Introducing Browne Academy’s Sixth Head of School – Rob Mitchell

We are proud to announce an exciting new chapter in the life of Browne Academy. After a comprehensive national search, the Board of Trustees is delighted to share that Mr. Rob Mitchell has been appointed our next Head of School, beginning July 1, 2026. Mr. Mitchell will succeed Peggy Otey, whose extraordinary leadership and dedication will be celebrated as she retires at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Mr. Mitchell joins Browne Academy from Morristown Beard School in New Jersey, where he serves on the senior leadership team and has led key initiatives in enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and student retention. He directed a cross-functional team spanning admissions, recruitment, and financial aid, strengthening the school’s commitment to building an inclusive and diverse community.

He was selected not only for his outstanding leadership experience but also for his deep passion for child-centered, transformational education. In his own words:

“Truly impactful education is not transactional. It is not merely a job to be done. It most certainly should be an endeavor of love for teachers, students, administrators, and parents alike.… Learning occurs everywhere, all of the time, whether we are actively conscious of it or oblivious to the moment. Given this, schools should be places where the learning process is as important as the outcome, where the stakeholders value learning as an end in and of itself and not just a means to achieve a goal. I believe education should be transformational for individuals, families, and communities by cultivating a foundation of life-long learning.”

Rob and his wife, Eunice, are proud parents of three grown children and are excited to begin their next chapter as empty nesters in Northern Virginia. Rob brings a wide array of interests to our community—he is a professional music producer and recording engineer, and he enjoys home improvement projects, following sports, and exploring the world of investing.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Rob Mitchell to the Browne Academy community. We are excited about the future under his leadership.