The Miami Country Day School Board of Trustees serves as the guardian of the school’s mission: to educate the whole child and support every student’s intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth by valuing every student every day. The Board meets five times each year to review and approve strategic proposals that support the school community and to monitor MCDS’s progress in fulfilling its mission.
At the Annual Board Meeting, the Committee on Trustees proposes and prepares qualified candidates for election.
Elected trustees serve three-year terms. Each trustee may serve up to two terms. Additional terms may be approved by unanimous decision of the Executive Committee.
Meet the MCDS Board of Trustees
Officers of the Board
Officers of the Board
Officers of the Board serve in leadership roles that help guide the Board’s work, activities, and decision-making.
Matthew Lazenby
Chairman of the Board
Claudia Brod
President
Daniel Harwin
President-Elect
Gerald W. Moore ‘68
Vice President
Kevin King ’95
Treasurer
Richard Tester
Secretary
Board Members
Board Members
Board Members are trustees who serve alongside the officers to help steward the school and guard the MCDS mission.
karen ajmani
Michael Allen, Ph.D.
Chris Bellows
Katy Bravo
Claudia Brod
scott collins
David Forbes
Daniel Harwin
Karleen Halliwell
Kevin King ’95
Matthew Lazenby
Gerald W. Moore ‘68
James W. Moore ’65
Cam Murphy ’06
Lauren Roth
Anna Schneur
Daniel Standen
Richard Tester
Nick Woodhouse
Ex-Oficio
Ex-Oficio
Ex-officio members serve by virtue of their role, including the President and the Alumni Board President. They are not counted toward quorum and are not entitled to vote.
Mariandl Hufford
President and Head of School
David Butter ‘13
President Alumni Association
Trustee Emeritus
Trustee Emeritus
Trustee Emeritus recognizes former trustees whose service has made a lasting contribution to Miami Country Day School.
Barbara North Burton
John F. “Bud” Farrey
J. Michael Garner
Javier Holtz
Osmond C. Howe, Jr.
Howard Premer
Terry Jove
Mark Piper
Anne Paulk
Life Emeritus
Life Emeritus
Life Emeritus honors trustees whose lasting legacy and service to the school continue to be remembered after their passing.
Richard S. Banick†
Edwin B. Cole†
Stanley F. Whitman†
Michael J. Franco†
Elizabeth Hach†
Lawrence M. Stanfill†
† Deceased
MCDS Board Committees
Executive Committee (EXCO)
The Executive Committee is comprised of the incumbent officers and elected trustees, this committee may exercise all powers of the Board during intervals between meetings.
Trustee Governance & Nomination Committee (TG&N)
Responsible for identification, cultivation, and preparation of potential new Trustees; recommending slates of Trustees and officers; overseeing Trustee orientation and development; conducting evaluations of the Board and its members; and supporting overall Board effectiveness and morale.
Responsible for developing and recommending policies to ensure financial soundness; overseeing investments; reviewing and recommending the annual budget; monitoring expenditures; and overseeing the audit process, including working with the independent auditor and recommending approval of the annual audit.
Future Vision Committee (FV)
Responsible for long-term visioning and master planning, developing fundraising strategies and public relations plans, and overseeing Board-approved fundraising campaigns while tracking their progress and outcomes.
Property & Physical Plant Committee (PPP)
Responsible for oversight of all school facilities and properties, including safety, maintenance, and suitability. Recommends repairs, improvements, acquisitions, or dispositions, and supports selection of architects, contractors, and related vendors.
Head Support & Evaluation Committee (HSE)
Responsible for supporting and evaluating the Head of School, including performance assessment and professional development. Does not oversee compensation or contract matters.
Active Agile Teams
Acquisitions & Dispositions (PPP)
Supports oversight of real estate and facilities-related transactions, including evaluation of potential acquisitions, disposals, and long-term property planning.
Audit (FORA)
Works with the independent auditor to define audit scope, review findings, and support the Board’s oversight of financial accountability and controls.
Budget & Tuition (FORA)
Assists in development and review of the annual budget, tuition strategy, and financial planning assumptions.
Investment & Risk Mitigation (FORA)
Oversees investment strategy and monitors financial risk, ensuring alignment with Board-approved policies and long-term financial health.
Strategic Plan (FV)
Supports development, refinement, and tracking of the School’s strategic priorities and long-term planning initiatives.
Campaign Cabinet (FV)
Leads and supports fundraising efforts, including capital campaigns, donor engagement, and advancement strategy.
The Trustee Commitment
“We continue to set the standard for educating students”
Claudia Brod
President of the Board of Trustees
“We will transform our campus to be responsive to the needs of the current and future student.”
Matthew Whitman Lazenby
Chairman of the Board
“The education that I received prepared me for success”
James W. Moore ‘65
Past Chairman
“MCDS provides a shining example of holistic educational excellence”
