“I believe that relationships count more than structure. Knowledge is power and that knowledge should be shared widely to empower people.” 

— Chris Dorrance

Chris retired in 2012 after a noteworthy career as an independent school leader, most recently as Headmaster of Spartanburg Day School (SDS) since 2001. During this term the school was recognized for its strategic global programmatic view, was widely acknowledged for its progressive and visionary curricular initiatives, and offered one of the finest student fine arts programs in the Southeast. Even more noteworthy, Chris also led the school through a $20 million capital campaign which yielded a spectacular new Upper School facility, a second athletic center, upgrades to athletic fields, LEED-certified retrofit of the former Upper School, and a geo-thermal heating and cooling system. Spartanburg Day School is annually one of the leading schools recognized in the NAIS for annual fund dollars raised per student, and holds an impressive endowment for a school of its size.  Since retirement Chris has been teaching an education course at the graduate and undergraduate levels at Converse College, as well as an Advanced Placement course at the Spartanburg Day School.

Other independent school leadership experience for Chris include Assistant Head and Upper School Head at St. Paul’s School in MD; Director of Admissions at Columbus Academy in OH; Upper School Head at Maumee Valley CDS in Toledo, OH; and History Chair and College Counselor at Friends Central School in Philadelphia. Chris is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Amherst College (BA) and Reed College (MAT).

In parallel with his contributions at G-FORCE, Chris is an Associate with School Strategies and Solutions where he primarily assists with leadership placement and consults on planning, admissions, marketing, and faculty evaluation.

Originally from Rochester (Penfield), NY, Chris has raised two children with his wife Alice, enjoys time with his four grandchildren, and has called Spartanburg, South Carolina home since 2001.