Historic moment to come for trustees and Amy Falls ’82

John Palfrey P’21, Andover’s 15th Head of School, recently shared that he plans to step down this summer to become President of the MacArthur Foundation. Currie announced both leadership changes in a March 5 letter to the community.

“Amy is a devoted trustee with broad institutional knowledge, financial savvy, and exceptional ability to engage and motivate others. We are thrilled to have her wisdom in the boardroom and guiding the search for Andover’s next Head of School,” said Currie. “Although we are saddened by the prospect of losing John—and deeply grateful for all that he has accomplished over these seven years—we are energized by what is to come.”

Falls has been a charter trustee for seven years and serves with Currie and Joe Bae ’90, P’21 as cochair of the Knowledge & Goodness Campaign. Her record of service has earned high praise across generations of alumni and parents. Her leadership on the campaign front has meant personal investment in Andover’s future, as well as strategic involvement in all facets of planning and execution.

Falls earned degrees from Georgetown University and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government; her professional experience includes positions with Morgan Stanley as managing director and global fixed income strategist. Prior to becoming chief investment officer at Rockefeller, she was Andover’s first CIO from 2005 to 2011. She built a New York-based team and managed Andover’s endowment through both prosperous and challenging times. Her non sibi portfolio is also expansive and includes seats on the boards of the Ford Foundation and Harvard Management Company.

Visiting campus earlier this month, Falls received a standing ovation when Palfrey announced her appointment to the faculty. “Amy is one of the most talented financial stewards and engaged volunteers Andover has ever seen,” he said, describing the wide range of perspectives she’s experienced, as an alumna, a parent, former staff member, benefactor, and more. “Her leadership and support have been vital to Andover’s ability to carry out its core mission of excellence and access for youth from every quarter.”

Falls credited Palfrey for “inspiring an institutional vision that continues to bear fruit.” Every aspect of the 2014 Strategic Plan is either complete or well underway. The plan was a launch pad for the historic Knowledge & Goodness Campaign. “Andover has never been stronger, from either a mission or execution standpoint,” she said. “It’s an honor—and a humbling one—to serve the school at this important time of transition and excellence.”