Agnes C. (Aggie) Underwood
Aggie is a Senior Consultant for our Search & Consulting Group. Aggie served as Vice President and Managing Associate for the Search & Consulting Group from 2003-2021. In that time period, she has expanded and refined its scope, size, and organization.
In her leadership role, International, Administrative, Development/CFO, Coaching, and Catholic Practice Groups were added and consultants have been recruited from many different geographic areas and with diverse leadership experiences. At the core of her mission for the firm has been attending to the highest ethical standards and excellence in the practice our work.
Aggie has worked with schools of all sizes and missions across the country. Recently she has completed an assignment at Spence School (NYC). Past searches have included Milton Academy (MA), Lick Wilmerding (CA), University High School (CA), Park School (MD), Blake School (MN), The Brearley School (NY), Wilmington Friends, and Shady Hill School (MA). Aggie has a special interest in working with schools for girls.
Previous Experience
Aggie began her career at Spence School (NY) where she was a teacher, department chair, and Head of the Upper School. Subsequently, she headed two schools for a total of 25 years: Garrison Forest School (MD) for 11 years and National Cathedral School (DC) for 14 years. Her board leadership experience is extensive and includes: President of the Head Mistresses Association; President, the Heads and Principals Association; President, The Heads Network; Vice-President, Heads Collegiate Forum; Vice-President of A Better Chance; Trustee, St. Paul’s School, Concord Academy, St. Albans School; Canon, Washington National Cathedral and Trustee and Treasurer, National Association of Independent Schools. In Vermont she has been a board member of the Vermont Humanities Counsel and the Town Hall Theater of Middlebury.
Education & Interests
Aggie graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in economics. She also earned an MBA (Beta Gamma Sigma) from Columbia University’s Business School, and as first in her class was awarded the Roswell C. McCrea Prize for the Most Outstanding Contribution to the Intellectual Life of the School. She earned a Teacher Training Certificate from Shady Hill School (MA).
Aggie has many interests. Foremost among them her children and grandchildren. She is dutiful about exercise and enjoys cooking and sports of all kinds. In addition to her family, her friends and colleagues from the past and present bring her great joy.