Leadership

List of 12 members.

• 

  Rachel "Rachel" Rodriguez 

  Head of School

  305-460-8845

  Florida International University - B.S.
  Nova Southeastern University - M.S.

  Bio

  In partnership with the Board of Trustees, as the Head of School, I have the responsibility to carry out the school’s mission to train leaders that give more back to the community than they take from it. I have the honor of working with a leadership team that oversees the various components of Ransom Everglades School. Together we work to see that each student, family and community member has an unparalleled academic, athletic and artistic experience as each student grows and learns ways to carry out and live the school’s mission. After working in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 15 years as a teacher, English Department Chair, Exceptional Education Department Co-Chair and Educational Specialist, I joined Ransom Everglades School in 2005. I served as the Assistant Director of the Middle School for two years, and Head of the Middle School for 14 years. I worked as an education consultant during the 2021-22 school year, before returning to Ransom Everglades as the Interim Head of School for the 2022-23 school year. I earned a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University. In 2018, I completed a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Professional Education. My husband, Jose, and I have two sons, Christopher ’10, and Alec ’14 and a very large dog named Jack. Outside of Ransom Everglades, I enjoy yoga, Pilates, hiking and traveling.
• 

  John "John" King Jr. 

  Associate Head of School, History & Social Sciences Teacher

  305-460-8230

  Emory University - B.A.
  Emory University - M.A.
  Vanderbilt University - Ph.D.

  Bio

  I am Associate Head of School and in my 24th year at Ransom Everglades. Prior to RE, I was a history professor at Belmont University. At RE, I have taught history and social sciences courses, coached several sports, conducted music ensembles, done college counseling, served as director of studies, and, as the senior class dean and sponsor, created the annual class retreat to the Circle F Dude Ranch. I oversee the Bowden Fellowships in the Humanities and direct the Holzman Center of Applied Ethics. I was the founding curator for TEDxCoconutGrove, a community event hosted for six years at RE. I published several scholarly pieces, most notably as lead author of The President's Position: The Cold War Presidents. For two decades I was a reader, table leader, and exam leader at the College Board's AP US History Reading, and I created the teacher's materials for Eric Foner's leading AP US History textbook, Give Me Liberty! I taught courses at Barry University, FIU, and John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. I also enjoy playing several musical instruments, scuba diving, hiking and camping, and supporting South Florida's professional sports teams, particularly the Miami Dolphins.
• 

  Geoffrey "Geoff" Bennett 

  Chief Financial Officer

  305-460-8851

  Kenyon College - B.A.
  Thunderbird School of Global Management - M.B.A.

  Bio

  I assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at Ransom Everglades after arriving from the San Francisco Waldorf School, where I served as Director of Finance and Operations after beginning my tenure at the school as a member of the board of trustees and chair of the finance committee. Before shifting to independent schools, I spent 30 years in investment banking, predominantly in Asia, where I lived for more than five years. A graduate of Deerfield Academy, an independent school in Massachusetts, I earned a BA in English from Kenyon College in Ohio, and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. My wife Cindy and I have four children and two Labrador Retrievers.
• 

  Bethania "Bethania" Cabrera 

  Chief of Human Resources

  Lehman College - B.S.
  Florida International University - MSHRM

  Bio

  As the Chief of Human Resources at Ransom Everglades, I partner with internal and external stakeholders to attract, develop and retain talented employees who share our passion for producing graduates who “believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it.” Before joining RE, I served as the Director of Human Resources Operations for Florida International University’s College of Engineering and Computing. Before that, I held several management positions at JPMorgan Chase, including Human Resources and Finance Manager. I earned a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from FIU, a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Management with a minor in Bilingual Bicultural Education from Lehman College in New York City, an accounting certificate from New York University and a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification. I am a wellness enthusiast who enjoys kickboxing and healthy eating.
• 

  David "David" Clark 86

  Chief Operating Officer and Interim Head of the Upper School

  Dartmouth College - B.A.
  Florida Atlantic University - M.Ed.

  Bio

  As a Florida native, I was very fortunate to attend Ransom Everglades for my final two years of high school. As a public-school student, I was a consumer of information; as a private school student, I became the architect of my education. I believe my intellect, talents and skills grew in the supportive, challenging and innovative environment at RE. I went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics modified with Engineering from Dartmouth College and had the opportunity to play in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. I returned to RE to work in the mathematics and computer science department, later taking on the roles of dean of students and head football coach. In this same environment, I experienced further growth and development as an educator and administrator. In 1999, I left RE for another independent school that fit the needs of my children. There I served as dean of students, assistant upper school head, interim upper school head and then head of school (Boca campus). During this time, I earned my master’s in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University. I rejoined the RE community in June 2022, as the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Head of the Upper School. My primary responsibilities are to lead the upper school while working closely with the advancement, admission, athletics and the business offices.

  
  My wife, Nicole, and I have three daughters, Amber, Autumn and Ashleigh. I strongly believe in the importance of family and serving the community. In my leisure time I enjoy traveling with my family. Cruises are our favorite getaway. I am an avid bowler. I also devote time serving on the board of trustees at the Fuller Center in Palm Beach and volunteering across South Florida in a variety of capacities.
• 

  Peter "Pete" DiPace 

  Head of the Middle School

  305-250-6871

  Florida State University - B.S.
  St. Thomas University - J.D.
  Northeastern University - Ed.D.

