Tom Hood named new president, starts July 1
St. Agnes AcademySt. Dominic School is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas (Tom) Hood as t he School’s new President begi n ni ng Ju ly 1 , 2016 . Si nce 20 08 , Hood has ser ved as t he Head of School at MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, Pen nsylva nia , a n i ndependent, coeducationa l college-preparator y day school with 252 students.
“The nationwide search process, which began back in May 2015, was thorough and time-consuming and attracted a remarkable number of i mpressive candidates from around the country,” said Joe Getz, Chair of the Search Committee. “We are confident that Mr. Hood will continue to provide excellent leadership and vision for this next chapter of the School’s development. His experience, skill set and leadership abilities, combined with a strong Catholic faith, make him the ideal person to lead St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School in its mission of educating students in the Dominican tradition,” Mr. Getz added.
In 2006, Hood joined the MMI Preparatory School family as vice president and then became Head two years later. He joined the MMI administration after a 22-year career in the United States Army including four years on the faculty at the United States Mil ita r y Academy at West Point. Hood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He also has completed twelve credit units toward an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. During his military career, he was qualified as both a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot. Before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he served in various command and staff roles including serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Under his leadership at MMI, the School has maintained a studentfocused college preparatory program. MMI made significant enhancements in its academic and ext racurricu la r offeri ngs by increasing electives, rebuilding the arts program, and adding athletics for the middle school. Additionally, the School has added a student advisory program to focus on social and emotional learning and an environmental sustainability program. Hood leaves MMI on strong financial footing having led a capital campaign for facility improvements and overseeing significant enrollment growth, steady increases in Annual Giving, and increased alumni i nvolvement wit h t he School. Hood also oversaw the construction of a state-of-the-art library as well as new athletic fields for MMI’s baseball, softball and soccer programs.
While at MMI, Mr. Hood has been a strong leader who honored the traditions of the School and community, yet charted a visionary course for the School’s future, yielding a vibrant family community and excellent outcomes for students. His references described him as motivated, dedicated, personable, sincere, compassionate, and a man of high integrity. He is known as a servant-leader who never hesitates to assist others who are in need.
“My wife, Mary-Lee, and I are incredibly excited about the opportunity to join the St. Agnes AcademySt. Dominic School family,” Hood said. “We were immediately taken with the warmth of the School when we visited. The commitment to the Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service was evident in everyone we met including students, parents, faculty and staff, and alumni. Mrs. Daush’s dedicated leadership over many years has positioned this school for great success moving forward. I am humbled by the Board of Trustees’ confidence in me, and I can’t wait to start meeting the members of our new family. I look forward to our faith journey together,” he said.
Tom Hood and his wife have been married for 29 years, and they have four grown children. They are active in their parish, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Parish in Freeland, Pennsylvania, where they are both lectors and Tom serves on the parish Finance Council.