Dear Members of the Brunswick Community: 

It is with profound gratitude for a job exceptionally well done that I write to advise you that Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the close of the 2026–2027 school year. When that milestone day arrives, after 26 years of his steady and extraordinary leadership, Tom will be the longest tenured Head of School other than Brunswick’s founder. 

Tom came to Brunswick in 1989 and assumed the headship in September 2001. Before doing so, he had also served as Middle School Head, Upper School Head, Director of College Placement, and Assistant Head of School. Thanks to Tom’s tireless leadership over this lengthy tenure, today Brunswick stands as one of the nation’s leading independent day schools for boys, with excellence across the board. 

Tom has guided Brunswick with a remarkable combination of character, care, and drive. His relentless focus on always doing what is right for the boys has helped shape the strong school spirit and culture that Brunswick now enjoys. To say that Tom and his wife, Lela, will be missed is a vast understatement. 

The numerous milestones and achievements Brunswick has experienced under Tom’s leadership are too lengthy to list here. Over the next year and a half, we will find opportunities to recognize, honor, and thank Tom for his incredible contributions to Brunswick. 

Now, a few words about what lies ahead: The Board has engaged the search firm of Spencer Stuart to assist us with a comprehensive search for Brunswick’s next Head of School. The Board has also empowered a Search Committee, which will be led by me and Co-Chair Gilbert “Gil” H. Klemann ’97 (P ’32), who is also a Brunswick Trustee. Gil and I will be in touch in the coming weeks with further information about the search process and timeline.

I would like to close by offering this personal reflection from Tom.

Sincerely, 

R. Willett “Will” Cook (P ’30) 
Chairman, Board of Trustees