School Leadership

Chris M. Fortunato, JD, MSW, became the ninth head of school at Thayer Academy in July 2021. A New Jersey native, Fortunato earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard College, a law degree from Harvard Law School, and a master’s degree in social work from Boston University. His varied career includes time as a practicing attorney, a decade of work at a Newton nonprofit dedicated to assisting underserved youth, and experience at Providence College where he served as both dean of students and acting vice president for student affairs. As dean of students at Harvard Kennedy School from 2010 until 2013, Fortunato created the school’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and appointed the first dean to that office. From 2013 until 2021, he served as head of school at Blair Academy, a boarding school in New Jersey. There, he helped to develop innovative curricula, programs, and services that advance students’ personal and academic growth while fostering a culture of achievement and social responsibility in a diverse, supportive learning environment. Fortunato emphasizes addressing real-world problems and opportunities through collaboration across academic disciplines and teamwork among various constituencies. He and his wife, Erin, have two children, Matt '26 and Katie '28, who both attend Thayer Academy.