The Board of Trustees announces with great pleasure that David Perfield P’29 will serve as the 24th Head of New Hampton School beginning July 1, 2026.
David is a seasoned leader with nearly 25 years of experience in independent schools and extensive expertise in strategic planning, program development, and institutional growth. His career began as a classroom teacher, coach, dorm parent, and advisor right here in Husky Nation. After five years of teaching Biology, David spent two years in the Admissions Office before moving into a fundraising role and traveling the globe for three years. In 2011, he began a seven-year stint at Cardigan Mountain School, where he served as Director of Development and later as Assistant Head of School, leading strategic planning efforts and raising more than $36 million for capital improvements and endowment initiatives. David then became Head of School at Oldfields School in 2018, where he revitalized the mission statement and set a vision designed to enhance the student learning experience and advance the school’s financial sustainability. In 2022, he returned to New Hampton School as Assistant Head of School, charged with managing the daily operations of the School and utilizing his vast leadership skills and long-standing connection to the NHS community to enhance the student and faculty experience.
“I am incredibly honored to be named the next Head of School and sincerely thank the Search Committee and Board of Trustees for their confidence in me. I will be forever grateful to Joe Williams for the opportunity to return to NHS in 2022 and for his mentorship and partnership since. As I begin this transition and build on the momentum that already exists throughout Husky Nation, I want you to know I am committed to the School’s mission and purpose. New Hampton is a place where students find their passions, believe in themselves, and gain the skills and confidence to succeed in college and wherever life’s journey will lead.”
David’s selection follows a comprehensive international search conducted in partnership with the consulting firm Educators Collaborative. From an initial pool of applicants, 17 highly qualified candidates were presented for consideration. After interviews with eight semi-finalists, the search committee invited four finalists to campus for extensive two-day interviews with students, parents, faculty, and staff. Throughout the process, David stood out for his passion for the New Hampton School community, his extensive leadership experience, and his forward-looking vision for advancing programmatic innovation and excellence.
“David’s deep commitment to the school, his integrity, and proven leadership will guide New Hampton into its next chapter of growth and distinction,” says Chair of the Board of Trustees Clare K. Rothschild P’15. “We congratulate David and look forward to working alongside him in pursuit of our shared mission: inspiring lifelong learners who engage as active global citizens.”
Already a familiar presence on campus, David lives with his wife, Lisa—an alumna of New Hampton School’s Class of 2001—and their two daughters, Anna ’29 and Lexi. In the months ahead, he will work closely with current Head of School Joe Williams to ensure a thoughtful handover of responsibilities. Over the summer, David and his family will move into Smith House, the historic home of New Hampton heads of school, continuing a proud tradition of on-campus leadership. Profoundly connected to the school and its community through his strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and trustees, David combines institutional knowledge with personal commitment to the place he and his family call home, positioning him to step confidently into his new role while fostering continuity, growth, and excellence across campus.
David’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for New Hampton School. With his proven leadership, ability to motivate and inspire others, and forward-looking vision, the School is well-positioned to continue advancing its mission and inspiring Huskies for generations to come.
