CASE is pleased to welcome Ann Snyder as its new director of independent and international schools.

This newly created role is meant to give CASE’s independent and international member schools a unique voice while providing specific support.

Snyder will work with members, volunteers, and staff in all geographies to deepen engagement with independent and international school members as well as to identify and engage potential new members, with a goal of growing CASE’s school membership globally.

She will also work with staff and volunteers to deliver professional development opportunities for school professionals in all of CASE’s regions.

“Schools have always been an incredibly important constituency for CASE, and this position gives us the ability to serve the community even more deeply, especially in these uncertain times,” says Brett Chambers, CASE’s vice president of volunteer and member engagement. “Ann’s strong background working in and with independent schools, combined with her knowledge of the international school sector, make her the ideal person to help us do that.”

Snyder has considerable experience with independent and international schools, having served as director of external affairs and enrollment at Stuart Hall School, a pre-kindergarten to grade 12, coeducational, day/boarding school in Staunton, Virginia, U.S., for the last seven years. In addition, she has worked in communications and alumni relations positions at several organizations serving independent and international schools.

“I am thrilled to be working with CASE and to serving independent schools in this important role. I am both a product of independent schools and a former senior leader at a day and boarding school with a significant international population,” Snyder says.

“There will be challenging times ahead, but I hope to put my experience to good use as I support and advocate for our school members worldwide. I look forward to getting to know each of our member institutions and volunteers over the next year and to working closely together.”

Snyder started during the COVID-19 global pandemic that affects all of CASE’s members in a variety of ways.

As a senior leader at her previous school, she has weathered challenging school situations, including deficit budget formation, enrollment and retention concerns, and others. She is keenly aware of the challenges facing CASE’s member schools in the coming months and will be a resource to all members as CASE creates content and professional development opportunities in a unique point in the organization’s history.

Snyder says the turbulence and emotions of the last few weeks have been intense, but it has only strengthened her commitment to CASE and its members.

“I will stand with members as a sounding board, a thought partner, and a listening ear,” she says. “I will dedicate my time and calendar to them, in whatever capacity it might be helpful.”