March 8, 2012

Dear Members of the Maryvale Community,

On behalf of Maryvale Preparatory School and the Board of Trustees, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Tracey Ford as the next President of Maryvale Preparatory School effective July 1, 2012. Mrs. Ford will succeed Sister Shawn Marie Maguire, SND, President and Headmistress. Sister Shawn’s dedicated service and distinguished leadership has advanced Maryvale’s mission for more than 30 years and we are grateful for her commitment to the school.

A seasoned Catholic independent school and higher educational professional with over 25 years of experience, Mrs. Ford comes to Maryvale from Towson University where she has been the Director of Development since 2008. Prior to working at Towson University, she served as the Assistant Head of School for Advancement at St. Paul’s School for Girls from 1999–2008, and Director of Development at Notre Dame Preparatory School from 1981–1999.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Mrs. Ford holds a Master of Administrative Science from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

Having spent most of her educational and administrative career in all-girls’ schools, Mrs. Ford is deeply committed to the transformational power of an all-girls’ education. Her dedication to Catholic education and her understanding of the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur makes her an excellent choice as the first lay leader of Maryvale. Mrs. Ford possesses a strong understanding of Maryvale, having served on the school’s Board of Trustees. She is prepared and energized to lead the school with respect for the past and passion for the future.

This appointment is the culmination of a thoughtful and thorough regional and national search completed by Maryvale’s Search Committee. We extend our gratitude to the trustees, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae and students who worked diligently during this comprehensive process.

We are honored to attract a new president of Mrs. Ford’s distinguished scholarship and breadth of experience. The Board of Trustees has the utmost confidence in her ability to lead Maryvale and continue its long tradition of academic excellence. Mrs. Ford looks forward to developing relationships with members of the community, including students, parents, teachers and staff during the months ahead.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Ford, her husband, Tom and their two children into the Maryvale community.

Sincerely,

J. Brian Jarboe                                  Elizabeth Lerch Visconage '74 
Chair, Board of Trustees                 Chair, Search Committee