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Dear Frederica Academy Community,
On behalf of the FA Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Deems as Frederica Academy’s Interim Head of School, effective October 19, 2026. Mrs. Deems brings extensive independent school leadership experience and a collaborative approach that will serve FA well as we prepare to welcome Jeff Plunk as our next Head of School in July 2027.
Mrs. Deems recently completed a three-year tenure as Interim Head and President of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, a school serving approximately 1,460 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. During that time, she worked closely with the Board and school leadership to strengthen the school and support its transition to a new permanent head.
Before joining Pulaski Academy, Mrs. Deems served as Head of School at Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina for more than a decade and at The Westfield School in Perry, Georgia, from 2008 to 2012. Her earlier experience includes nine years as Director of Development at Stratford Academy in Macon and administrative leadership roles at Mercer University and Judson College. She has also served as a trustee and accreditation chair for the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), which honored her with its Distinguished Service Award in 2022.
Please click here to learn more about Mrs. Deems' impressive career, her family, and her interests when not working.
Throughout our conversations, Mrs. Deems has demonstrated a thoughtful understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities of interim leadership. She views this period as a time to build trust, strengthen community, and advance a school’s mission while preparing for its next leader. Her commitment to students and faculty, clear communication, and excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and community outreach aligns closely with Frederica Academy’s priorities.
The Board is confident that Mrs. Deems will provide steady, experienced leadership during this transition. She will work in partnership with our leadership team, faculty, staff, and families to sustain the daily work of the school, build on Mr. Hutchinson’s achievements, and help establish a strong foundation for Mr. Plunk’s arrival.
We are grateful to Laura Nevins and John Pope for serving as Acting Co-Interim Heads of School during this transition. Their leadership and dedication are helping ensure continuity for our students, families, faculty, and staff until Mrs. Deems’ arrival later this month.
Please join the Board in welcoming Mrs. Deems and her husband, Ken, to the Frederica Academy family.
Thank you for your continued support of our school. Go Knights!
Respectfully,
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