Title: Headmaster
Company: Millwood School
Location: Midlothian, Virginia, United States
Christopher Thomas Ryan, MBA, Headmaster at Millwood School, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Educational Leadership.
Mr. Ryan has established himself as a distinguished leader in the field of education, currently serving as the headmaster at Millwood School in Midlothian, Virginia. Since 2017, he has been instrumental in overseeing all aspects of the institution, working closely with the board to establish a robust strategy for the school’s future. His efforts focus on growing enrollment, establishing a clear vision and ensuring that operations align with that vision. Mr. Ryan’s commitment to educational excellence is also evident in his daily interactions with students and faculty, where he collaborates with principals, visits classrooms and evaluates teachers.
Before securing his position at Millwood School, Mr. Ryan served as high school principal at Carrollwood Day School in North Tampa from 2013 to 2017. His tenure was marked by significant contributions and impactful leadership, as he managed 50 direct reports and oversaw 380 students. He tackled discipline challenges and organized extracurricular activities and sports while earning the trust and respect of his team through constructive feedback and advocacy. Notably, Mr. Ryan successfully led a $2 million capital campaign to build a gym and athletic field, which was completed before his departure.
From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Ryan excelled as the deputy head at the British International School of Washington in Washington, D.C. His expertise in curriculum development and educational leadership was further honed during this period. Earlier, Mr. Ryan spent over a decade as the assistant principal at Washington International School, a coeducational independent school in Washington, D.C., beginning in 1999.
Mr. Ryan’s career began outside of education as a coach for Manchester City Football Club from 1993 to 1999, during which he was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2003. Concurrently, he worked as a technical sales engineer at Formation Ltd. in Manchester between 1995 and 1999. Mr. Ryan’s diverse background has contributed to his comprehensive understanding of leadership and management.
Highly educated, Mr. Ryan’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering, with honors, from The Manchester Metropolitan University in 1993. He also received a postgraduate certificate in secondary education from The Manchester Metropolitan University in 1994, followed by a Master of Science in international education from Nova Southeastern University in 2011, a certificate of international school leadership in 2015, and a Master of Arts in management from Harvard University in 2021.
Mr. Ryan is an active member of several industry-related organizations, including the Academy for International School Heads, the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Independent Schools.
Mr. Ryan attributes his success to resilience and optimism, emphasizing his refusal to let challenging times define him. This perspective has been crucial throughout his career, particularly when revitalizing struggling schools facing financial instability. Mr. Ryan’s ability to navigate crises and recognize growth opportunities has been instrumental in achieving stability and fostering growth within educational institutions.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ryan envisions launching a capital campaign to develop state-of-the-art facilities at Millwood School, leveraging the school’s legacy and community support to fulfill the vision of the board, the school and its parents. Committed to remaining actively involved, he is prioritizing hands-on engagement rather than being a figurehead, ensuring progress toward this long-term goal.
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