Head Search

On behalf of the Head of School Search Committee, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Percy L. Abram, PhD, as Sonoma Academy’s next Head of School. After a thorough and open search process, the Search Committee recommended Percy to the Board of Trustees, who voted unanimously in support of his appointment to succeed Interim Head of School Mike Hanas beginning July 2025.

 

This announcement is the culmination of a months-long effort led by our Head of School Search Committee and our consultants from RG175, Coreen Hester and John Farber, whom we thank for their partnership in this endeavor. Through the process, we sought an individual with significant, steady leadership experience, humility, empathy, an understanding for and appreciation of independent schools, and a vision for moving SA forward while preserving the best of its culture. We are thrilled to have found these qualities and more in Percy.

 

It was critically important that this process was inclusive and collaborative, bringing input from SA students, families, staffulty, alumni, and alumni parents. The Staffulty Advisory Committee (Kelly Castañeda, Rolando Crisostomo, Maitane Elorza, Janine Extavour, Drew Gloger, Hillary Younglove, Lisa Zavieh, and Chris Ziemer) provided crucial insight and perspective to the search committee and the Board, helping to shape their decision.

Feedback from the larger community was also invaluable. As one community member noted, “Percy is EXACTLY what SA needs at this point in time. He has the experience to lead us in a new direction, with warmth and approachability, and the genuine desire to be here and interact with our kids.” Another commented, “From the moment he walked in, we could feel the warmth and professionalism that I believe SA is seeking. He didn’t just say the right things—he gave us real examples, demonstrating a leadership style that aligns with our values. His work at The Bush School is a testament to the kind of leader we want for SA’s next chapter. He spoke passionately about the importance of student voice, faculty and staff collaboration, and the opportunities for growth within the school community…He is confident yet humble, articulate with charm and grace, and deeply passionate about education. He welcomed every question without hesitation and made us feel at ease.” We could not agree more! Thank you to everyone in our community who met the candidates and shared their insights. 

 

We are immensely grateful to Interim Head of School Mike Hanas for his tremendous leadership at SA this year and look forward to celebrating his many contributions before his departure in June. Mike and Percy will work closely together this spring to ensure a successful transition.

Percy and his wife, Dr. Nina Maisterra, are empty nesters and are excited to relocate to Sonoma County from Seattle. Their two college-age children, Claudia and Carlos, look forward to reconnecting with family and friends from their time living in California as well. We hope to host Percy on campus prior to his July start date. Meanwhile, please read Percy's message to our community below, and join us in welcoming him to the SA family! 

 

I cannot wait to immerse myself in this commitment and investment in July. I look forward to meeting with staffulty, students, alumni, families, and Trustees to learn about their aspirations for the school’s future and the opportunities that await us in the years ahead. As I began to share my excitement with Nina, Claudia, and Carlos, they could sense from my enthusiasm what an incredible community I am joining.

From its historic founding at the turn of the century, to its impressive ascent to an educational leader in California and the country, SA serves as a model for innovative programs, inspirational “staffulty”, sustainability, access, and educating students to become leaders in a dynamic world. It is an honor to lead the school community into the future and to build upon SA’s 25-year legacy among its independent school peers.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Tim Shaw and Debbie Novograd for their leadership, and to the entire Search Committee for introducing me to SA and shepherding me through this process. I would also like to acknowledge the time and attention that Mike Hanas and the staffulty took out of their incredibly busy schedules to welcome the candidates to campus to share their love for the school with me and others. Thank you again for welcoming our family to SA. I cannot wait to begin our work together. 

It’s a great day to be at SA!

With gratitude,

Percy