Welcome to our New Chief Financial Officer Michelle LaMarre

Michelle brings more than 25 years of experience in independent school leadership, with a career that spans teaching, administration, and senior financial and operational roles. Most recently serving as Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Forman School, she has led complex financial and operational systems while serving as a strategic partner to the head of school. Her experience across institutions such as The Bement School and Pinkerton Academy reflects both the breadth and depth of her leadership, including oversight of finance, facilities, IT, and enterprise risk management.

As Chief Financial Officer, Michelle will oversee all financial operations of the school, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-term strategic planning. She will play a critical role in strengthening Vermont Academy’s financial foundation while ensuring that resources are aligned with the school’s mission and its four pillars—Land, Community, Ingenuity, and Independence.

“Michelle is the perfect hire for Vermont Academy,” said Mike Peller. “She is a complete school person who understands the dynamics of independent schools inside and out—from the classroom to the boardroom—and she brings a deep mastery of financial management at a moment when that expertise matters most."
Throughout the process, what stood out was not just her technical skill, but her deep commitment to community and her ability to steward both the culture and the financial future of a school. The search committee consistently saw in Michelle a rare combination of experience, clarity, and humanity—someone who communicates with transparency, anticipates challenges, and leads with both confidence and humility. We unanimously believed she was the strongest candidate in the pool and were particularly struck by her readiness to partner across the school to ensure that financial strategy fully supports student experience and long-term institutional health. At this important moment in our history, we could not be more fortunate to have her joining our community.

Vermont Academy looks forward to welcoming Michelle to Saxtons River and to the leadership, insight, and care she will bring to the financial life of the school as it moves confidently into its next chapter.