Celebrating Two Campus Leaders: Stacy Rivard and Keith McConnell Step Into New Chapters
On Sunday of reunion weekend, alumni had the chance to celebrate the careers of two division heads who have had a great impact on program and place during their time at Cranbrook Schools. Stacy Rivard, Head of the Girls Middle School is retiring after 23 years, and Keith McConnell, steps down as Head of Brookside Lower School since 2012.
At the brunch, Director of Schools Dr. Jeff Suzik offered a heartfelt tribute to both educators.
“While the school has evolved in many ways,” Suzik said, “I want to highlight two people whose leadership shows that the values so many of you remember—creativity, curiosity, confidence, and care—are still very much at the heart of this place.”
A Champion for Empowering Girls
Stacy Rivard joined Cranbrook in 2003 and has led the Girls Middle School for 23 years with both strength and compassion. Her belief in the power of girls discovering their voices has been at the core of her leadership. For alumni who remember the all-girls environment through graduation, Stacy’s work reflects that same deep commitment to helping young women find confidence, purpose, and perspective.
Stacy Rivard joined Cranbrook in 2003 and has led the Girls Middle School for 23 years with both strength and compassion. Her belief in the power of girls discovering their voices has been at the core of her leadership. For alumni who remember the all-girls environment through graduation, Stacy’s work reflects that same deep commitment to helping young women find confidence, purpose, and perspective.
She has also been a fierce supporter of faculty, fostering a culture where teachers are trusted to innovate and where student-centered learning flourishes. Her dedication to both structure and emotional growth has left a lasting mark on students, colleagues, and families.
Keeping the Magic of Brookside Alive
Since 2012, Keith McConnell has led Brookside with a mix of energy, joy, and deep respect for childhood. His leadership has protected what many alumni refer to as “the magic of Brookside”—a hands-on, play-rich, and imagination-driven environment where children feel safe, seen, and excited to learn.
Since 2012, Keith McConnell has led Brookside with a mix of energy, joy, and deep respect for childhood. His leadership has protected what many alumni refer to as “the magic of Brookside”—a hands-on, play-rich, and imagination-driven environment where children feel safe, seen, and excited to learn.
“Keith brought his whole self to the role,” said Suzik. “He kept Brookside joyful, kid-centric, and full of the spark that makes children excited to come to school each day.” His sense of humor, collaborative leadership, and commitment to child-first education has made him a beloved figure on campus.
A Lasting Impact
Together, Stacy and Keith have led with intention and heart, shaping the educational journeys of countless Cranbrook students from their earliest years through adolescence. As Suzik noted, “They’ve reminded all of us why the work of education matters.”
Together, Stacy and Keith have led with intention and heart, shaping the educational journeys of countless Cranbrook students from their earliest years through adolescence. As Suzik noted, “They’ve reminded all of us why the work of education matters.”
Though they are stepping away from their day-to-day roles, both will remain part of the Cranbrook story—leaders who helped carry forward the values that generations of alumni continue to recognize and appreciate.
Both divisions will be in good hands come fall. After an extensive search, Tony Shawe has been named the next Head of the Middle School for Girls. He will have support from Loren Roumell '99, who has will serve as interim Dean of Students Middle School for Girls (MSG) for 2025-2026. Longtime Brookside Assistant Head Kai Benjamin Robinson '76 will serve as Brookside’s Interim Head as the formal search launches this summer. Leave well wishes on Stacy and Keith's virtual sharing pages:
For Stacy Rivard: https://padlet.com/CKshares/Rivard
For Keith McConnell: https://padlet.com/CKshares/McConnell
Both divisions will be in good hands come fall. After an extensive search, Tony Shawe has been named the next Head of the Middle School for Girls. He will have support from Loren Roumell '99, who has will serve as interim Dean of Students Middle School for Girls (MSG) for 2025-2026. Longtime Brookside Assistant Head Kai Benjamin Robinson '76 will serve as Brookside’s Interim Head as the formal search launches this summer.
For Stacy Rivard: https://padlet.com/CKshares/Rivard
For Keith McConnell: https://padlet.com/CKshares/McConnell
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