Kathleen O'Neill Jamieson
Facilitator
“Coaching and facilitation are natural outgrowths of my decades-long leadership role in education and teaching. Paying attention to who is in front of you and mining that talent and potential is very satisfying work. Transitions in leadership are particularly interesting times to support others and lead them to the understanding that change and growth are close neighbors in the company of inspired leadership and ambitious teamwork.”
Kathleen O’Neill Jamieson is an experienced educational leader, executive coach, and board advisor, drawing on decades of leadership experience to guide individuals and organizations through transformative growth. Her expertise is rooted in her extensive career in education where she honed her skills in fostering collaboration, navigating complex transitions, and empowering leaders to fulfill their potential.
As a former Head of School and experienced consultant, Kathleen has guided organizations through strategic planning, change management, and mission development. She has coached leaders to build high-performing teams and cultivate productive partnerships. Those partnerships are enhanced by Kathleen’s advisory role for Boards and executives on governance and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout her career among multiple constituencies, Jamieson has interviewed hundreds of students, parents, teachers, and school administrators, as well as trustees and institutional donors. She is well-versed in the trials and tribulations of colleagues and constituents responsible for forging effective working relationships, and is a successful advisor to those focused on developing powerful partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for people and places.
The celebratory publication written at the end of her sixteen year tenure as Head of National Cathedral School, DC, described working with her as “a master class in executive leadership.” Colleagues have also noted that she sees in others potential that they didn’t see in themselves. She is known for her strategic thinking, and practical approach that empowers leaders throughout an organization to show up effectively, build successful teams, and achieve ambitious goals.
Experience
- Experienced educational leader and advisor, teacher, and non-profit trustee
- Director, AISGW Leadership Initiative: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Independent Schools, DC
- National Cathedral Head of School, 2003-2019
- Nationally recognized consultant/advisor to aspiring and active school leaders and trustees
- Accreditation Committee Chair, Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS)
- Education Advisory Board (EAB), DC, Independent School Executive Forum, founding head, lifetime membership
- Fundraiser over decades as both development officer and Head of School
- National speaker/trainer on executive leadership: National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS); Enrollment Management Association (formerly SSATB); Council for Advancement of Secondary Schools (CASE); Washington National Cathedral, DC.; Heads Collegiate Forum
Education, Training and Certifications
- Masters in Educational Administration, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY
- Bachelor of Arts, Honors English, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
- Jamieson Fellowship, National Cathedral School, Washington, DC
- Member, Heads Collegiate Forum, Heads and Principals Association
Personal
- Most recent favorite novel, This is Happiness, Niall Williams
- Favorite activity: traveling and feasting with family far and wide!
- Big fan of any “Fix-It” project!
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