On behalf of the Board of Governors, Search Associates is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Zakariya “Zak” Palsha as the next Head of School of the International Community School of Addis Ababa (ICS), beginning in July 2027.
Yohannes Tsehai, Chair of the ICS Board of Governors, shared in an announcement to the school community:
The Board believes that Zak’s combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise, educational vision, and deep personal connection to ICS positions him strongly to lead the school into its next chapter. We look forward to the energy, expertise, and perspective he will bring to ICS. We are confident that he will continue to strengthen ICS in line with our strategic goals: advancing learning excellence, fostering innovation, deepening well-being, and preparing students to contribute as globally minded citizens.
An accomplished international educator and school leader with more than two decades of experience in inclusive, inquiry-based International Baccalaureate schools across the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa, Dr. Palsha currently serves as Superintendent of the American Cooperative School of Tunis and previously held the role of Head of School at Al-Bayan International School.
For Dr. Palsha, this appointment is especially meaningful because of his long-standing connection to ICS as both an educator and alumnus. Reflecting on his return to the community, he shared:
What excites me most about joining ICS is the opportunity to return to a community that played such an important role in shaping my own educational journey. Having attended ICS as a student for seven years, the school has always held a very special place in my life, both personally and academically. The experience I had at ICS helped shape my worldview, my understanding of community, and ultimately my passion for international education and school leadership.
Dr. Palsha holds a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership from Seattle Pacific University, a Master of Education in School Administration from Central Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Central Washington University. Guided by the words of Nelson Mandela — “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” — Dr. Palsha remains deeply committed to the transformative impact of international education.
During his visit to campus, Dr. Palsha was inspired by the strength of the ICS community, the warmth and professionalism of its faculty and staff, and the school’s clear commitment to students. He was especially impressed by the culture of reflection, innovation, and purposeful leadership that could be felt across the campus. The balance of academic excellence and authentic relationships resonated deeply with him and reinforced his excitement about leading the school into its next chapter.
Looking ahead, Dr. Palsha shared his enthusiasm for partnering with the entire ICS community:
Professionally, I am excited by the opportunity to partner with the Board, leadership team, faculty, staff, students, and parents to continue building on the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to supporting a culture centered on student learning, well-being, community engagement, and continuous improvement while helping guide the school through its next chapter of growth and development.
An ICS alumnus whose parents taught at the school for more than a decade, Dr. Palsha is excited to share both ICS and Addis Ababa with his wife, Dr. Nardin Omar, and their children, Zaheen (15), Zohal (12), and Zahed (4). Together, they look forward to becoming part of the vibrant and welcoming international community that defines ICS. He adds:
On a personal level, returning to ICS in a leadership capacity is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It feels like a true full-circle moment for me and my family, and I approach the opportunity with a strong sense of gratitude, responsibility, and excitement.
Search Associates extends its sincere appreciation to all candidates who expressed interest in this leadership opportunity, as well as to the many community members whose thoughtful participation and support contributed to the successful search process for the next Head of School of the International Community School of Addis Ababa.
