CHAMBERSBURG – In July, Shalom Christian Academy moved from having an administrator oversee the school to a dual headship leadership model. The head of school administration and head of school education are jointly responsible for the fulfillment of strategic goals and day-to-day operations. While each leads distinct functional areas, they collaborate closely on integrated initiatives and major decisions. All major institutional decisions receive board approval and are executed through this collaborative leadership framework.
Shalom’s Board of Directors recognized the growing needs of the PreK – 12th grade school community and the importance of ensuring strong leadership in areas of education and administration. “Moving to a dual head of school model allows us to better support Shalom’s mission while positioning the school for continued growth and leadership,” Shalom Chairman of the Board Mike Linn said.
Angie Petersheim transitioned from her role as administrator to head of school education. Petersheim joined Shalom Christian Academy in 1999. She began her role as school administrator in 2009 after serving as K-8 principal for 10 years. During that time, she has overseen the student population almost double. Petersheim holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Hood College, a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Cairn University and an Ed.S. in educational leadership from Liberty University.
Shalom Christian Academy is pleased to announce the school’s new head of school administration, Suzanne Poe. Poe’s journey with Shalom Christian Academy began as a parent, where she experienced firsthand the impact of a Christ-centered education. Volunteering as a Bible memory listener deepened her connection, and in 2015 she joined Shalom’s staff to support fundraising efforts. For more than a decade, she has played a vital role in advancing Shalom’s mission.
Poe draws on more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, entrepreneurship and nonprofit fundraising. Her professional background includes serving as vice president of marketing and website development for a Pennsylvania real estate investment trust, holding real estate licenses in Maryland and West Virginia, owning and operating three restaurants and overseeing commercial construction projects. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Marywood University and will complete a masters certificate of graduate studies in organizational leadership and business management in December from Regent University.
“We are especially pleased that this leadership model allows us to promote from within,” Linn said. “Mrs. Poe has already been serving Shalom faithfully, and we are confident she will bring her gifts and experience to strengthen our operations and organizational capacity. At the same time, we are grateful for Mrs. Petersheim’s faithful leadership and are excited to see her continue serving Shalom in her new role as head of school education, where she can focus fully on academic vision and student learning.”
