I hope this letter finds you enjoying the crisper January weather. Over the last couple of months, we have thought long and hard about the process of finding a new Director of External Relations to replace DeDe Chirgwin Brown, who is leaving after 23 years at Shipley. Ultimately, it became clear to us that the best person for the position was already a member of our community. With this in mind, it is a privilege to formally announce the appointment of Chris Farr as our new Director of External of Relations.

Chris is in his eleventh year as a member of the Shipley community. Hired as Director of our Annual Fund, he has served in many different roles in the office. He became our Associate Director in 2002. Bright, affable, innovative, and committed, Chris is among the most respected and well-liked people in the School. He has earned the support of his colleagues in and out of the office. In fact, when I announced his appointment to his colleagues in External Relations, they responded with a resounding cheer and great enthusiasm. As one member of the community said to me, “Chris is what schools are all about. He does it all, and he does it well!”

An English major at Middlebury College, Chris began his professional life as an English teacher, but has spent most of his career in fundraising. An avid sportsman, he enjoys his family, coaches his sons in youth sports, and plays ice hockey. Chris and his wife, Christin, live in Bala Cynwyd with their two sons, Keagan and Henry. The boys, who joined us in Pre-K, are now in 5th and 4th grade respectively.

Chris is a wonderful person. You will enjoy getting to know him, and I know he will do a fabulous job. Please join me in welcoming him to the position!

Warmest regards,
 
Steven S. Piltch
Head of School