Chris Fortunato

Head of School @Thayer Academy

Braintree, MA, US

The Thayer Academy Board of Trustees has named Chris Fortunato to serve as the Academy\'s ninth Head of School commencing in July 2021. Currently the Head of School of Blair Academy in New Jersey, Fortunato will succeed Ted Koskores \'70 P \'10,\'13, the Academy\'s Head of School since 2003, who earlier this year announced his decision to end his tenure at his alma mater. During his seven years at the helm of Blair, a coed day and boarding school, Fortunato led the school to new heights, including six consecutive years of record application numbers. He spearheaded curricular innovations in the areas of technology, human rights, and leadership development. He also led academic collaborations with such institutions as Harvard Kennedy School, Boston University, and Lehigh University. Under his leadership, Blair Academy opened the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration. Fortunato also partnered with his development team to increase the school\'s endowment, especially with regard to financial aid, to support a diverse student body. Blair is currently nearing its $25M fundraising goal.\"Chris\'s student-centered philosophy and humble yet confident leadership style are a great fit with Thayer,\" said Board Chairman Michael Joe P \'17,\'20, who also co-chaired the HOS Search Committee with fellow Trustee Jen Havlicek P \'18,\'21,\'21.\"The Board of Trustees believes he brings a strong combination of leadership, experience, and vision to build on Thayer\'s successes, address our challenges, and drive educational innovation to prepare our students for a dynamic and ever-changing world.\" In addition to his tenure at Blair Academy, Fortunato spent nearly a decade working at a Newton-based nonprofit to assist underserved youth. He has served as a dean of students at both Providence College and Harvard Kennedy School. During his time at the latter, he created the school\'s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Boston University School of Social Work

Master of Social Work - MSW

Harvard Law School

Doctor of Law - JD

Harvard University

Bachelor's degree, Political Science and Government

Harvard Law School

Doctor of Law - JD

Harvard University

Bachelor's degree, Political Science and Government