Williamsburg Christian Academy Announces Leadership Transition
Williamsburg Christian Academy (WCA) announced in early October that Johnny Graham, who has served as Head of School since 2019, will be stepping down at the end of the 2024-25 academic year to accept a leadership position at Vanguard College Preparatory School in Texas. The WCA Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Mark Kirk, the academy’s current Lower School Dean, as the new Head of School beginning in June 2025.
Since joining WCA in 2019, Mr. Graham has played a pivotal role in strengthening the academy’s academic and operational foundation. Under his leadership, the school has implemented best-practice protocols, enhanced curriculum across eight major areas, expanded faculty development programs, and experienced significant enrollment growth. Additionally, WCA has achieved dual accreditation and is now one of North America’s few evangelical Christian Pre-K through 12 International Baccalaureate continuum schools. Additionally, Mr. Graham stabilized WCA’s leadership following five senior administrative changes between 2015-2019.
Recognizing the importance of a seamless leadership transition, WCA’s Board of Directors conducted a rigorous national search for the next Head of School. Beginning in early October, a search consultant led an extensive process that attracted twenty-one highly qualified candidates. Following multiple interview rounds—including Zoom interviews, on-campus visits, and in-depth evaluations by the Board, faculty, and staff—the Board narrowed the pool to two finalists. Each finalist underwent a comprehensive background check and deep vetting process before the Board reached its final decision.
After prayerful consideration, the Board has selected Mark Kirk as WCA’s next Head of School. Mr. Kirk, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication as Lower School Dean, will work closely with Mr. Graham over the next several months in a structured transition process to ensure continuity and stability for the school community.
“It is with great excitement to announce that the Board of Directors unanimously voted to hire Mark Kirk as the new Head of School. He will work alongside our current Head of School, Johnny Graham, to transition into his role, which officially starts in June of 2025. We are grateful for Mr. Graham’s tireless work over the past 6 years and wish him the very best in his coming role.” -Matt Leffler, WCA Board President
“It is a wonderful blessing and honor to be given the opportunity to lead Williamsburg Christian Academy as the Head of School starting next school year. I’m thankful to serve in the ministry in this capacity at WCA and to do God’s work. I’m grateful for Johnny Graham’s leadership and look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.” -Mark Mirk, WCA Head of School-Elect
In addition to this leadership change, Dr. Valerie Taylor will assume the role of Lower School Dean in June 2025. Dr. Taylor, who currently serves as WCA’s Lower School Learning Facilitator Coach and Primary Years Programme Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She was a founding faculty member of Hampton Roads Academy’s Lower School and has been instrumental in mentoring and modeling best practices for WCA’s educators.
“In answering God’s call to serve WCA, our only objective has been to acquiesce to His perfect will. I want to thank WCA’s Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve this phenomenal community. Although the Lord has called us to a new assignment in Texas, Kim and I are thankful for our time in Williamsburg and know that the Lord has used us to leave the ministry in a better condition than we found it a few years ago. Mark Kirk will make a phenomenal Head of the School. Appointing a current administrative team member as its Head of School-elect means that the Board is ready to build upon the ministry’s growth over the last six years and reap the harvest that awaits it following the recent planting season. During the recent Head of School search process, the Board saw the same qualities in Mark that I observed last year when I hired him as Lower School Dean. For the next four months, Mark will work closely by my side in leadership transition meetings as he prepares for the Head of School role in June 2025.” -Johnny Graham, current WCA Head of School
Williamsburg Christian Academy remains deeply grateful for Johnny Graham’s service and leadership over the past six years. As the school looks toward the future, the Board, faculty, and staff are confident that Mark Kirk will continue to advance WCA’s mission of inspiring students to become Christ-centered leaders who serve our global community.
To learn more about Williamsburg Christian Academy or to schedule a tour go to williamsburgchristian.org.
Author
