Article from The International Educator Vol. 33 No 4 April 2019

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Andy Page-Smith as the new CEO of the Academy of International School Heads (AISH), effectively July 2020. Andy brings almost 40 years of service as a professional educator, including 18 years as a Head of School in Kuwait, Hong Kong, and currently in Johannesburg.

In addition to his time and commitment as a teacher, principal, and Head of School, Andy has served as a professional learning consultant in a variety of schools offering a wide range of expertise and support. AISH is extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished and distinguished international school leader as its next CEO.

Andy will succeed Dr. Deb Welch, who has been CEO since 2015 and who has done a remarkable job of facilitating the growth and development of the organization. We congratulate Deb for all that she has done to lead the organization to its current position of stability and strength. Deb will remain at the helm of AISH until July 2020, at which time Andy will assume his new role.

Our organization is at its largest ever, counting 450 individual members (Heads and Deputy Heads of international schools). The AISH standards are being used more and more by Heads around the world and are providing a research-based tool for their growth and development. Because of its expansion and the growing member requests for support and advocacy, AISH has teamed up with Global Online Academy to offer a series of professional learning modules facilitated by experienced colleagues.

OASIS day drew over 120 as a type of "pre-conference" to Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) Conference. The Summer Seminar continues to receive extremely positive reviews from attendees each year. And of course, AISHnet continues to provide "just in time" advice and support for those questions, problems, or concerns that need immediate attention.

Andy will be the fourth CEO as AISH enters its 21st year, following in the footsteps of founding CEO Clark Kirkpatrick, succeeded by Bambi Betts, and then of course Deb Welch - all distinguished and accomplished international school leaders. AISH has been fortunate to have had a tradition of strong leadership and we are confident in Andy's ability to take AISH forward.

We anticipate a smooth leadership transition over the next 18 months while we continue to work hard to support and advocate for our membership. In the meantime, congratulations to Andy on his successful appointment.

By Chip Barder, AISH President (UNIS Hanoi's Alumni Head of School)