  Bio

  In 2011, after practicing law for several years I started working as a teacher and lacrosse coach for Ransom Everglades. For a decade, I served in a variety of roles including, Middle School Dean of Students, Director of Summer Programming and Assistant Head of the Middle School. For two years I gained invaluable perspective as Head of the Upper Elementary Division at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. I returned home to RE in 2023 to serve as a school leader with a passion for building experiences that promote each student's sense of belonging and citizenship. I have earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State, a law degree from St. Thomas University and a doctorate from Northeastern University. My wife Nicola and I are the proud parents of Luca and Marc. Outside of my faith, family and vocation, my most passionate pursuits include cooking, rooting for the Yankees and playing along with Jeopardy. I also kind of have a thing for Johnny Cash and peacocks.
• 

  Wendell "Wendell" Graham 74

  Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement

  305-460-8889

  Columbia University - B.A.
  University of Miami - J.D.

  Bio

  As Director of Inclusion and Community Outreach, I am responsible for our efforts to maintain a welcoming environment where every member of the school community can live, study and work at their highest level of creativity and productivity. I practiced law for 38 years, serving as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, arbitrator, mediator and county court judge. I graduated from Ransom School in 1974, received my BA from Columbia University, and JD from the University of Miami School of Law. I love music, fishing, and the outdoors. My wife runs a non-profit for children aging out of foster care. We have one child in college, and the others are adults working in the armed services, arts and retail, and education.
• 

  Melanie "Melanie" Hoffmann 

  Director of Advancement

  305-460-8820

  Hollins College - B.A.
  University of Pennsylvania - M.S.

  Bio

  As Director of Advancement at Ransom Everglades School, I oversee the school's fundraising efforts as well as alumni and parent engagement. I previously served as the Assistant Head of School and Director of External Affairs at Vermont Academy for two years and, for 13 years, worked as Director of Institutional Advancement at The Pingry School, a K-12 day school in New Jersey. I began my fundraising career at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. I attended Hollins College in Roanoke, Va., where I received my BA in Art History and German, and I received my master's degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. My husband, Arthur, and I have two sons, William and Nicholas '27, and live in Coconut Grove.
• 

  Linda "Linda" Lawrence 

  Chief Technology Officer

  305-460-8220

  Louisiana Tech University - B.S.
  Tulane University - M.S.

  Bio

  As Chief Technology Officer, I develop and implement technical strategies that support a robust multi-campus computing infrastructure and promote best practices for student success, campus safety, business optimization and informed decision-making. Prior to joining the Ransom Everglades community, I was the Director of Technology Development and Chair of Applied Technology at Metairie Park Country Day School. During my early career, I designed data solutions and network infrastructures supporting oil and gas exploration and production. A New Orleans native, I earned a Master of Science in computer science from Tulane University and graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana Tech University with a BS in computer science. My husband, Chris, is a radiologist and we have three children: Jeffrey, a general surgery resident; Gary, a real estate investment banking professional; and Kelsey, a special effects artist.
• 

  Jason "Jason" Locke 

  Executive Director of College Counseling

  Alfred University - B.A.
  The University of Vermont - M.Ed.

  Bio

  After more than two decades in higher education leadership positions, I joined Ransom Everglades School in the inaugural role of Executive Director for College Counseling where I am leading the transformation of the college counseling experience for RE students and families. Before joining the RE community, I served as Director of Undergraduate Admissions and then as Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment at Cornell University. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred University, a Master of Education degree at the University of Vermont, and a Postgraduate Certificate from Peking University in Beijing, China. I am currently completing my Doctor of Education degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have enjoyed participating in the Ithaca Twilight 5K Run, Vinophile Society and Supper Club, and serving as a Friend of the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). 
• 

  Amy "Amy" Shipley 

  Director of Communications

  305-460-8212

  Princeton University - B.S.E.

  Bio

  After 25 years in journalism, I joined Ransom Everglades in December 2015 as Director of Communications, a position that gives me the privilege of sharing the great work that goes on at RE, and ensuring that the school's community members feel informed and connected. Prior to my arrival at Ransom Everglades, I spent 15 years at The Washington Post, where I covered international sports and the Olympics. I also worked as an investigative reporter at the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and the beat writer for the Miami Heat and then-Florida Marlins at the Miami Herald. I received a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University and, surely to the relief of my professors there, I have never worked in that realm. I love serving at Plymouth Congregational Church and am happiest when sipping wine from St. Estephe in Bordeaux. I am the proud mother of Sabrina '22.
• 

  Amy "Amy" Zichella 93

  Director of Admission and Enrollment Management

  305-250-6875

  Florida State University - B.A.

  Bio

  As Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, it is my privilege to oversee the admission and financial aid processes of my alma mater. An alumna from the Class of 1993, my middle and high school years at Ransom Everglades provided me not only a great education but also access to an incredible alumni network and — I can't resist mentioning — a state championship in volleyball. I returned to RE in 2002 as an English teacher, admission officer and coach (volleyball, basketball and track). I am proud to have served on the national Board of Directors of the Enrollment Management Association for seven years and remain very involved in this organization. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Florida State University with a double major in English and Education and a minor in Spanish. When not at RE, I can usually be found enjoying all that our beautiful city has to offer with my husband Eric and our two daughters, Abigail '29 and Ava.