After serving on the Board for four years and holding the position of treasurer the last two years, Parker parent Brent Gledhill is taking on the role of Board President.

Gledhill was recommended by the Board’s Trustee Committee, which, according to the Chair of the Trustee Committee Stephanie Lieber, presents to the Board the names of persons for election as Trustees-at-Large, Officers, Honorary Trustees, and Life Trustees.

“It was a very involved and thorough process,” Jonathan Marks, the former Board President of six years, said. “We thought about all of the Board members, and what the future needs of the Board and school were.”

After discussions and deliberations, the Trustee Committee came forward with a recommendation, which was approved by the remaining members of the Board.

According to Gledhill, he agreed to accept the position in order to do his best to help perpetuate the success of the great institution and community that is Parker.

“I have seen many schools through my own educational experience, my children’s experience, and a number of volunteer roles,” Gledhill said, “With that frame of reference, I appreciate just how unique and powerful the Parker experience can be. At Parker, I see students discover their voice, find their identity, ground their self-confidence, and nurture an empathy for others.”

As rewarding as the role is, according to Marks, being the Board President comes with many challenges.  

“I think a lot of people remember how not everyone was excited when we were considering changing the field three years ago,” Marks said. “There were moments where people were concerned, and I had to deal with a variety of issues with the neighborhood and the Parker community.  It was a lot of work, but now we have a great field.”

According to Lieber, Gledhill’s past experience and background in finance and work within the Parker community set him up well for success.

“Brent has many great qualities which will make him a good president,” Marks said. “He is thoughtful, reasonable, very smart, dedicated, and loves the school.”

According to Frank, Gledhill has a wonderful collection of leadership skills, as well as an ability to lead Board members to share their points of view and work together.

“He is as tuned in to issues of diversity as he is tuned into issues of finance,” Frank said. “We are really lucky to have someone that is both skilled and interested in the human dynamic element of Parker as well as financial.”

Marks is looking forward to what Gledhill will accomplish in his future with the Board.

“Brent has a firm understanding of what the school needs and what the future should look like,” Marks said. “I am, and I think we all should be, very excited about him being our new Board President.”