Columbia’s Heathwood Hall Episcopal School names new head

Christopher P. “Chris” Hinchey has been named the new head of school at Heathwood Hall Episcopal in Columbia, the board of trustees announced Monday.

Hinchey is a familiar face at the private school, having served previously as head of Heathwood’s Upper School since 2013.

“The board has the utmost confidence in Chris; he has demonstrated the passion, energy, and leadership to ensure that our school is an outstanding educational experience for each of our students,” said Jay Hennig, board chairman, in a news release.

Hinchey’s appointment is effective July 1. He replaces Michael Heath, who announced earlier this spring that he would step down effective June 30.

Hinchey began his career as an independent school educator in 1991 at Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Conn., where he was as a geology teacher, basketball coach, and dorm parent. In 1994, he joined the faculty at Salisbury School, also in Connecticut, where he resided for 19 years and served as a life science teacher, varsity basketball and baseball coach, dean of students, and dean of faculty.

“Heathwood has a rich history and has earned a national reputation for educational leadership,” Hinchey said in a statement. “I am excited to work with faculty and staff to preserve Heathwood’s traditions while also reclaiming our presence among the nation’s most innovative independent schools.”

Hinchey has a bachelor’s in biology from Trinity College, a masters in liberal studies from Wesleyan University and a master in educational school of leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Chris and his wife Heather have three children, all students at Heathwood Hall.

Heathwood serves students ages 3 through 12th grade.

This story was originally published June 22, 2015 at 9:21 PM with the headline "Columbia’s Heathwood Hall Episcopal School names new head."