RANSOM EVERGLADES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
After 25 years in journalism, I joined Ransom Everglades in December 2015 as Director of Communications, a position that gives me the privilege of sharing the great work that goes on at RE, and ensuring that the school's community members feel informed and connected. Prior to my arrival at Ransom Everglades, I spent 15 years at The Washington Post, where I covered international sports and the Olympics. I also worked as an investigative reporter at the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and the beat writer for the Miami Heat and then-Florida Marlins at the Miami Herald. I received a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University and, surely to the relief of my professors there, I have never worked in that realm. I love serving at Plymouth Congregational Church and am happiest when sipping wine from St. Estephe in Bordeaux. I am the proud mother of Sabrina '22.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admission and Enrollment Management
As the Director of Admission and Enrollment Management at my alma mater, I have the privilege of guiding prospective students and families through the admission and financial aid processes. A proud alumna from the Class of 1993, my formative middle and high school years at Ransom Everglades not only bestowed upon me an exceptional education but also connected me with an extraordinary alumni network that became a source of lifelong friendships. I also can't help but mention our victorious state championship in volleyball during my time here as an athlete. Returning to Ransom Everglades in 2002, I first took on the roles of English teacher, admission officer, and coach for volleyball, basketball, and track. My commitment to education and enrollment management extended to serving on the national Board of Directors of the Enrollment Management Association for six years, and I continue to stay actively involved in this organization. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University, where I double majored in English and Education with a minor in Spanish. Beyond the professional realm, my life revolves around enjoying the offerings of our beautiful city alongside my husband Eric and our two daughters, Abigail '29 and Ava. More often than not, you'll find us in a gymnasium, enthusiastically cheering on both our girls during their volleyball tournaments.
Job Titles:
- Chief of Human Resources / Lehman College
Job Titles:
- La Brisa - Administration, Admission and Advancement Offices
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer and Interim Head of the Upper School
As a Florida native, I was very fortunate to attend Ransom Everglades for my final two years of high school. As a public-school student, I was a consumer of information; as a private school student, I became the architect of my education. I believe my intellect, talents and skills grew in the supportive, challenging and innovative environment at RE. I went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics modified with Engineering from Dartmouth College and had the opportunity to play in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. I returned to RE to work in the mathematics and computer science department, later taking on the roles of dean of students and head football coach. In this same environment, I experienced further growth and development as an educator and administrator. In 1999, I left RE for another independent school that fit the needs of my children. There I served as dean of students, assistant upper school head, interim upper school head and then head of school (Boca campus). During this time, I earned my master's in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University. I rejoined the RE community in June 2022, as the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Head of the Upper School. My primary responsibilities are to lead the upper school while working closely with the advancement, admission, athletics and the business offices. My wife, Nicole, and I have three daughters, Amber, Autumn and Ashleigh. I strongly believe in the importance of family and serving the community. In my leisure time I enjoy traveling with my family. Cruises are our favorite getaway. I am an avid bowler. I also devote time serving on the board of trustees at the Fuller Center in Palm Beach and volunteering across South Florida in a variety of capacities.
As Director of Finance at Ransom Everglades, I oversee the financial operations of the school. I started at RE in 2000 as the controller and served in the same capacity until February 2024. Prior to my time at Ransom Everglades, I served as controller for a couple of multinational corporations including United Technologies Corporation. I earned my bachelor's degree at Barry University in 1994, and I have been an active Certified Public Accountant since 1997. Gardening and traveling are among my favorite activities. Gardening soothes my soul and "grounds" me. I love to travel mostly because I love to connect with different people and listen to different perspectives. However, what I have come to understand in my travels is that we are more alike than different. We all love our families and our communities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
I assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at Ransom Everglades after arriving from the San Francisco Waldorf School, where I served as Director of Finance and Operations after beginning my tenure at the school as a member of the board of trustees and chair of the finance committee. Before shifting to independent schools, I spent 30 years in investment banking, predominantly in Asia, where I lived for more than five years. A graduate of Deerfield Academy, an independent school in Massachusetts, I earned a BA in English from Kenyon College in Ohio, and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. My wife Cindy and I have four children and two Labrador Retrievers.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of College Counseling / Alfred University
After more than two decades in higher education leadership positions, I joined Ransom Everglades School in the inaugural role of Executive Director for College Counseling where I am leading the transformation of the college counseling experience for RE students and families. Before joining the RE community, I served as Director of Undergraduate Admissions and then as Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment at Cornell University. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred University, a Master of Education degree at the University of Vermont, and a Postgraduate Certificate from Peking University in Beijing, China. I am currently completing my Doctor of Education degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have enjoyed participating in the Ithaca Twilight 5K Run, Vinophile Society and Supper Club, and serving as a Friend of the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Job Titles:
- Associate Head of School, History & Social Sciences Teacher
I am Associate Head of School and in my 24th year at Ransom Everglades. Prior to RE, I was a history professor at Belmont University. At RE, I have taught history and social sciences courses, coached several sports, conducted music ensembles, done college counseling, served as director of studies, and, as the senior class dean and sponsor, created the annual class retreat to the Circle F Dude Ranch. I oversee the Bowden Fellowships in the Humanities and direct the Holzman Center of Applied Ethics. I was the founding curator for TEDxCoconutGrove, a community event hosted for six years at RE. I published several scholarly pieces, most notably as lead author of The President's Position: The Cold War Presidents. For two decades I was a reader, table leader, and exam leader at the College Board's AP US History Reading, and I created the teacher's materials for Eric Foner's leading AP US History textbook, Give Me Liberty! I taught courses at Barry University, FIU, and John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. I also enjoy playing several musical instruments, scuba diving, hiking and camping, and supporting South Florida's professional sports teams, particularly the Miami Dolphins.
