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

Shivani Agarwal
M.S., GB Pant University, India

Jenate Brown
Dean of Students, 12th Grade
English Teacher
Head Coach, Girls Junior Varsity Basketball

LaVern Burton

Rich D’Andrea
Head Coach, Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Tyler Hart

Emily Miller
M.S., Minnesota State University, Mankato

Wendi Patella

Sanjeev Puri
B.E., GB Pant University

Catherine Rodrigue
Assistant Coach, Cross Country
M.A., University of Virginia

Joseph Rulewich
Head Coach, Boys Varsity Basketball

Karyn Vella
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 moreEndowment 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.
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