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Dear Taft Community:
Since my announcement that 2022-2023 would be my final year as head of school, you have received a number of communications and updates from the school or the Search Committee, and this letter can be added to that shelf. I write to share how as we enter this moment of transition, the school is very well positioned.
It is with both gratitude and excitement that I share the news following our recent meeting of the Board of Trustees that effective the academic year 2023-2024, Taft’s board will be chaired by Sarkis Izmirlian ’90, P ’20, ’22, ’24, and Grant Porter ’69, P ’00 will serve as Chairman Emeritus. This decision comes with the unanimous support of the Governance Committee as well as the full board. Grant has been an incredible chair, and Sarkis, who knows Taft as a graduate, parent and trustee, will bring a deep understanding of and love for the school.
Grant shares, “I am very grateful for my two decades of service on the Board of Taft. I have met some amazing people over the years: past and present trustees, faculty, staff, parents and students. In the past few years, I have worked very closely with Sarkis in his roles as Co-Head of the Search Committee and Co-Head of Advancement and Vice Chairman, where he has exhibited exceptional talent and dedication to the Taft Community. I am pleased to hand the reins to someone whose love for the school is second to none. It is time for the next generation of trustee leadership to accompany the next Head of School. I look forward to assisting in this important transition in any way I can in my new role as Chair Emeritus.”
In his two decades of trusteeship and six years as chair, Grant’s leadership has been extraordinary, and the Taft community owes a deep debt of gratitude for all he has done. In an era of dynamic and complex change, he has led with the steadiest, wisest and strongest hand. His ability to understand and simplify complex strategic challenges is rare. His touch in running meetings marked by respect, inclusivity and listening is unique. His commitment to a strong, healthy and welcoming school culture has been unwavering. His generosity in supporting Taft has been inspiring. And on a more personal note, his partnership and friendship in my work cannot be priced. Grant Porter is Taft’s motto of service.
Of Grant, Sarkis shares, “I want to thank Grant for his decades-long leadership as a trustee and board chair. Grant’s dedication, care and generosity have put us in the incredibly strong position we are in today. I also want to thank him for staying on as Chair Emeritus during this critical transition year for the new head of school. I look forward to working with him and building on Taft’s success during my own tenure as chair.”
Grant and I are excited about this new chapter for Taft, and I am delighted he is willing to remain on in the emeritus role. I have often said that Taft has the finest board “in the business”: men and women of singular vision, passion and expertise. The next head of school will be incredibly fortunate. By every measure, Taft is strong and thriving.
But we should end where I began: in gratitude. In my years as head of school, I have been blessed to have worked with and for four amazing chairs. Grant has embodied the best in leadership and governance, and the traditions, practices and culture of Taft’s Board of Trustees will continue as we move into a period of really exciting change for Taft. He leaves a legacy that will shape Taft for years to come, and I speak for many in saying, “Thank you, Grant.”
Non Ut Sibi,
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