ANDOVER – The Phillips Academy Board of Trustees announced this week that James F. Ventre ‘79 will become the 17th head of school. Ventre, a native of Methuen, is currently assistant head of school for admission and financial aid and is one of the longest-serving senior leaders at the Academy. His tenure begins July 1, 2027.
The unanimous decision was shared by Trustee President Eric Zinterhofer who chaired the search committee.
“Jim’s collaborative approach and his ambitions for Andover’s next chapter stood out during an intensive search process that attracted a multitude of qualified candidates,” Zinterhofer said.
Ventre will continue to work closely with Head of School Raynard Kington, MD, PhD, to advance key institutional priorities and to ensure a smooth transition over the coming year.
“Jim’s tenure will come at a crucial moment in Andover’s history,” Zinterhofer said. “Approaching the school’s 250th anniversary, Jim will have the opportunity to reimagine and shape an even stronger legacy of excellence across teaching and learning.”
Ventre previously served as interim head of school from 2019-20 and is a seasoned expert among independent school leaders.
He joined the Phillips Academy faculty as a teaching fellow in English and later became an admission officer until 1986. After a brief time on Wall Street, he was appointed director of financial aid at Andover in 1990. In 2013 he was appointed dean of admission and in 2018 he became assistant head of school for admission and financial aid.
Known for his collaborative approach, Ventre is especially proud of his work stewarding Andover’s need-blind admission policy, which was adopted in 2008. Ventre has served as an advisor, coach, and house counselor, and he has advised numerous professional boards related to admission and financial aid. Working with advancement leadership and trustees, Ventre helped to secure close to $200 million in financial aid for Andover students over two fundraising campaigns.
“Andover has shaped my life in profound ways; I feel both humbled and energized by the opportunity to advance our mission and strengthen ties with all who believe in the power of an Andover education,” Ventre said.
A graduate of Dartmouth College, Ventre lives on campus with his wife, Kristen, their grown children Elaina and James, and their dog, Ralphie, born on Christmas day.