As Chief Technology Officer, I develop and implement technical strategies that support a robust multi-campus computing infrastructure and promote best practices for student success, campus safety, business optimization and informed decision-making. Prior to joining the Ransom Everglades community, I was the Director of Technology Development and Chair of Applied Technology at Metairie Park Country Day School. During my early career, I designed data solutions and network infrastructures supporting oil and gas exploration and production. A New Orleans native, I earned a Master of Science in computer science from Tulane University and graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana Tech University with a BS in computer science. My husband, Chris, is a radiologist and we have three children: Jeffrey, a general surgery resident; Gary, a real estate investment banking professional; and Kelsey, a special effects artist.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Advancement
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
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- Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Founder of the Adirondack
- Founders
Paul C. Ransom, founder of the Adirondack-Florida School, expressed the philosophy of the Adirondack-Florida School in a letter he would send to prospective students. The following represents a contract between the student and the school, as well as a personal pledge to Paul Ransom, himself. It was also intended as a living document to which the student would refer from time to time, to "refresh the memory" of what was promised.
Job Titles:
- Head of the Middle School
In 2011, after practicing law for several years I started working as a teacher and lacrosse coach for Ransom Everglades. For a decade, I served in a variety of roles including, Middle School Dean of Students, Director of Summer Programming and Assistant Head of the Middle School. For two years I gained invaluable perspective as Head of the Upper Elementary Division at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. I returned home to RE in 2023 to serve as a school leader with a passion for building experiences that promote each student's sense of belonging and citizenship. I have earned a bachelor's degree from Florida State, a law degree from St. Thomas University and a doctorate from Northeastern University. My wife Nicola and I are the proud parents of Luca and Marc. Outside of my faith, family and vocation, my most passionate pursuits include cooking, rooting for the Yankees and playing along with Jeopardy. I also kind of have a thing for Johnny Cash and peacocks.
In partnership with the Board of Trustees, as the Head of School, I have the responsibility to carry out the school's mission to train leaders that give more back to the community than they take from it. I have the honor of working with a leadership team that oversees the various components of Ransom Everglades School. Together we work to see that each student, family and community member has an unparalleled academic, athletic and artistic experience as each student grows and learns ways to carry out and live the school's mission. After working in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 15 years as a teacher, English Department Chair, Exceptional Education Department Co-Chair and Educational Specialist, I joined Ransom Everglades School in 2005. I served as the Assistant Director of the Middle School for two years, and Head of the Middle School for 14 years. I worked as an education consultant during the 2021-22 school year, before returning to Ransom Everglades as the Interim Head of School for the 2022-23 school year. I earned a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University. In 2018, I completed a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Professional Education. My husband, Jose, and I have two sons, Christopher '10, and Alec '14 and a very large dog named Jack. Outside of Ransom Everglades, I enjoy yoga, Pilates, hiking and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Braman Family Media Center - Library, Classrooms ( M )
Job Titles:
- Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement
As Director of Inclusion and Community Outreach, I am responsible for our efforts to maintain a welcoming environment where every member of the school community can live, study and work at their highest level of creativity and productivity. I practiced law for 38 years, serving as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, arbitrator, mediator and county court judge. I graduated from Ransom School in 1974, received my BA from Columbia University, and JD from the University of Miami School of Law. I love music, fishing, and the outdoors. My wife runs a non-profit for children aging out of foster care. We have one child in college, and the others are adults working in the armed services, arts and retail, and education.