About Us
Acting Head of School - Updated
Leadership Transition and Search Update
On October 1, 2026, Jennifer Hiltwine officially took the post of Acting Head of School at Chatham Hall, bringing more than sixteen years of experience at Chatham Hall, institutional knowledge, and deep commitment to the School to this role.
Jennifer has been an integral part of Chatham Hall since 2010, serving most recently as Chief Financial Officer and providing strategic and operational leadership across the School’s financial, human resources, facilities, and administrative functions. As a member of the senior leadership team, she has worked closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on institutional strategy, financial sustainability, risk management, capital planning, and long-term priorities.
Over those sixteen years, Jennifer has developed an extraordinary understanding of how Chatham Hall works and, more importantly, what makes this community distinct. She knows our students, faculty and staff, families, rhythms, traditions, and the many people who make Chatham Hall home. Her steady leadership, sound judgment, broad operational expertise, and deep commitment to Chatham Hall make her exceptionally well suited to lead the School at this moment.
Our mission remains our compass: to equip curious thinkers to lead lives of impact. Our girls and their experience at Chatham Hall are at the center of every decision we make.
Leading with Continuity and Confidence
Jennifer steps into this role with the benefit of the thoughtful work already underway with Ann V. Klotz, who will continue to support Chatham Hall as a consultant throughout the year. Ann began working with Chatham Hall as Acting Head of School in June 2026, diving deeply into the School’s programs, supporting its people, and evaluating opportunities and needs. As Jennifer assumes the role of Acting Head, Ann will continue to work alongside her and support the School and Board with her extensive independent school experience, particularly in areas including academics, residential life, faculty and staff development, and strategic priorities.
This structure is intentional. Jennifer brings deep institutional knowledge, operational leadership, and a longstanding commitment to Chatham Hall. Ann brings more than forty years of experience in girls’ education and independent school leadership, along with the perspective of an experienced school leader and consultant. Together, their complementary strengths provide continuity while allowing Chatham Hall to continue moving forward.
Deeply Invested in Chatham Hall
Jennifer’s connection to Chatham Hall extends well beyond her professional responsibilities.
During her tenure, Jennifer has played a key role in several of Chatham Hall’s most significant institutional initiatives, including the Boundless Potential capital campaign, the construction of the 33,000-square-foot Athletic, Health and Wellness Center, and the multi-year renovation of the School’s faculty housing. She has also strengthened the School’s financial planning and risk management practices and secured more than $2.5 million in revenue through tax credit programs and relief funding.
In May 2024, the Alumnae Council and Board of Trustees recognized Jennifer as an honorary alumna of Chatham Hall, reflecting her longstanding dedication to the School and its mission.
Before joining Chatham Hall, Jennifer served as an Internal Auditor at Liberty University, Senior Financial Analyst with Corning Incorporated, and Senior Accountant with Goodman & Company, LLP. She earned her B.S. in Business Management from Averett University and has completed Dale Carnegie Leadership Training. She has also been recognized by the National Business Officers Association for her expertise in institutional risk management.
Jennifer is an active member of the Danville community and currently serves on the Board of The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. But perhaps most importantly, Jennifer knows and loves this School. Her belief in Chatham Hall, her care for our girls and the people who support them, and her understanding of the institution will be at the heart of her leadership.
Ann V. Klotz, Consultant
Ann brings a deep and longstanding commitment to girls’ education to her continued work with Chatham Hall. A graduate of The Agnes Irwin School, Ann knows the transformative power of girls’ schools. She earned a B.A. in English from Yale College, an M.A. from New York University, and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Bay Path University.
Ann has dedicated more than forty years to girls’ education as a teacher, administrator, and school leader, with a deep commitment to the intellectual, social, and emotional development of girls. She served as Head of Laurel School from 2004 to 2025, where she helped establish the Center for Research on Girls and launch innovative programs focused on environmental justice and public purpose.
Ann is Chair of the Board of The Heads’ Network and serves on several independent school boards. Since retiring from Laurel, she has launched an executive coaching practice focused on supporting women aspiring to leadership roles in independent schools.
A writer and educator, Ann is the founder and editor of Well-Schooled: The Site for Educator Storytelling, where her work explores the intersection of motherhood and school leadership.
As she continues her work with Chatham Hall, Ann will bring her extensive experience, perspective, and expertise to support Jennifer, the School, and the Board during this important year of transition.
Looking Ahead
With Jennifer at the helm and Ann continuing in a consulting role, Chatham Hall enters this year with a strong foundation of institutional knowledge, experienced leadership, and a shared commitment to the School’s future. The focus remains clear: to equip curious thinkers to lead lives of impact and to ensure that every girl at Chatham Hall is known, challenged, supported, and prepared for what comes next.
Chatham Hall Rector Search Committee
-
Adair Ravencraft ’02
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
Chair, Search Committee -
Nina Botsford ’72
Campaign Steering Committee Co-Chair
Executive Committee -
Mary Kay Karzas '71
External Relations Committee Chair
Executive Committee -
Danielle Kimmel '04
Treasurer, Board of Trustees
Resource Management Committee Chair
Executive Committee -
Kerry Irwin '98
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Executive Committee -
Frazier Millner Armstrong '77
Trustee
Local Community Connection -
Emily James '03
Trustee
Ex-Alumnae Council President -
Amy Midkiff P’22, ’27
Parents Advisory Committee
Designated Board of Trustees Member -
John Kingery
History Department Chair
Director of Global Scholars -
Rev. Beth Barksdale
Chaplain
Director of Entrepreneurship Program -
Alison B. Carter-Cady ’91Chair of the Board of Trustees
Non-voting Committee Member
800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
