After a six-month search involving hundreds of candidates from around the world, we are pleased to announce that Peter Becker ’95 will serve as Taft’s next head of school. Becker will begin his tenure on July 1, 2023, succeeding Willy MacMullen ’78, P’14,’16, who will retire at the end of June after a remarkable 22 years as Taft’s head of school.

An educator who has devoted much of his life to independent schools, Becker has served as head of The Frederick Gunn School since 2012. He has a deep understanding of Taft and is committed to creating an educational community where everyone belongs and thrives.

“As a Taft graduate, Peter knows, loves, and values our mission and culture: its insistence on excellence, passion for community and belonging, commitment to improvement and to service, and pride in school spirit,” wrote Kate Genung Taylor ’94 and Sarkis D. Izmirlian II '90, P'20,'22,'24, who served as co-chairs of the Head of School Search Committee. “[Peter’s] career has always been about students. As a teacher, coach, advisor, dorm head, department chair, and head of school, he has worked with empathy and caring to help students feel valued so they can grow and succeed. As a head, he has shown a tremendous ability to administer and lead, inspiring others with a strategic vision and working collaboratively to improve and transform the school.”

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as Taft’s next head of school,” Becker wrote. “As a student, Taft was truly transformative for me…Taft has many strengths — chief among them, clarity of mission; a motivated, curious and spirited student body; an exceptional, hard-working faculty and staff devoted to student growth; and a fiercely loyal, connected alumni community that understands the ethos of Taft and the value of its mission and motto. Together, in partnership, we will build upon what is already a remarkable school.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees Grant Porter ’69, P’00, wrote that Becker “will simultaneously affirm the work of Willy MacMullen ’78, P’14,’16 and the faculty in the past 22 years and also lead Taft in novel ways and to new places.”

“I speak for the entire Board of Trustees in welcoming Peter and Amy Julia ’94, and their three children, Penny, William, and Marilee, to Taft,” Porter continued. “This is a proud and exciting day for Taft.”

Head of School MacMullen shared: “This is a great moment for Taft. I have followed Peter’s career with interest and pride. Indeed, I tried unsuccessfully to hire him years ago before he went on to get his Master’s degree! Peter knows and loves Taft, he is an empathic, caring and principled person, he will be visible and present in the community, he is a brilliant and innovative leader, and he will serve Taft with that rare combination of youthful energy and seasoned school head. I have the utmost respect for Peter, and I am so excited for Taft, and for Peter and Amy Julia—who is incredibly accomplished and impressive in her own right. Taft is in great hands.”

Read the Announcement Letter from the Head of School Search Committee Read a Message from Peter Becker ’95, Taft’s Sixth Head of School

View a Welcome Message from Head of School-Elect Peter Becker ’95 Read a Message from Grant Porter ’69, P’00, Chair of the Board of Trustees