The Louise S. McGehee announces new Head of School
The Louise S. McGehee School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Catherine Atwell as McGehee’s fourteenth Head of School since 1912. Dr. Atwell will officially begin her tenure on July 1, 2027.
Selected through a thoughtful national search process shaped by broad community engagement, Dr. Atwell was unanimously recommended by the Search Committee and unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees following finalist campus visits this spring.
Dr. Atwell brings extensive experience in girls’ education and independent school leadership. She previously served for 18 years at Marlborough School in Los Angeles in a variety of leadership roles and most recently, has been the Upper School Principal at Newark Academy in Livingston, New Jersey. She holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California, a graduate degree from Stanford University, and an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College.
“Joining the McGehee community as your next head of school is the culmination of my life’s work — teaching, supporting, and empowering young women to explore, to dare, and to dream,” said Dr. Atwell.
Throughout the search process, Dr. Atwell stood out for her warmth, authenticity, and deep commitment to empowering young women through education. Community members consistently described her as an inspiring and thoughtful leader who understands and embraces McGehee’s mission.
Board Chair Ben Dupuy shared, “Our entire McGehee community is ready to welcome Cathy and Neil and to support her success as our next leader.”
Dr. Atwell’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for McGehee as the school continues to advance its strategic vision, McGehee Forward, while honoring the traditions and spirit that make the school so special.
McGehee looks forward to welcoming Dr. Atwell and her husband, Neil, to New Orleans and to the McGehee community.