Dan Mudge with (l to r) Rex Jobe, Mike Cooper, Dr. Jim Crupi (2004 commencement speaker), and Reagan Jobe ’01.
Dan Mudge, Candace Crawshaw ’64, and Mike Cooper at a trustee appreciation lunch.
effective partnership that is going to be difficult to replicate (but we
what I determine to be the best course of action, generally based
are sure going to try!). There are many instances I could cite, but one
upon the understanding that I am likely positioned to understand
of the most important was the decision to significantly ramp up our
the broad issues under consideration. In that regard, Dan and I have
development efforts.
worked to be on the same page before going into a meeting to discuss a matter. Dan has always been supportive and has represented
Dick Carlson, a Brewster Estate trustee and longtime member of
me well with the board, whether it has been as a result of a
the board, shared: Dan has continued to do a great job of building
contentious issue or positive outcome from something like a program
consensus. There have been problems (opportunities) to solve. He’s
implementation or completion of a project. I have been lucky to have
managed to thoughtfully walk the trustees carefully down the best
a board chair who knows how to balance between having his arms
path. The school is in better shape with greater support. Dan has truly advanced the school. Candace A. Crawshaw ’64 – It will be difficult to find anything but positive commentary on Dan. He is one of the “quietest” leaders I have ever known. I’ve never heard him raise his voice or demonstrate anger. He is so even tempered and an excellent listener, and never imposing; with grace he is able to move along a meeting. Dan has great judgment, listens to all, and then is quite decisive. I am impressed and amazed he led for so long. We will deeply miss him.
around things while not attempting to be a micromanager. Michael Keys (P’04), a longtime member of the board, talked about Dan’s exemplary leadership qualities: Words that come to mind when thinking about Dan’s leadership are trust and integrity; consistent; confident; and compassionate. Very few board chairs (in all nonprofits) last this long, a compliment to his unwavering commitment and dedication to the Academy and the board. He wrote the book with Dr. Cooper on building an exceptional collaborative working relationship between the board chair and head of school - that should be a role
Dr. Michael E. Cooper, head of school and ex officio board member,
model for schools across the country. Dan is the only board chair in
shared that Dan was truly his partner during his tenure as head of
school history to oversee two head of school searches.
school: One of the things that best characterizes Dan’s approach as board chair is how well he tries to understand things before he
To conclude, I worked with Dan for more than 10 years on the board.
reacts. He tries to allow for opinions to be expressed before settling
As my colleagues have shared, Dan is an incredible leader who leaves
on a recommended course of action and encourages dialog as a way
Brewster in a much better place than when he first became involved.
to work toward the best possible solution. He is attentive to what
We are indebted to him and his family for their many contributions in
others think and will often defer to my opinion out of respect for
so many areas.
www.brewsteracademy.org
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