On September 18–19, Search Associates Senior Consultant Diana Martelly joined more than 200 participants at the American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA) Governance Conference in Miami. Focused on the evolving role of school leaders and boards, the conference challenged participants to consider how they can build adaptive, mission-driven schools prepared to meet both today’s realities and tomorrow’s possibilities.
For Diana, the conference provided an excellent opportunity to connect with heads of school and board members from across the international school community. Search Associates (SEARCH) was proud to sponsor the conference reception.
Diana also spent time at the SEARCH table in the Exhibitors Hall, where she met with numerous heads of school and board members. These conversations quickly translated into new opportunities for collaboration. “Through these contacts, we were able to submit proposals for leadership searches at two schools,” she explains.
The conference also offered valuable opportunities to learn from fellow international school leaders. Diana attended “Passing the Torch Without Dropping It: Governance Strategies for an Exceptional Head of School Transition,” a presentation exploring the importance of effective leadership transitions. As the presenters emphasized, transitions can be among the most consequential moments in a school’s life, creating uncertainty while also providing opportunities to build trust, strengthen culture, and accelerate strategic momentum.
The session had a particularly meaningful connection to Search Associates. Dr. Jessica Gilway, Julianna Buenaventura, and Olga Patiño of Colegio Bolivar in Cali, Colombia, “gave a shout out” to SEARCH during their presentation. Diana, together with Paul Poore, had worked with the school on its successful leadership search, which resulted in Dr. Gilway’s appointment as Head of School. She began her tenure in July.
Beyond the leadership sessions, Diana enjoyed hearing a range of perspectives during the Future of Education Panel and attending the “Better Together Acknowledgements,” where schools recognized members of their teams for their contributions. SEARCH was again recognized for sponsoring the Welcome Reception, giving Diana an opportunity to speak briefly about the many services SEARCH provides to international schools and their leaders.
Diana’s experience at the 2026 AMISA Governance Conference highlights the value of Search Associates’ active engagement with the international school community. Through conferences, leadership searches, professional connections, and ongoing support for schools, SEARCH helps bring international educators and school leaders together while supporting schools as they identify and appoint talented leaders.
The conference also demonstrated how meaningful connections can develop beyond the traditional recruitment setting. By participating in professional events around the world, Search Associates remains closely connected to the evolving needs of international schools and the educators and leaders who contribute to their success.
