Anne Stavney has been appointed executive director of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) beginning July 2026. 

An association with 240 member schools including Blake, ISACS has two primary functions: to accredit independent schools in its 13 state region; and to offer learning opportunities and professional development to its schools’ employees, parents and trustees. ISACS mission is to “lead independent schools in providing exemplary education.”

“It was very clear to the search committee and to the ISACS Board that Anne is an accomplished and principled leader of the highest caliber,” says Alexis Wright, chair of the ISACS board of trustees, and Andy Abbott, vice chair of the ISACS board of trustees and search committee chair. “We are thrilled that she has accepted our offer, and we look forward to Anne’s leadership of ISACS in the years to come.” 

During her 13-year tenure as Head of School at Blake, Stavney has chaired several ISACS accreditation visiting teams. She currently serves as chair of the organization’s accreditation review committee and as an ISACS trustee. 

In January, Stavney announced that the 2025-26 academic year will be her last as Head of School at Blake. A national search for Blake’s next Head of School is underway. 

“I have been very involved in ISACS during my time at Blake and am thrilled to lead such a well-regarded association with significant scope and impact on independent school education,” says Stavney. “I look forward to serving Blake as Head of School in 2025-26 and to another year as part of our outstanding community.”