Baxter Academy’s founding board chairwoman, Kelli Pryor, has been named executive director of the Portland-based charter high school.

Pryor, a Windham resident, signed the school’s charter in May 2013 and has remained involved in the work of Baxter’s startup years. The new role will provide continuity for the school as Pryor maintains momentum on strategic planning, development, community outreach and compliance.

Allison Crean Davis, the new chairwoman of the school’s board of directors, says of the leadership transition, “Consistent and strong leadership is a critical factor in how well a school serves its students and the community. By naming Kelli Pryor as Baxter’s executive director, the board capitalizes on the unparalleled stewardship she’s provided as its board chair since the school’s founding and the strong working relationships she has forged with our Head of School Michele LaForge, existing board members, our partners, and the surrounding community.”

As board chair, Pryor has been responsible for building partnerships for Baxter that support real-world learning opportunity for its students. Head of School Michele LaForge says, “The best thing for the students is Kelli Pryor bringing Baxter into the world and bringing the world into Baxter.”

“Helping build Baxter has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Pryor said. “I’m so grateful to the board for giving me the chance to extend my efforts as the school grows. I believe Baxter Academy has the potential to catalyze positive change not only for its students but for Maine as it seeks to develop a STEM-savvy workforce.”

Kelli Pryor