Leadership

Head of School James A. Hamilton

James A. Hamilton became Peddie’s 17th Head of School on July 1, 2025.

Previously the Head of School of Berwick Academy in Maine, Jim has spent his entire career in independent schools as a teacher, coach and school leader. In addition to his work at Berwick, he was the Associate Head for External Affairs at Brooks School in Massachusetts and the Director of Admission at St. George’s School in Rhode Island. He began his independent school career at Brooks, where his first role was Director of Financial Aid and Associate Director of Admission.

In addition to his leadership roles, Jim has taught English; coached basketball, baseball and football; and served as an advisor and dorm parent.

A lifelong New Englander, Jim attended The Roxbury Latin School in Boston before earning degrees from Amherst College (B.A., English) and Wesleyan University (M.A., Liberal Studies). He gives back to the schools he attended, including serving on the Board of Trustees of Roxbury Latin and as a class agent at Amherst. Well known in the independent school community, Jim is chair of the Board of Trustees of the Enrollment Management Association and serves on the Board of Directors of The Music Hall in Portsmouth, N.H.

Jim and his wife, Lucy, live on campus and have three children.

Head of School Installation

Leadership Team

Meet the dedicated leaders of The Peddie School. Our motivated and innovative employees collaborate to provide an exceptional educational experience for every student. Leading the charge is our visionary administrative team, committed to guiding Peddie toward a bright and impactful future.

James Hamilton

James Hamilton

Head of School
jhamilton@peddie.org
609-944-7555
Shivani Agarwal

Shivani Agarwal

Director of Human Resources
M.B.A., GB Pant University, India
M.S., GB Pant University, India
sagarwal@peddie.org
609-944-7620
Read Bio
Jenate Brown

Jenate Brown

Assistant Head for Student Life
Dean of Students, 12th Grade
English Teacher
Head Coach, Girls Junior Varsity Basketball
B.A., Princeton University
jbrown@peddie.org
609-944-7562
Read Bio
LaVern Burton

LaVern Burton

Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
B.A., Boston College
lburton@peddie.org
609-944-7631
Rich D’Andrea

Rich D’Andrea

Director of Athletics
Head Coach, Boys Varsity Lacrosse
B.A., Georgetown University
rdandrea@peddie.org
609-944-7654
Tyler Hart

Tyler Hart

Director of Enrollment Management
thart@peddie.org
609-944-7501
Emily Miller

Emily Miller

Director of Technology
B.A., Bates College
M.S., Minnesota State University, Mankato
emiller@peddie.org
609-944-7548
Read Bio
Wendi Patella

Wendi Patella

Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
B.A., Rutgers University
wpatella@peddie.org
609-944-7678
Read Bio
Sanjeev Puri

Sanjeev Puri

Assistant Head of Finance and Operations
M.B.A., Indian institute of Management, Mumbai
B.E., GB Pant University
spuri@peddie.org
609-944-7510
Read Bio
Catherine Rodrigue

Catherine Rodrigue

Associate Head of School
Assistant Coach, Cross Country
B.A., University of Georgia
M.A., University of Virginia
crodrigue@peddie.org
609-944-7579
Read Bio
Joseph Rulewich

Joseph Rulewich

Director of College Counseling
Head Coach, Boys Varsity Basketball
B.A., Haverford College
jrulewich@peddie.org
609-944-7565
Karyn Vella

Karyn Vella

Assistant Head for Development
B.A., Dartmouth College
kvella@peddie.org
609-944-7560
Read Bio

Strategic Priorities

Inspired by the confidence of our motto, “We finish our labors to begin them anew,” in 20 years, we want Peddie to serve its students as well or better than it is now. Looking ahead from a position of strength, and proud of Peddie’s culture of innovation and improvement, our strategic plan supports that culture and inspires continued progress.

Learn more

Endowment ESG Policy

Peddie integrates Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into its endowment investment policy to reflect its commitment to fostering responsible citizenship. This approach ensures investments promote sustainability, social equity and strong corporate governance.

Learn More