SAVANNAH, GA, 2/1/23 – The Habersham School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Pat McCarty as the next Head of School, effective March 1, 2023.
McCarty’s appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search from which 20 individuals applied, with the Board of Trustees ultimately vetting four finalists. McCarty was unanimously selected due to his strong Christian faith, his strength as a leader, and his successful history in leading top Christian schools across the United States.
`“I could not be more thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. McCarty,” said Dr. Byron Colley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Pat exemplifies every quality we were looking for in a Head of School and I feel confident we have found the right person to lead Habersham into our next exciting season as a school.”
A veteran in education, McCarty joins The Habersham School having most recently served as Head of School at Oakland Christian School in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with prior stints as Head of School at Christian Unified Schools of San Diego and Norfolk Christian Schools. Before making a career change to education, Mr. McCarty had an extensive career in the finance, publishing, and medical sectors, a background he says has served him well as a Head of School.
“I have been overwhelmed by the Lord’s call to join The Habersham School family and my wife and I are very excited about moving to the great state of Georgia,” said McCarty. “I see a great future for the school with numerous opportunities to impact children with a quality education that prepares them to discover, mature and use their God-given gifts for His glory. These are exciting times for schools like Habersham that have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to helping children learn how to navigate the many challenges that exist in today’s culture. Our prayer is to prepare them so that they will make God-honoring decisions with clarity and integrity grounded in Truth.”
McCarty holds a Master of Education from Regent University, a Master of Biblical Studies from Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, West Point, and will soon be a Colson Fellow upon graduation in May 2023. Additionally, he currently serves as a Field Director for the Association of Christian Schools International.
High school sweethearts who married after college, McCarty and his wife Sandy have three grown children, Devon, Cassandra, and Brendan, and two grandchildren. McCarty credits Sandy as the “senior educator” in the family, with her having left the corporate world for the classroom five years prior to his career change to education. Sandy currently serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Oakland Christian School.
McCarty is highly involved not only in the field of education, but also throughout his community, currently serving as an Ambassador for the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce, the committee chair for the Rochester Area Prayer Breakfast, and a board member for the Virginia Beach Theological Seminary. Additionally, he has served as a member and/or board member for the following organizations: the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability, Toby’s Dream Foundation, West Point Society of Hampton Roads, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia, USMA Association of Graduates, American Freedom Foundation, and American Alpine Association & Colorado Mountain Club.
“I am delighted that Mr. Pat McCarty has accepted the Board of Trustees’ offer to lead The Habersham School into the future,’ said outgoing Interim Head of School, Bill McGee. “I have known Pat for over a decade and have watched him capably and successfully lead three diverse Christian schools in different regions of the country. Through my conversations with him, I know that he is genuinely excited about this opportunity and looks forward to moving to Savannah with his sweet wife, Sandy. The Habersham community will greatly benefit from his experience, maturity, wisdom, and leadership.”
Habersham is getting a good man with Pat McCarty. I had an opportunity to work with Pat at Norfolk Christian School and it was certainly a pleasure. A very professional and personable operator, he brings all those qualities needed as a head of school. I think Habersham will benefit greatly from his presence. Pat is just a pleasure to be around. We have joked together many times, but all in good fun – he a West Point grad and I, Naval Academy, we certainly enjoyed our friendship despite being on opposite poles on Army-Navy weekend. You’ll certainly enjoy having Pat and Sandy in your midst. They’ll blend in quickly. I look forward to observing Habersham’s progress under his leadership. Am praying that the Holy Spirit might lead Pat and your school as you move forward in discipling young hearts and lives in the Kingdom. ~ Captain Hank Prevette, USN Ret