Hammond Headmaster Chris Angel named 10th Headmaster of Baylor School

Chris Angel, headmaster of Hammond School for the past 11 years, has been named headmaster of Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee beginning July 2021.

Hammond, an independent school offering students pre-kindergarten through grade 12 a thoughtfully developed academic experience, announces that Headmaster Chris Angel, a 1989 graduate of Baylor School, has been named Headmaster of Baylor School effective July 2021. Hammond’s Board of Trustees unanimously votes to name Hammond Middle School Head Andy North to replace Angel.

Angel has served as headmaster at Hammond since 2009, where he previously held the position of head of upper school from 2002. He began his career at his alma mater, Baylor School, where he held a teaching position and several leadership roles. During his tenure at Hammond, the school has seen unprecedented growth through the expansion of unique academic offerings, experiential education opportunities, national recognition among secondary schools, and an expanded footprint to include state-of-the-art facilities and co-curricular programs. Under his leadership, the athletic department was named three-time winner of South Carolina’s most prestigious athletic award, the arts developed an international repertoire, and community service offerings were expanded school-wide.

After learning that Angel would be leaving Hammond, the school’s Board of Trustees created a search committee that partnered with consultants from Carney, Sandoe & Associates, one of the country’s preeminent leadership consulting firms for K-12 schools. It quickly became apparent that the Head of School who could lead Hammond most capably moving forward was already working in the school.

North joined Hammond as Head of Middle School in 2019, following 11 years at the Episcopal School of Acadiana, which included various teaching and administrative roles, progressing to Head of Upper School. The Hammond community has been impressed not only with his ability to inspire, but also with the rapport he has developed with faculty, students, and parents alike. His former colleagues at ESA similarly praise his collaborative leadership style, student-centered approach, and breadth of experience.

According to Angel, “Leaving Hammond in capable hands is very personal. We’ve worked hard to build a school that rivals the finest, and ensuring our mission and vision continue is critical. A year ago, we sought out Andy North, a champion of independent schools who has established himself as a thought leader in the industry.  Since July, he has capably led our Middle School. A native of South Carolina, and a product of independent schools, he is uniquely poised to step into the role of headmaster, and has received the unanimous support of our Board of Trustees.  The next 15 months will allow us to work side-by-side to ensure a seamless transition. Without reservation, I am confident he will lead and guide this school community to even greater success. More importantly, I know that Andy is the right fit for Hammond.”

According to Hammond Board Chairman Read Folline, “Hammond has been extremely fortunate to have a headmaster of Chris Angel’s caliber at the helm. His steadfast devotion to this school and community has been integral to the success we have experienced under his leadership. While we at Hammond will miss Chris, we consider his appointment a vote of confidence in our school and all that we have accomplished alongside Chris.”

Angel will continue to serve as headmaster at Hammond through the 2020-21 academic year as North transitions into his new role.

About Hammond School

Hammond School embraces a future-focused philosophy. The school is committed to instilling in students academic excellence, harnessing the power of curiosity, and helping develop empathetic and global leaders through a well-rounded curriculum.