Eric Sands

With 29 years of international administrative experience and seven years of teaching in the United States, Dr. Eric Sands joins Search Associates as a Senior Consultant following his most recent role as Superintendent at Stamford American International School (SAIS) in Singapore (2016–2020). He specializes in Head of School, Director, CFO, and divisional Principal searches.

Dr. Sands has led Pre-K through Grade 12 schools across Central Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, and has served as Deputy Director and Divisional Principal in Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Across these roles, he oversaw multiple campus expansion initiatives, implemented major strategic plans, and led successful accreditation visits. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award from COGNITA in 2017 during his tenure at SAIS. Dr. Sands holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policies from the University of South Carolina, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration, and an MA in Educational Administration, both from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Since joining Search Associates in 2020, Dr. Sands has successfully conducted 30 Head of School/Director/CFO searches and 18 divisional Principal searches across five continents. He has also facilitated Board Governance Training in Europe and Southeast Asia and served as a coach for Heads of School. He values leaders who combine vision with execution within a collaborative, mission-driven approach, believing this combination consistently produces measurable results.

Dr. Sands served as CEESA Board Chair and on the IASAS Governing Body throughout his international leadership tenure, reflecting his sustained commitment to regional school associations and collaborative governance.

Now based in Western North Carolina, Dr. Sands is an active cellist in a regional orchestra, a pursuit that mirrors his belief in the power of collaborative performance and precision, both on stage and in school leadership.