Christopher R. Tompkins brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in independent, boarding, international, and faith-based schools across the United States, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. As a Partner with Educational Directions, he works with boards and school leaders in the United States and internationally to support executive and senior administrator searches, with particular expertise in head of school leadership, Episcopal and faith-based schools, and periods of institutional transition.

Chris is known for helping schools honor their history and mission while thoughtfully preparing for the future. He brings deep experience in school improvement, enrollment and financial aid strategy, fundraising, admissions, academic and operational leadership, and school design—including both educational programming and physical campus planning. His work is grounded in the belief that successful schools preserve what makes them distinctive while evolving with purpose and care.

Previously, Chris served as Founding Executive Director of EC-12 Education at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, where he led the design, launch, accreditation, and operation of NEOM Community School and NEOM Oxagon School. Under his leadership, NEOM Community School became the first school in Saudi Arabia fully authorized in all four International Baccalaureate programmes.

Chris has served on the NAIS-SSS Task Force, advised Clarity Financial, written for NAIS Magazine, and contributed to planning for the annual TABS Conference. He is a founder of AISAP and has worked extensively with accreditation and standards through NEASC, MSA, and SWAES.

Chris holds degrees from Colby College and Syracuse University and completed the Heads of School Fellowship at the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.