As ERB and EMA continue our journey toward creating a new organization, we are thrilled to share that the search for our first CEO as a combined entity is officially underway. We have retained search firm Korn Ferry to assist us in this process. More information about the search can be found here.

While this search is underway and we continue finalizing the merger of EMA and ERB, there is much to do to begin the process of integrating our two organizations into one. To that end, we have asked Claire Goldsmith to help lead these efforts.

Claire served as the Chair for the EMA Board of Trustees until recently, when she stepped down to be able to take on this new role. She was an integral part of the design team that identified the opportunity and shepherded the merger process. Claire’s unique capabilities as a strategy and education technology consultant and project leader, combined with her deep understanding of today’s educational landscape and our independent school communities, make her an ideal person to serve in this capacity.

In this role, Claire will help establish a strong initial foundation for our new organization so we are in a position of strength when our permanent CEO joins us. Her immediate priorities will include supporting our integration teams in the areas of branding, technology, finance, operations, member services and other functions.

From an organizational perspective, Jim Hamilton, previously the Chair-Elect for the EMA Board of Trustees, is now the Board Chair. Additionally, if we do not have a permanent CEO in place by the time our merger is closed, Claire will serve as an interim CEO of the new organization until our permanent CEO is on board.

ERB President Tom Rochon and EMA CEO Heather Hoerle will continue to lead their respective organizations until our merger is closed in early 2025, and EMA and ERB will continue to operate as usual during the 2024-25 school year, providing their respective suites of services, tools, conferences, and more. All assessments will continue to be offered as they are today, and all planned events will be held as scheduled.

Thank you for your interest in our evolution, and we look forward to sharing additional updates in the future!