The Harley School is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ryan Kimmet ’95 as its next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. The decision, unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees and the Head of School Search Committee, follows a national search and widespread, enthusiastic endorsement from the Harley community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan back home to Harley,” said Ted Townsend ’98, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Not only does he embody every quality our community hoped for in a leader, but his energy, passion for independent education, and deep love for Harley truly set him apart.”
Dr. Kimmet brings over two decades of experience in independent schools, marked by a strong record of leadership and innovation. Since 2021, he has served as Head of School at Elmwood Franklin School in Buffalo, where he oversaw strategic initiatives that led to enrollment growth, financial stability, and a successful endowment campaign. His previous roles include Associate Head of School at Greene Street Friends School in Philadelphia and teacher and administrator at New Canaan Country School in Connecticut.
A passionate advocate for educational equity, Dr. Kimmet has also been deeply involved in the Horizons program throughout his career, launching and supporting initiatives that expand learning opportunities for under-resourced students. His work aligns closely with Harley’s long-standing commitment to equity through its own Horizons program—one of the oldest affiliates in the nation.
An alumnus of the Class of 1995, Dr. Kimmet embodies Harley’s core values of “Joy in Learning” and “Become What Thou Art.” While his connection to the school is personal, the Search Committee and Board emphasized that it was his impressive accomplishments, thoughtful leadership style, and alignment with Harley’s mission that ultimately made him the ideal choice to lead the school into the future.
“I’m honored to return to Harley—the place that first opened my eyes to the transformative power of education,” Dr. Kimmet said. “On my recent visit, I was inspired to see how the school has evolved while staying true to its heart. I’m deeply grateful to Transitional Head of School Kathryn Kaiser and to the Board for their steadfast leadership and vision.”
He added, “Harley is a rare and special community—one that embraces joyful learning, celebrates diversity and inclusivity, and challenges students in meaningful, lasting ways. My family and I are filled with gratitude and excitement as we prepare to rejoin this remarkable school.”
Dr. Kimmet holds a B.A. in English from Skidmore College, an M.A. in the Teaching of English and an M.Ed. in School Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his wife, Leah, their two children, Trainor and Posy, and their dogs, Stanley and Paxter.
The Harley School community looks forward to welcoming Dr. Kimmet and his family as they return to campus and begin an exciting new chapter in the school’s history.
