On behalf of Mr. Earl Chamberlin, Head of School of the International Community School (ICS), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Search Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Heather Vlach as Deputy Head of School, beginning August 2026. In his announcement to the community, Mr. Chamberlin said:
We are confident that Heather’s leadership will further strengthen our team and support the school in advancing its mission.
Dr. Vlach will join the ICS community from the American School of Doha, where she currently serves as Director of Academic & Strategic Leadership. She is known for building coherent strategies, strengthening collaborative cultures, and aligning people and systems for great teaching and learning to thrive. Her experience includes PK–12 curriculum alignment; educational systems, including PLC/MTSS implementation; accreditation readiness; and equity and well-being initiatives that help school communities become more learner-centered and connected across all aspects of school community life. Heather shares an African proverb that she lives by:
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together: This resonates deeply with me. It keeps me focused on collective efficacy: listening deeply, showing up as a learner before a knower, building trust, and going far together as a team.
In addition to district-wide work in her hometown of Kodiak, Alaska (U.S.), Heather’s career includes teaching and leadership roles in international schools in Prague, Bangkok, the Dominican Republic, and Qatar. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Superintendent and Principal licensure, and advanced certifications in leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Heather is thrilled to partner with students, staff, and families at ICS:
ICS has so much that’s strong and exciting: deep inclusion in practice, an ambitious vision, and a leadership team that pairs clarity with heart. I am energized by the clear celebration of each learner’s unique assets and funds of knowledge, and I’m excited to amplify and elevate the great work already in place. And yes, the legendary tortoises on campus sealed it for me: a daily reminder to move with purpose, patience, and care. I am eager to further connect great people, great ideas, and great systems to build on the excellence already underway and help a strong, thriving community shine even brighter.
Addis Ababa holds enormous appeal for Heather. She looks forward to exploring cafés and local markets that will inspire her preparation of spicy vegetarian meals. A fan of theatre and museums, she enjoys learning—in any new place—the culture through language study, attending community events, savoring coffee and food traditions, and engaging with the arts and storytelling that carry both history and identity. Outside Heather loves hiking and long walks, paddleboarding, and kayaking, wherever possible.
Search Associates would like to thank all the candidates who applied for these positions and to everyone who assisted and supported the successful search process for the next Deputy Head of School at the International Community School (ICS), Addis Ababa.
