Laura Konigsberg
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 Dr. Laura Konigsberg. Laura is an experienced independent school leader with more than two decades of service in Preschool–Grade 12 education. Since 2016, she has served as Head of School at Turning Point School, where she has overseen strategic growth, supported academic program development, strengthened school operations, and fostered an inclusive, mission-driven community.
Laura's career includes leadership roles in academics, counseling, faculty development, and school operations, providing a broad perspective on the many facets of school leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Davis, and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from The Wright Institute. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that strong schools are built through a thoughtful balance of academic excellence, healthy culture, and deep investment in people.
What is your connection to RG175?
I have worked with RG175 at several key points in my career over the past decade. Debbie Reed and Tom Hudnut led the search that brought me to Turning Point School more than ten years ago. Since then, I have partnered with RG175 to conduct a senior administrative search, and most recently I worked with Coreen Hester and Jeremy Moore during the search process that led to my appointment as Head of School at Marin Horizon School, where I will begin serving in July 2027. Those experiences have given me the opportunity to see RG175's work from both the candidate's and the client's perspective.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
In my own career searches, I have found the consultants at RG175 to be knowledgeable, approachable, candid, and genuinely invested in getting to know me. I haven't spent years building relationships with search consultants, so I especially appreciated that the people I've worked with at RG175 were open to advocating for candidates who weren't already part of their established networks. I always felt they were rooting for me while also giving me honest, thoughtful feedback. They knew me well enough to point out both my strengths and my blind spots, helping me navigate the process without ever feeling like they were simply championing my candidacy. At the same time, it was clear that their primary commitment was to the schools they represented. What impressed me was that they seemed equally invested in finding the right long-term match, not just filling a position. They helped schools recognize their own blind spots, navigated complex relationships with professionalism and care, and kept the focus on what would best serve the community over time.
If you had one piece of advice for other candidates, what would it be?
Think beyond the search itself. A successful candidacy isn't just about being selected; it's about setting yourself up to lead well once you arrive. Pay close attention to the transition, the relationships you'll need to build, and whether the community is one where you can earn trust and do your best work. Just as importantly, take the time to understand not only the school, but also the work that lies ahead. Every school has its own opportunities and challenges, and you should be genuinely excited what the community needs its next leader to accomplish. You may fall in love with a school, but if you're not energized by the work ahead, it's probably not the right fit for you or for the school.
What do you enjoy most about your role as it pertains to independent schools?
I love that independent schools are places where values become visible. Every decision, from curriculum to hiring to budgeting to community life, is an expression of what the school believes. Leading a school means continually aligning those decisions with the mission, and I find that work both intellectually engaging and deeply purposeful.