Our Wildwood, Volume 54

FEATURE Leading with Purpose

LEADING WITH PURPOSE Could its founders have ever imagined the Wildwood of today? Its success was certainly not inevitable. In the first decade of this century, families across the westside had abundant choice; by 2000 there were over 60 schools in the Los Angeles Independent Schools (LAIS) consortium—many of them already well-established. In the right hands though, Wildwood’s founders believed that Wildwood could thrive by providing something to students that was different than and superior to schools with more traditional offerings. There was a vision for Wildwood rooted in the ideas and principles it shared with other progressive schools, but the school needed the right leader to refine and realize it. It is easy to assume that Wildwood’s growth and maturation would have happened organically in the dynamic Los Angeles market and to discount Landis’ leadership contribution. This would be a mistake. From the beginning, by mobilizing others, serving as a guide at every stakeholder’s side, and embodying the pedagogical and moral core that makes Wildwood the school it is, Landis pulled off the most remarkable transformation.”

skills and soft ones, a real confidence but also deep humility. He leads, in so many ways, like Wildwood students learn—steeped in the practice of reflection, with a beginner’s mindset, in collaboration with others, and as part of a lifelong educational journey.

During my time working alongside Landis as board chair, I saw firsthand the kind of leadership that leaves an institution stronger long after the headlines fade. With empathy as his compass and an unwavering focus on the long term, Landis tackled some of Wildwood’s most complex, behind-the scenes challenges. Along the way, we built a lasting friendship, and the lessons I gained from Landis’s foresight, humanity, and steady leadership continue to shape how I lead in my work today.

LISA FLASHNER (P. ‘19, ‘20) BOARD CHAIR (2014-2017) BOARD OF TRUSTEES (2001-2023)

Over the years, I watched him make a lot of really tough decisions. His confidence almost always came from his ability to identify the best choice for the most people. He was never afraid to be open and transparent about those decisions because the process was always a deeply ethical one.” KATIE RIOS (P. ‘24) FACULTY AND DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1996-PRESENT)

MARC FRANKEL BOARD OF TRUSTEES (2007-PRESENT)

From the start, Landis brought to the work of head of school—a job that grew increasingly vaster and more complex in the two decades he occupied the role—hard

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