On behalf of the Board of The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Search Associates is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Mr. Ben Marsh as the next Director of TASOK, to commence in July 2024. In her announcement to the community, Chair of the Board of Directors Ms. Valerie Wendell stated,
Ben's demonstrated commitment to listening, clear communication, and collaborative learning, combined with his extensive Head of School experience, made Ben the candidate most referenced in your comments as the "right choice" for TASOK at this moment in the school's history. The Board agrees and is confident that Ben will be a leader who values the diversity of this community and works with all members to ensure the best outcomes for students.
Mr. Marsh, who holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland, Oregon, is currently Director of the International School of Myanmar (ISM), in Yangon. Prior to this, he led schools in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Lesotho. In challenging times, he has striven to make informed decisions by gathering as much information as possible. He adds,
Some great advice I received from a mentor when starting out in leadership was to never rush yourself into a bad decision.
In his free time, Ben and his wife Lara find joy in exploring new culinary experiences and practicing yoga together. He also humbly enjoys teaching himself new hobbies and, in his own words, plays golf "rather poorly." Additionally, Ben cherishes moments spent with his family, creating cherished memories and traditions. Speaking about the forthcoming chapter in his life, he reflects:
I am thrilled to become a part of the TASOK community. During my visits, I immediately felt the warmth and hospitality that TASOK is renowned for. The genuine care and friendliness exhibited by everyone—staff, students, parents, and faculty—underscore the strong sense of community and shared dedication to community and growth. I am equally excited about the vibrancy of Kinshasa, along with the promising growth and opportunities the city and the DRC have to offer.
Search Associates would like to thank all the candidates who applied for this position, and everyone who assisted and supported the successful Director search process for TASOK.
