Lovett Welcomes Doug McLane as Next Head of Upper School

The Lovett School is pleased to welcome Doug McLane as its next Head of Upper School, effective July 1, 2026. McLane succeeds Patrick Boswell, who is transitioning into a newly created role as Chief Academic Officer, a position designed to strengthen academic alignment across all three divisions.

McLane joins Lovett after more than two decades in independent school leadership. Most recently, he served as Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid at The Potomac School, a K–12 independent day school in McLean, Virginia. Before that, he spent seven years as Potomac's Head of Upper School, leading the division across academics, student life, faculty development, and community culture. He has also served as Upper School Division Head at Saddle River Day School in New Jersey, and earlier held a range of roles at Princeton Day School, including Dean of Students and Spanish teacher.

"Doug McLane is a teacher at heart, and that matters in a role like this," said Meredyth Cole, Head of School. "Over more than two decades in independent schools, he has led Upper School communities by staying close to students, faculty, and the work of learning. Doug understands that true excellence is never just about what students achieve, but who they become along the way: curious, courageous, and responsible for one another. We're thrilled to welcome him to Lovett, and I can't wait for our Upper School students to feel the steady care, high expectations, and joy he brings."

McLane will step into the role as Lovett approaches its centennial, a milestone he cited as one of the factors that drew him to the school.

"Joining Lovett feels like a homecoming to the values I hold most dear: intellect, purpose, and belonging," McLane said. "As a leader who believes education is built on relationships, I look forward to being a visible presence in our classrooms and hallways, supporting our students on their transformative journey through the Upper School. I am thrilled to contribute to a 100-year legacy that balances academic excellence with a heartfelt 'whole child' approach."

Patrick Boswell, who has served as Head of Upper School for the last five years, will begin his new role as Chief Academic Officer on July 1, 2026. In that newly created position, he will partner with divisional leadership to advance a cohesive, K–12 vision for teaching and learning.

McLane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Education from Hartwick College and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. He and his family will relocate to Atlanta this summer.