Tracy Bennett

Partner

About Tracy

Spending summers sailing on Lake Michigan, Tracy learned from her father how to chart a course using the practical parallel rule as well as an instinctive understanding of weather patterns. This approach – utilizing data and facts while paying attention to intuition and changing circumstances – continues to serve her well. High energy and happiest when outdoors, Tracy has run marathons, hiked around Mont Blanc, and walked across Spain on the Camino Santiago. She’s thrilled to have recently returned to New England (close to her alma mater, Dartmouth), with easy access to the Green and White Mountains.

Tracy brings a comprehensive understanding of schools to her work. A parent of five independent school graduates, Tracy has 15 years of experience as a trustee, including serving as board chair. She began her professional journey teaching at a New Hampshire boarding school, and then shifted into senior leadership roles in enrollment management, communications, and fundraising after moving to Seattle. As a head of school for the past decade, Tracy loved the variety each day offered – joining kindergartners for morning circle to a meeting with a major donor to a facility construction tour – each uniquely rewarding.

Tracy’s Master’s thesis explored how women lead schools and what supports their success. She learned two things are most important: getting the opportunity and having a role model and mentor. Known for her compassion, keen listening, and astute observations, Tracy continues to find joy in supporting rising female school leaders and is grateful to those women who have done the same for her.

Professional Experience
  • Educators Collaborative, Partner, 2022-Present
  • The Meridian School, Seattle, WA, Interim Head of School, 2021-2022
  • Seattle Waldorf School, Seattle, WA, Head of School, 2011-2020
  • Ian Symmonds Associates, Portland, OR, Partner, 2007-2011
  • Bertschi School, Seattle, WA, Director of Admission, 2003-2007
  • The Bush School, Seattle, WA, Director of Admission, 1996-2000
  • University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA, Director of Development, 1994-1996
  • The Overlake School, Redmond, WA, Director of External Relations, 1991-1994
  • Seattle Preparatory School, Seattle, WA, History Instructor, 1985-1988
  • The Holderness School, Holderness, NH, English Instructor, 1981-1982

Education

  • University of Washington, College of Education, Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, 1994-1999
  • Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service, Masters Studies, American Foreign Policy, 1982-1984
  • Dartmouth College, Bachelor of Arts, Government Major,  1977-1981
Professional Affiliations
  • Bertschi School, Seattle, WA, Board of Trustees, 2016-2023
  • Forest Ridge School, Bellevue, WA, Board of Trustees, 2003-2011
  • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Aspiring Heads Program, E. E. Ford Fellow, 2006-2007

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