DAPHNE, Alabama - The Bayside Academy Board of Trustees is proud to name Peter Huestis as the School’s next Headmaster. Huestis will officially assume this position on July 1, 2012.

A native of Canada, Huestis currently serves as upper school head at Cassady School in Oklahoma City, Okla., where he oversees a faculty and staff of 50 and directs programming to include curriculum development, graduation requirements, technology integration and college counseling. He also serves on multiple leadership committees, has guided the creation of an award-winning debate program and international student program, has introduced several professional development initiatives, and has served as a student advisor and faculty mentor. Prior to working at Casady, Huestis served as headmaster at Davidson Country Day School in North Carolina. His resume in academia spans 10 years and includes the roles of educator, coach, athletic director, associate head, and head of school. Joining Huestis on his move to the Eastern Shore are his wife, Betsy, and their two young children.

Current Headmaster Thomas F. Johnson will retire at the end of the 2011-2012 school year, after 14 years of service to Bayside and 44 years of service in education. Under Johnson’s leadership, Bayside Academy has grown from a school of 400 students to 750. The campus has expanded and improved with the construction of an upper school building, student activity center, media center, sports complex, track, stadium seating, learning center and performing arts center, and the renovations of classrooms and a gym. Additionally, under his tenure, Bayside has continued to provide an environment for its students to flourish and thrive with an advanced college preparatory curriculum and a dedication to its mission: to develop the whole student for higher education and beyond.

“Finding the appropriate candidate to follow in Tom’s footsteps has been no small order,” said Chairman of the Board and Search Committee Chair Ron Stevens. “This has been a year-long process and has involved the thought, dedication and input of the entire Bayside family. I am so grateful for the tremendous commitment of the search committee and the time each member has put toward this process. Not one of us is ready to see Tom go, but I believe Peter’s infectious enthusiasm and collaborative work ethic will lead Bayside into a very bright future.”