Our Wildwood, Volume 54

FEATURE Leading with Purpose

GROWING WILDWOOD, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Landis would be the first to say that Wildwood’s strength is its people, and that Wildwood’s success is a group effort. Indeed, as head of school, he knew the value of and relied heavily on trustworthy partnerships—with his leadership team, faculty and staff, the parent community, and board members. Because he believed that good people working together would do good work for Wildwood School, he viewed all these constituents as allies, united with him in their shared vision for what’s best for kids. Landis loves people. It was evident in the way he has entertained new parents at his home over the years, chatted with students of all ages in the halls and classrooms, or taken the podium during Back to School Nights and masterfully engaged, with ease and confidence, a whole room full of people. Connecting with members of the school community was therefore a deliberate and integral, rather than coincidental, element of his leadership—partly because as an extrovert he couldn’t help himself. But it was also because he understood that building good relationships was essential to fostering the trust and transparency required for a thriving educational environment.

He empowered excellent people to execute his purpose and vision, giving them both autonomy and support to grow the school and to help us all better understand the promise and product of progressive education.”

ASHLEY KRAMER (P. ‘19, ‘22) BOARD OF TRUSTEES (2014-2023)

Landis grew my responsibility as Associate Head of School, supported me as I transitioned into motherhood and working-momhood, appointed me to important Board committees, encouraged me, and pushed me. He prepared me to be a head of school someday, and I always felt comfortable with being open about my ambition and goals with him, not having to “cover” them. This was a real gift, and I particularly feel it from a gendered perspective. Landis likes strong women. He boosts and doesn’t diminish feistiness, empowerment, and wholeness.” MELINDA TSAPATSARIS (P. ‘28, ‘31, ‘33) FACULTY AND ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL (2001-2017)

I am always appreciative of his open door through which I could enter to problem solve whatever was in the way of my moving forward. He would listen, take a breath, and give me the benefit of his experiences.”

BECCA HEDGEPATH (P. ‘13) FACULTY (2002-PRESENT)

Working with Landis was always productive and fun. He has a wonderful sense of humor, even when talking through complicated situations. He is very good at asking the right question and exploring all perspectives, making others feel that he has really heard their point of view.” KATIE RIOS (P. ‘24) FACULTY AND DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1996-PRESENT)

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