Darryl Ford

Darryl J. Ford joined Carney, Sandoe & Associates as Vice President, Education Leadership Services, after three decades of leadership in private schools. He leads executive searches and supports leaders through transition, mentoring, and social-impact initiatives across a range of educational organizations.

Most recently, Darryl served as Head of School at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia (2007–2023). During his tenure, he led a $135 million capital campaign and developed a campus master plan while advancing the school’s strategic vision.

Previously, Darryl was Director of Middle School at Penn Charter for 10 years and served as Head and Executive Director of St. Gregory’s Episcopal School in Chicago.

Darryl brings significant higher education experience from 10 years on Villanova University’s board and as a part-time Lecturer in Penn’s Graduate School of Education. His work has included committee leadership, DEIB-focused efforts, and teaching on leadership topics such as symbolic leadership.

He has extensive governance experience and currently serves on the boards of Wilmington Friends School, AIM Academy, Cliveden of the National Trust, and the Wissahickon Charter School Foundation Board. He has also served with Friends Council on Education, ADVIS, Steppingstone Scholars, and PAIS’s Commission on Accreditation.

Committed to service, Darryl has led and participated on many accreditation teams, mentored school leaders nationwide, and is a sought-after speaker in K–12 and higher education.

A graduate of Friends Select School in Philadelphia, he earned a B.A. in Honors Liberal Arts and a B.S. in Social Studies Education from Villanova University. He holds an M.A. in Educational Administration and Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Institutional, and Policy Studies from the University of Chicago.