Krishna Davda
Every month, RG175 spotlights one of the independent school leaders we've placed, taking a deeper dive into their journey, insights, and impact. This month, we feature Krishna R. Davda. Krishna serves as Head of Student Experience at The Overlake School, an independent grades 5–12 school in Redmond, WA, where he's led Student Support, Experiential Education, Athletics, Advising, Discipline, accreditation of the Program, and Competing Academic Teams. In July 2026, Krishna will become the next Head of School at Chesapeake Bay Academy in Virginia Beach, VA, a nationally recognized leader in educating students with learning differences.
A dedicated educator and equity-minded leader, Krishna has spent his career at the intersection of student support, inclusive excellence, and innovative program design, with a deep passion for creating environments where neurodivergent learners thrive.
What is your connection to RG175?
My connection to RG175 began years ago, when I attended one of their candidate meet-ups as a “plus one.” There, I met both Doreen Oleson and John Farber and shared a bit about my professional journey and passion for working with neurodivergent learners and advancing innovative approaches in independent schools. Over time, through numerous encounters and conversations, I developed an enduring relationship with the RG team—built on shared values, consistency, and trust.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
My relationship with RG175 has been both personal and professional, and it has been reciprocal at times. Over the years, the team has not only considered me for roles where my values and skills aligned but also welcomed me into their broader leadership network. I had the privilege of being introduced to Marcia Prewitt Spiller on the Mill Springs search, where my mentor, Dr. Tom Hays, was selected as Head of School. Being able to connect RG175 with Tom in that process remains a highlight for me and speaks to the two-way nature of the relationship. Throughout, Doreen and John have played a direct role in shaping how I present my experiences and leadership philosophy, ensuring I was considered appropriately for the roles that mattered most to me. Their process is mission-driven, transparent, and deeply respectful of both schools and candidates. Having also experienced other search processes, I can say RG175 consistently strikes the right balance—refining each search while holding fast to clarity, authenticity, and alignment. Looking back, I am deeply grateful that this process ultimately led me to Chesapeake Bay Academy. It’s clear to me now that RG175’s steady hand and relational approach ensure the right match for both schools and candidates.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
Trust the process, practice patience, and invest in the relationship. The best outcomes happen when you approach the search not just as a job application, but as a long-term partnership. RG175 understands that placement isn’t about a single role—it’s about finding alignment between a leader’s values and a school’s mission. Candidates who lean into that mutual discernment, who stay consistent and authentic, will find that the right fit has a way of emerging.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
Independent schools offer the opportunity to design student experiences that are both deeply mission-driven and highly personalized. What I enjoy most is the ability to partner with colleagues and families to shape learning environments where every student—especially those who may not always feel seen—can discover joy, confidence, and belonging. Whether through support systems, outdoor experiences, athletics, or academic enrichment, I find meaning in building schools where each student can thrive as their full self.