BROOKHAVEN, GA – St. Martin’s Episcopal School has named a new head of school, Luis A. Ottley, Ed. D., to lead the charge for the pre-school through eighth grade school beginning Jul. 1, 2017.  Ottley will be the third head of school in the history of St. Martin’s.

Ottley will join St. Martin’s from Mill Valley, Ca. where he is the head of school at Marin Horizon School, a pre-school through eighth grade day school.  Ottley has held that post since 2011 and prior to that he served as middle school principal at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Bronx, NY.  Ottley is a native of the Republic of Panama and brings more than 26 years of independent school experience in the U.S. to his new role.  Ottley will replace the Rev. Dr. James Hamner who has led St. Martin’s as its headmaster for 17 years.

The St. Martin’s board of trustees’ decision to select Ottley was the culmination of a thorough search process involving independent school consultants Carney, Sandoe & Associates and an extensive international search. Candidates were vetted and several finalists met with a variety of St. Martin’s constituents for on-campus interviews. “We are excited for our entire school community to bring Luis to St. Martin’s as our new head of school,” said Richard Jaynes, chair of the board of trustees.  “His authentic style and ability to connect with people created an energy that electrified our campus. Our due-diligence confirmed his proven leadership skills and we are confident his success will continue at St. Martin’s.” 

Ottley, a lifelong Episcopalian, will be relocating to the Atlanta area in the spring and is pleased to be joining an Episcopal school.  “Having had the opportunity to visit the school and meet so many members of the community, I feel reassured in my initial assessment,” said Ottley.  “I am excited to be given the opportunity to join St. Martin’s and I look forward to my tenure at the school with much anticipation.”

St. Martin’s Episcopal School was established in 1959 and offers education for more than 600 students in pre-school through eighth grade.  St. Martin’s is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.