We are excited to announce the appointment of a Leader in Residence and our next Director of School Services to join our growing organization effective August 1, 2020.
Edvance’s mission is to further the cause of Christian education by promoting excellence in Christian schools. Time and again, we know that flourishing schools are exemplified by effective leaders of courage, competence, and character. To that end, we are structuring our team for 2020 and beyond to provide the best support for school leaders in their work.
Today’s announcement comes after much prayer, internal discussions, interviews with candidates, meetings with advisors, and consultations with affiliate school principals. We are thrilled that these two accomplished and dynamic leaders have agreed to join us in advancing Christian education in our time.
Edvance’s first Leader in Residence will be Marianne Vangoor. This is a newly created, annually appointed position, which will support school leaders in growing personally and professionally in their leadership roles. Marianne brings considerable wisdom and empathy to this role. She has 27 years of experience as a Christian school leader, most recently at Halton Hills Christian School in Georgetown, Ontario where she has served as principal and COO for the past 14 years. Under Marianne’s leadership, Halton Hills Christian School has been an example of innovative programming, strategic growth, and unique connection and contribution to its local community. Marianne is committed to having her school be a joy-filled place to learn, teach, and work, and she will bring this same spirit as Edvance’s Leader in Residence.
Marianne is eagerly looking forward to strengthening and supporting school leaders by building cohesiveness, and inspiring productive and relevant dialogue at the cohort level. “Strong leaders of character, competence, and courage can help develop our emerging leaders, ensuring our vision for education remains sound throughout the province,” Marianne said. “I firmly believe that when a leader gets better, everyone wins. I’m excited to be part of that process.”
Edvance’s next Director of School Services will be Ian Timmerman. This role provides support for Edvance’s affiliate schools in the areas of governance, administration, and operational management. Ian is a gifted administrator and thoughtful visionary who has served as principal and COO of Laurentian Hills Christian School in Kitchener, Ontario for the past 12 years. Ian brings a posture of humility, proven integrity, and commitment to serving others. His deep love for and knowledge of independent school structures and cultures equip him to provide the next generation of leadership in this area. We are confident that Edvance affiliate schools will be challenged and well-served with Ian as Director of School Services.
Ian looks forward to coming alongside school leaders to support them with structures and services that will help their school flourish. “I’m grateful to be building on the strong legacy of support provided to our schools,” Ian said. “This is an exciting time as more and more families seek out what Christian schools have to offer.”
Ian takes over this role from our outgoing Director, Ray Hendriks, who will serve in a consultative role on a part-time basis after his retirement this summer. Stay tuned for more details about opportunities to thank Ray for his significant contributions.
Please join me in welcoming Marianne and Ian to the Edvance team!