the Athletic and Wellness Center and the renovation and expansion of Moss Hall  –increased our endowment, led our COVID response, guided our community through grief and celebration, and built an administrative team that has elevated the school to a new level of excellence.

In addition to these tremendous accomplishments, Albert has been St. Mary’s’ most enthusiastic cheerleader and advocate for all-girls education. He can be found on any given afternoon supporting our Turkeys at sporting events, mock trial sessions, and plays (even making cameo appearances in shows such as Annie and Our Town). His chapel talks are legendary and whip-smart, as are his ever-present bow ties.

Albert has been a leader beyond our campus as well, serving as Vice President of One Schoolhouse, Trustee for both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), President of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), and President of the Heads Collegiate Forum. He is highly respected – locally, regionally, and nationally – for his expertise gained from over 30 years in independent school administration and leadership.

The St. Mary’s Board of Trustees is looking toward the future by conducting a national search for our next Head of School. Jeffrey Block, a St. Mary’s Trustee and parent, has agreed to join me in co-chairing the search committee, and we are presently interviewing national search firms to guide us in this process. As Albert has mentioned, St. Mary’s is well-positioned to attract a talented leader. He will continue to serve as head through the 2026-27 school year, which will give us plenty of runway to conduct such a search, as well as time to celebrate him and the many contributions he has made to St. Mary's.

Albert, thank you for all you have done to make St. Mary’s the premier school for girls – the #1 in Tennessee! We owe so much to your stewardship.

Sincerely yours,

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Chair, St. Mary’s Board of Trustees

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

With gratitude and deep love for this community, I will complete my tenure as St. Mary’s Head of School in the Spring of 2027. In giving the Board of Trustees nearly two years’ notice, I intend to place the search for the next head in the best possible position.

When I first joined St. Mary’s in 2004, I was impressed by the school's academic excellence and caring community. Eight years later, when the Board appointed me as head, I described St. Mary’s as “old and improved.” It is an institution that knows its core strengths, cherishes its traditions, and lives out its values. At the same time, it is a school that continually innovates to serve each girl’s future.

Over the years, it has been a joy to know St. Mary’s alumnae transformed by this school and to be inspired by parents who understand the power of this community. It has been an honor to work alongside the most devoted faculty and staff I have known in my 36-year career, and to share the leadership with a dedicated and supportive board and an amazingly talented team of administrators.

St. Mary’s is poised for a remarkable next chapter. We are the #1 girls school in Tennessee and are known nationally among an exceptional group of peer schools. We are debt-free, and our campus master plan is complete. We are supported by a strong Board of Trustees and a healthy school-church partnership. We are a caring community defined by our Episcopal tradition of embracing everyone. Our faculty and staff make this school daily one of excellence, belonging, honor, and courage. And among all of these strengths, our students shine brightest.

My headship began 13 years ago when the youngest students were in PK (before our two-year-old St. Mary’s Place program existed). In May 2027, I will commence with that same group of students. The next two years will allow me time to properly thank all who have strengthened St. Mary’s and give the Trustees sufficient time to select the school’s next leader. I look forward to more collaboration, achievement, and dreaming as we continue to challenge and support each girl to discover her unique purpose and reach her individual potential.

In Light and Life,

Albert Throckmorton
Head of School

• Co-Chair Susan Whitten Graber '86—Trustees chair, alumna

• Co-Chair Jeffrey Block — current trustee, former treasurer, parent of an alumna, Upper School parent

• Amina Dilawari ’95 — Current trustee, alumna, Lower School parent

• Robert Fogelman — Past board chair, Upper School parent

• Margaret Frazier Gardner ’85 — Past board chair, alumna, parent of an alumna

• Gretchen Wollert McLennon ’93 — Past trustee, alumna, aunt of an alumna

• Anne-Morgan Brookfield Morgan ’99 — Current trustee, alumna, Middle and Upper School parent

• Lisa Breazeale Roberts ’85 — Current trustee, alumna, parent of alumnae

• Hunter Witherington — Current trustee, Upper School parent