Bryan Smyth, Ph.D.

ISM Senior Consultant and Director of Research
Focus: Academic Leadership and Governance & Finance
Bryan Smyth
Bryan Smyth

Work with Bryan to strengthen your school’s strategies in:

  • Advisory Programming
  • Leadership
  • Scheduling
  • School Culture
  • Strategic Financial Planning
  • Strategic Performance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Student Well-Being

In his roles at ISM, Bryan does the following.

  • Oversees ISM’s research initiatives by designing studies, conducting statistical analyses, and advancing the organization’s knowledge in areas important to independent school leadership
  • Writes for Ideas & Perspectives, ISM’s flagship advisory letter, in the areas of scheduling, student-centered policies, faculty growth and evaluation, finance, social-emotional well-being, and research
  • Co-leads the Annual Heads Retreat from ISM
  • Facilitates consultations with schools in areas such as strategic planning, school culture, scheduling, and financial planning.
  • Leads workshops and webinars in his areas of expertise

Learn more about Bryan—

Bryan joined ISM as a Consultant in 2013 following 13 years in independent school administration. His central purpose is to help students flourish. He believes the enhancement of school environments and cultures is the best way to facilitate growth in children and adults.

Bryan has consulted over 100 schools in his time at ISM.

Bryan came to ISM from Mount Pisgah Christian School in Georgia where he served as the Vice President, Head of the Upper School, Guidance and College Advisement Director, varsity head coach, and psychology teacher over the course of his tenure. Prior to that, he was the Associate Head of School at Brandon Hall in Georgia.

Bryan holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Marquette University in Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. He also earned an MBA from Reinhardt University in Georgia, which focused on the application of business principles to the management of independent schools.  

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THANK YOU for all that you do to help teachers and administrators. This work is rejuvenating. ISM has played a huge role in building my confidence as a new administrator. I appreciate the space to be honest and vulnerable."

Courtney West, Assistant Head of Upper School
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, PA

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