MSSM Announces New Executive Director
The Board of Trustees of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics has appointed Rob Constantine as its next Executive Director, replacing Sam Critchlow, whose last day is June 30, 2023.
Constantine, who served most recently as Chief Financial Officer of the White Mountain School in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, is scheduled to start July 1, 2023.
“I couldn’t be more pleased that Rob has agreed to serve as MSSM’s next Executive Director,” shared MSSM Board of Trustees Chair, Joe Siddiqui. “He brings a strong background of leadership in educational settings and has an enthusiasm for our school that is immediately evident. I have full confidence that Rob is the right person to not only continue the incredible legacy that MSSM has established for nearly thirty years, but to also take our school to the next level in its development.”
“I am so honored and humbled to be selected as the next executive director of MSSM,” said Constantine. “So much remarkable work goes into forming and maintaining successful intentional learning communities. I am grateful for the dedication and energy that others have devoted to making MSSM the place it is today. I look forward to helping build on this foundation - ensuring academic excellence in a supportive community - while also guiding the School through the challenges of today and positioning it for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Constantine served as the CFO of the White Mountain School from 2014 through 2022, overseeing all aspects of finance, human resources, and operating functions. As a senior member of the administration, he oversaw strategic planning and daily operations, along with the development of operational and capital budgets. During his time at White Mountain School, he managed over $7.5 million in construction and renovation projects, expanded the school’s prospectus of major donors, and put in place initiatives to improve acquisition and retention of faculty and staff. In addition, Constantine was dedicated to the success of residential life by engaging with students in a variety of roles, from administrator on duty, to serving as a coach, seminar leader, and dinner host.
Constantine received his B.S. in Applied Sociology and Organizational Analysis from the University of Rhode Island and his M.S. in Sociology from Emory University. His past professional experiences include Associate Director of Development at Kimball Union Academy, Vice President for Advancement at Unity College, and Director of Advancement at White Mountain before taking on the role of CFO.
Constantine and his partner, Tess Woods, have three adult children living on their own and a twelve year old son at home. They enjoy many outdoor activities and look forward to returning to Maine and enjoying the vast array of outdoor opportunities.
“I have always valued small, intentional learning communities and their importance in the educational landscape,” explained Constantine. “These unique places have the potential to remove many of the barriers to student success and create spaces for young people to thrive. As I experienced the genuine and welcoming community that exists at MSSM, it didn’t take long to fall in love with this special place and I knew I was home!”
“It’s been a special honor to serve as chair of the search committee,” said Dr. Ray Rice, a member of the MSSM Board of Trustees. “Comprising Board members, alumni, and representatives of the MSSM staff and faculty, we were dedicated from our very first conversations not only to finding an outstanding candidate but to ensure that we would position that individual for the greatest possible success at this remarkable school. We are especially thankful to Tracy Bennett of Educators Collaborative for ensuring we had such a competitive and accomplished pool of candidates.”
“With Rob at the helm, I am very excited about what lies ahead for MSSM. It was obvious to me that he sees the magic of our institution as service to the students of Maine and he will lead us with a mind for creativity and collaboration,” said Heather Merriman, Class of 1998, MSSM Foundation Vice Chair and member of the search committee.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to offer my sincere gratitude to Sam Critchlow for the leadership that he’s provided our school over the past two years,” noted Siddiqui. “He’s challenged our board and community to be forward thinking to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for our school. We wish him the very best as he embarks upon the next leg of his journey, and want to express our appreciation for his efforts to provide a smooth leadership hand-off. His willing commitment to partner with Rob throughout this transition is invaluable. What might otherwise be a time of great uncertainty is proving to be a time of incredible excitement and hope for the school’s continued success!"