Dear Cary Academy Community,

I am delighted to share that the Board of Directors has appointed Paul Turnbull, Ph.D., as Cary Academy’s next Head of School. Paul will begin his tenure on July 1, 2027, succeeding Dr. Mike Ehrhardt following Mike’s retirement at the end of the 2026–2027 school year.

The Board sought a leader who could build on Cary Academy’s strong foundation, lead the school thoughtfully into the future, and help secure its long-term strength and success.

We searched for someone who understands what makes Cary Academy distinctive: a deep commitment to discovery, innovation, collaboration, and excellence; learning that is personal and purposeful; an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and a culture that is both ambitious and deeply connected.

Paul emerged as that leader. He brings proven head-of-school experience, strategic vision, strong alignment with Cary Academy’s mission and values, and deep expertise in advancement, governance, financial stewardship, and long-range planning.

For the past thirteen years, Paul has served as President of Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, where he has led a vibrant PK-12 school known for deeper learning, interdisciplinary programs, innovation, and strong community life.

Paul is the ideal fit for Cary Academy. He believes students thrive when they are known, challenged, and inspired. He values curiosity, belonging, and integrity. He sees technology and AI as tools to enhance the human experience, not drive it. And he approaches this opportunity with genuine respect for our mission, our people, and the strong foundation already in place.

I am deeply grateful to the Search Committee, and especially to its Chair, Monica Udell, for her outstanding leadership, as well as to the many employees, students, parents, alumni, and trustees who contributed their time, insight, and care throughout this process.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Mike Ehrhardt for his extraordinary leadership. Since 2013, he has led Cary Academy with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Because of Mike’s leadership, Cary Academy is strong, clear in its purpose, and exceptionally well positioned for what comes next. We are profoundly grateful for all he has contributed to this community and the legacy he will leave.

As we continue the work of our strategic plan, I am excited about the leadership Paul will bring to that journey. I believe he is exceptionally well prepared to help Cary Academy move into its next chapter with purpose, clarity, and momentum.

In the months ahead, the Board will work closely with Mike and Paul to support a thoughtful and successful transition. We look forward to sharing more as those plans take shape.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Paul Turnbull to Cary Academy.

With gratitude,
Trude Reich Bate
Chair, Board of Directors
Cary Academy

———————————————————————

Dear Cary Academy Community,

I am honored to join the Cary Academy community and to follow the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Mike Ehrhardt. Throughout the search process, I was continually inspired by my conversations with the students, colleagues, families, and alumni who make Cary Academy such a remarkable place. Those conversations provided a wonderful clarity for me: Cary Academy sets the standard for building and maintaining a diverse, vibrant community that prioritizes purposeful student learning. It is a true privilege to step into an environment with such a strong foundation. 

I am deeply grateful for the search committee’s wonderful organization and support over the last few months. As we look ahead, my wife, Leslie, and I are excited to make Cary our home in the summer of 2027, and I cannot wait to connect with everyone who makes the Cary Academy community so special.

Sincerely,
Paul Turnbull, Ph.D.