Leadership

Members of the Albany Academy Community,

It is with deep gratitude and tremendous excitement that I write to you as the next Head of School at Albany Academy. I am honored and humbled by the invitation to join this community and energized by the opportunities ahead.

I would like to offer sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee for their confidence and trust, as well as earnest appreciation to everyone involved in the search process for their engagement. From my earliest conversations through my recent visit, I felt not only warmly welcomed by everyone I met, but also sensed their love for the school. I want to extend special thanks to Chris Lauricella for his hospitality and generosity during my time on campus.

Everything I have absorbed throughout the search confirmed for me that Academy stands at a defining moment:shaped by proud histories becoming one, guided by a compelling mission, and strengthened by a loyal community eager to move forward with purpose. As someone who has spent most of his life in independent schools and dedicated his career to serving them, this is invigorating.

As you know well, Academy is truly one of a kind in the Capital Region. The collective work of Chris, the Board, the faculty and staff, and most importantly—the students—supported by devoted families along with alumnae and alumni, has positioned the school for an exciting next chapter. In an increasingly complex world, the need has never been greater for diligent students of high character—curious, critical thinkers, and confident leaders ready to shape the future.

Academy is ready to deliver, and I am inspired to help lead the way. I cannot wait to get started.

Thank you again for the warm welcome. I look forward to meeting you soon and to the important work we will do together.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Michael G. Turner 

Michael G. Turner is an accomplished leader with over three decades of experience in education, as well as in the private and government sectors. He has spent the majority of his career serving and leading independent schools, with experience spanning senior administration, admissions, teaching, coaching, and consulting. As of July 1, 2026, Michael Turner serves as Head of School at Albany Academy.  

As Head of School at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA (2019–2024) and St. Michael’s Episcopal School in Richmond, VA (2014–2019), Mr. Turner spearheaded major strategic initiatives, strengthened governance, secured financial stability, and ensured programmatic excellence. Following his tenure as head of school at Shipley, he served there as a Senior Advisor supporting the institution’s transition and strategic initiatives. He is also the founder and president of MT Partners, an educational consulting firm.  

A proven financial steward, Mr. Turner led a $12 million campus master plan and a $4.2 million capital campaign, ensuring long-term sustainability and campus enhancements. Under his leadership, schools consistently produced budget surpluses, expanded auxiliary revenue streams, and reduced financial pressures through strategic debt restructuring.  

Mr. Turner is also recognized for his leadership in risk and crisis management, having navigated challenges ranging from active shooter threats to institutional public relations crises. Among his crowning achievements was designing and leading Shipley School’s response to COVID-19—a plan that received widespread acclaim throughout the Philadelphia region and nationally among independent schools for balancing health, safety, academics, and community continuity.  

In enrollment and advancement, Mr. Turner increased net tuition revenue, expanded sections and reduced attrition. His fundraising expertise regularly surpassed annual development goals by aligning donor passion projects with institutional priorities. In response to the pandemic, he led the creation of a $1 million community bridge fund, ensuring that no student had to withdraw due to financial hardship. Additionally, he significantly increased faculty compensation and enhanced transparency, leading to improvement in faculty perceptions of fairness and feeling valued.  

Before his headship roles, Mr. Turner served as Director of Admission for Upper and Middle School at St. Christopher’s School (Richmond, VA) and taught history while coaching multiple sports at The Roxbury Latin School (Boston, MA) and Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, PA). A head varsity football coach for thirteen years across three states, his teams earned multiple league titles and a state championship runner-up finish.  

Mr. Turner began his career in the private sector, working as a consultant in the commercial real estate and environmental management industries, before briefly serving as Assistant Managing Director in the Rendell administration for the City of Philadelphia. He remains active in educational boards and committees, seeking to support students and educators.  

Mr. Turner graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a dual-major B.A. At Penn he captained the two-time undefeated Ivy League champion football team and earned Academic All-Ivy and First Team All-Ivy honors. He also played varsity baseball, was a member of the Sphinx Senior Honor Society, and earned various senior awards selected by both classmates and faculty. He later earned an M.Ed. from Arcadia University and is an Ed.D. candidate at The College of William & Mary.  

Michael, known to family and friends as “Pup,” lives with his wife, Meredith, and is the proud parent of three grown children: Maggie, Fran, and Augie.