Diana Martelly

Bringing more than 40 years of experience in education, Dr. Diana Martelly is a seasoned international school leader and Senior Consultant with Search Associates, specializing in senior leadership searches across the United States, Latin America, Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings a nuanced understanding of the diverse cultural and institutional contexts in which international schools operate.

Dr. Martelly most recently served as Head of High School at Keystone Academy in Beijing, China, where she played a central role in developing the high school and boarding programs and guiding its first four graduating cohorts. Her broader leadership career encompasses deep expertise in academic leadership, curriculum design, and whole-school program development across American, international, and IB frameworks, as well as experience integrating national curricula within international settings. She has led initiatives spanning policy development, human resources, and school accountability systems, and is particularly skilled in mentoring and coaching leaders. Dr. Martelly holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mathematics Education from Florida International University, a Doctorate in Education in Human Resource Development, and a second master’s degree in Private School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Since joining Search Associates, Dr. Martelly has successfully facilitated more than 16 senior leadership searches across Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the United States. Her work has encompassed searches for Heads of School, Divisional Principals, and specialized senior roles including Director of Teaching and Learning and Head of University Guidance. In her work with boards and search committees, she facilitates workshops that build alignment, clarity, and strong decision-making throughout the search process, championing candidates who balance academic rigor with a genuine commitment to student well-being.

While her early career began in the classroom (teaching across levels from elementary through graduate studies), Dr. Martelly’s professional trajectory has been defined by building programs, developing people, and strengthening institutions across multiple continents.

Now based in Minneapolis after more than two decades living and working internationally, Dr. Martelly brings both global insight and personal perspective to her work. Having raised her own children as Third Culture Kids, she carries a deep understanding of globally mobile families and school communities. An avid cyclist and lifelong learner, she enjoys the outdoors, travelling, staying current with research on the science of learning, and spending time with her children and two young grandchildren.