Leadership Transition: A Message of Gratitude and Confidence in the Future
After a decade of visionary leadership—and three transformational years leading Brewster’s expansion into Spain—Craig Gemmell will step down from his role as Head of School at Brewster Madrid, Murcia, and La Moraleja, as well as from his position as President of BA International, effective June 30.
Craig’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing Brewster’s mission to life in new international communities. Thanks to his vision and drive, Brewster Madrid opened in 2023, followed by Brewster Murcia in 2024. Both schools have quickly become thriving, mission-aligned communities grounded in academic excellence, belonging, and innovation. Brewster La Moraleja is scheduled to open in September 2025.
THE BEGINNING
Craig came on board as Brewster’s twelfth Head of School on July 1, 2015. Moving to Wolfeboro from Groton, Massachusetts, he and his family—educator Nancy Hughes and their boys, Jobe and Teddy—immersed themselves in campus life. Craig has often said he found a warm welcome from the campus community when he arrived.
Known as a disciplined but nonlinear thinker, Craig quickly and tactfully oversaw a period of transition, reshaping his leadership team. He took on a few campus issues right off the bat, including the need for tighter supervision of students 24/7 and overhauling Brewster’s cumbersome 80+ word manifesto about prepping students for college into the clear, concise mission statement every Brewster employee now knows by heart: “Brewster prepares diverse thinkers for lives of purpose.” He was also instrumental in visioning key campus master planning interventions and special capital projects, with investments in facilities for admissions, residential life, student life, and the arts.
Brewster’s serene backdrop of stunning New Hampshire lakes and mountains was a great landing spot for Craig, an avid outdoorsman, birder, and grower of dahlias. Growing up on his Connecticut family farm, and earning degrees in Ecology, Biology, and Environmental Studies, he has cultivated a lifelong relationship with the natural world, from which he draws frequent inspiration for his work.
Though a science scholar by training, Craig also brought his love of literature to his role, often quoting notable scholars, from authors Wendell Berry and C.S. Lewis to contemporary poet Billy Collins and fellow head of school Albus Dumbledore. Not one to keep his door shut, Craig’s accessibility has been his trademark. He famously gave out his cell phone number to the assembled group of parents at Orientation each year and said, sincerely, “Text or call at any time.” He made sure students knew that door was open to them, as well, and they took him up on the invitation, often stopping in for free-flowing conversation and just to check in. These seemingly small gestures and practices only bolstered what his new community of students, families, employees, alumni, and donors came to know of Craig’s warm charm, crisp humor, and unwavering belief in the importance of educating cognitively diverse learners.
LEADING THROUGH THE UNKNOWN
Craig’s time at Brewster also included an immense curveball that no one saw coming: the COVID pandemic. He led with clarity and action, pulling together close advisors who regularly assembled to not only meet the requirements of the state and federal government, but often to exceed them in an effort to create the safest environment for students, employees, and surrounding town neighbors. He asked everyone to be patient, vigilant, and—using one of his favorite words—nimble. Craig often noted that the school’s perseverance during the most frightening months of the pandemic was a true team effort among administrators, employees, students, parents, grandparents, friends, and Trustees.
NEXT STEPS
Over the next three months, Craig will continue to support Brewster through a thoughtful transition. A dedicated team of school leaders is in place to help ensure continuity and a smooth handoff. With Craig’s guidance and the strength of the leadership team he assembled, we’re confident that our international campuses will continue to flourish.
We are incredibly grateful for Craig’s many contributions to Brewster Academy and to the broader educational community. His impact on our students, faculty, and global vision will be felt for years to come.
