Dr. Douglas Leek Appointed Director of Enrollment Management

The following message was sent to the MFS community on Friday, November 12 from Head of School Julia de la Torre:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Douglas Leek as the new Director of Enrollment Management, effective July 1, 2022. He replaces current Director of Enrollment Management Shu Shu Costa who will step more fully into her passion for facilitation and center her professional work around admissions and strategic planning consulting. I am grateful to Shu Shu for her four wonderful years of service to the school.

Douglas comes to MFS as a seasoned enrollment manager with over 20 years of experience in independent schools and higher education. Most recently he served as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Sewickley Academy in Pittsburgh, PA, where he directed the admissions team in recruiting and enrolling students in three divisions.

Prior to that, Douglas was Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at The Northwest School in Seattle, WA for six years. He arrived at Northwest from Lakeside School, also in Seattle, where he served as Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid for six years. During his time working in the Seattle area, Douglas was Creator and Director of the Independent School Fair for People of Color, which attracted over 500 families per year from across the city interested in independent school education. The fair is still in existence today.

Before he moved into independent school admissions, Douglas served in admissions and financial aid roles at Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and the University of Washington.

Douglas has a B.A. and M.Ed. from Western Washington University and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Seattle University.

The search committee, which consisted of seven faculty, staff, and administrators, was particularly impressed by Douglas’ understanding of all facets of enrollment management and his eagerness to find a community which reflects his personal values. Commented Douglas during the interview process: “My decision to apply for this position was connected to MFS’ enduring principles of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. For me, this alignment inspires collaborative and creative strategic thinking, and inclusive and intentional advocacy for students and families.”

I am excited to have Douglas join our leadership team and to provide expert advice and guidance to students and families considering the value of a Friends education. He is an experienced professional committed to student advocacy and to forming strong partnerships with community organizations with the ultimate goal of helping students and families find their ideal school match. He is sure to bring a depth of knowledge and creativity to this important role.

Please join me in welcoming Douglas and his family to the MFS community.