Mercersburg Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy LaCasse as its next associate head of school, effective July 1, 2026. A seasoned educator and administrator with more than three decades of experience in independent schools, LaCasse brings a deep commitment to student life, leadership development, and institutional strategy.

LaCasse serves as assistant head of school for student life at The Taft School, where he has been a key member of the senior leadership team since 2016. In that role, he has overseen critical initiatives across student life, guided the school through complex challenges—including leading its comprehensive COVID-19 response—and collaborated closely with academic and operational leaders to ensure a cohesive and mission-driven student experience. He has also played an integral role in governance, contributing regularly to board-level discussions and strategic planning.

In addition to his work at Taft, LaCasse is the executive director of the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute, where he has developed a nationally recognized Leadership Lab program that has shaped the professional growth of more than 1,000 educators across independent schools. His leadership experience also includes serving as acting assistant head of school for strategic initiatives at Cheshire Academy, head of senior school at Shady Side Academy, dean of students at Fountain Valley School of Colorado, and head of school at Kents Hill School, where he strengthened enrollment, advanced strategic initiatives, and led the institution to a position of financial stability and growth. 

A lifelong educator, LaCasse has taught history at multiple institutions and remains actively engaged in school communities through coaching (alpine skiing and crew) and residential life. His career reflects a consistent focus on cultivating leadership, fostering strong school culture, and supporting both students and faculty.

“Jeremy is an experienced leader who understands the full scope of independent school life—from the classroom to the dorm to the boardroom,” said Quentin McDowell, head of school. “He brings a rare combination of strategic insight, warmth, and a deep belief in the power of community. We are thrilled to welcome him to Mercersburg and confident he will have an immediate and lasting impact.”

LaCasse has extensive leadership experience at both the governance and professional development levels within independent schools. He has served in multiple roles with The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), including board member, conference adviser, and director of several national training institutes for new administrators, teachers, and student life professionals. He has also contributed to school governance as a trustee and board chair at Washington Montessori School. In addition, LaCasse has designed and led leadership development programs for both educators and students, including work with Hotchkiss School Summer Portals Program, and serves in an advisory role with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

“I am honored to join Mercersburg at such an exciting moment in its history,” LaCasse said. “What drew me most is the school’s commitment to developing not only strong scholars, but thoughtful, engaged young people. I look forward to partnering with students, faculty, staff, and families to build on that foundation and help shape the school’s next chapter.”

LaCasse holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he was a Klingenstein Fellow, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Bowdoin College. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to student and residential life, including receiving The Association of Boarding Schools’ Burch Ford Kaleidoscope Award for Excellence.

He looks forward to becoming an active member of the school community and will join Mercersburg alongside his spouse, Diana, and children, Jack (24), Ellie (23), and Finn (17), and their two dogs, Mabel and Murray.