MIKE VACHOW

Knuckleball Consulting is one of three enterprises in which Mike is engaged. He is also a Managing Director at Gowan Group, a full service consultancy to independent schools based in Connecticut. And, he is the Executive Director of the Association of Independent Michigan Schools. Before becoming a consultant, Mike worked in independent day schools for 30 years. Mike began his career as an English teacher and coach at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans before moving on to administrative roles there. He continued in school leadership as a division director at Lake Forest Country Day School, and for ten years as Head of Forsyth School in St. Louis, and as Interim Head at Peoria Academy. During his years serving independent schools in the Midwest, Mike chaired the board of the Independent Schools of St. Louis, and served ISACS as a member of the Accreditation Review Committee, an accreditation team leader and a mentor to new heads. Mike's consulting work has focused on enrollment strategy, strategic planing, governance, executive coaching, and leadership searches. He has a BA from the University of Michigan and an MA from Middlebury College.