St. Mary's Leadership
Get to Know Ryan F. Bernard
Ryan F. Bernard is a dynamic leader in private education with nearly a quarter-century of experience. He became the 43rd leader of the school July 1, 2022.
Ryan's time at St. Mary's started in 2010 when current president Frank Phillips hired him as a World Literature and A.P. Literature teacher. Within three years of arriving, Ryan was promoted to the school's Academic Dean, where he worked on curriculum and scheduling, all the while remaining in the classroom with students.
By 2015, he was promoted again, assuming the role of High School Vice Principal. In this role, Ryan facilitated St. Mary's international program, assisted in the capital campaign for additional buildings, contributed to the endowment campaign to see the school into its next chapter, and helped lead the accreditation team.
During his time at St. Mary's, Ryan also coached sports, led pep assemblies, mentored students, and was at ground zero to implement the school's innovative module system. Ryan is not just a leader; he is a true educator. Since his first day, he has never left the classroom, despite his growing role in the administration. As a gifted and well-loved teacher and an intellectual who isn't afraid to think outside the box, Ryan is the authentic "every guy."
Ryan's time at St. Mary's started in 2010 when current president Frank Phillips hired him as a World Literature and A.P. Literature teacher. Within three years of arriving, Ryan was promoted to the school's Academic Dean, where he worked on curriculum and scheduling, all the while remaining in the classroom with students.
By 2015, he was promoted again, assuming the role of High School Vice Principal. In this role, Ryan facilitated St. Mary's international program, assisted in the capital campaign for additional buildings, contributed to the endowment campaign to see the school into its next chapter, and helped lead the accreditation team.
During his time at St. Mary's, Ryan also coached sports, led pep assemblies, mentored students, and was at ground zero to implement the school's innovative module system. Ryan is not just a leader; he is a true educator. Since his first day, he has never left the classroom, despite his growing role in the administration. As a gifted and well-loved teacher and an intellectual who isn't afraid to think outside the box, Ryan is the authentic "every guy."
"We have come a great distance, but there is more to do, more to accomplish. I am eager and prepared to lead the charge."
PRESIDENT RYAN F. BERNARD
PRESIDENT RYAN F. BERNARD
Before joining St. Mary’s School, Ryan served as the English Department Chair and teacher at Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego, Oregon (2006-2010). Ryan taught at one of the U.S.’s most highly regarded private schools, Francis Parker High School in San Diego (2002-2006), where he was an A.P. teacher, coach, and member of the athletic council. His career started and his passion for teaching was cemented at Niwot High School in Colorado (1999-2002).
A native of Colorado, Ryan received his B.A. in English from the University of Colorado at Boulder before earning his M.A. from Middlebury College, where he studied abroad at Oxford University. In 2019, Ryan completed a Master’s of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Ryan and his wife, Dr. Leah Bernard, have three daughters: Ada, Lucy, and Norah. He has the unique perspective of being a teacher, leader, and parent of St. Mary’s School. The family is deeply rooted in southern Oregon and enjoys camping and exploring the valley’s natural beauty.
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