Executive Searches
Our Process
Selecting a new superintendent or school administrator is a pivotal responsibility for any school district, requiring a comprehensive and tailored approach to identify the ideal leader for the district. Our Executive Search services are designed to facilitate this critical process by offering a structured yet flexible and confidential framework that ensures district control and community involvement.
From initial consultations to understand district-specific needs, through extensive stakeholder engagement—including staff and community focus groups—to the final selection stages, we provide expert guidance at every step.
Our Lincoln Intermediate Unit team will provide the following key services as part of a comprehensive Executive Search process:
- Board Consultation
- Candidate Recruitment
- Community Engagement
- Interview Facilitation
- Candidate Vetting
- Communications Support
In addition to these included services, we also offer Optional Services that are designed to help you navigate the transition to a new Superintendent, including:
- Contract Development Guidance
- Transition & Onboarding Planning
- New Superintendent Mentoring.
Our Team
M. Christopher Marchese, Ed.D, Executive Director
M. Christopher Marchese, Ed.D., was appointed as Executive Director in 2024. An experienced school leader, Dr. Marchese served the Avon Grove School District (Chester County) as Superintendent of Schools for over 11 years.
Prior to becoming Superintendent, Dr. Marchese served as Assistant Superintendent of Wissahickon School District, Principal of Garnet Valley Middle School, Principal and Assistant Principal of Springton Lake Middle School and Assistant Principal of Wissahickon High School. Dr. Marchese taught high school science for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia before moving into educational leadership.
He has served on the Board of Governors for PASA and Past-President of the Suburban Schools/Pennsylvania Study Council for Superintendents.
Kendra Trail, Ed.D., Assistant Executive Director
Dr. Kendra Trail was appointed Assistant Executive Director of the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 in July 2020, bringing with her a wealth of leadership experience in public education.
Before joining the LIU12 family, Dr. Trail served as the Superintendent of both the Southern Fulton School District and the Greencastle-Antrim School District.
She also held the role of Executive Director at Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11, where she worked collaboratively with school districts, educators, and state agencies to drive educational innovation and support services for students and families.
With a career spanning over 31 years, Dr. Trail has dedicated herself to fostering student success and supporting educators.
Tracy Williams, Director of Human Resources
Tracy Williams has been the Director of Human Resources for the Lincoln Intermediate Unit since August 2019.
Ms. Williams currently chairs the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Unit’s Human Resources Director Network, the LIU12 Human Resources Consortium and is an active leader within several HR/Business Director networks at the state level.
She has extensive experience with executive leader recruitment, employee retention, contract negotiations, performance reviews and conflict resolution.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in 2012 and Master’s Degree in 2017. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has been in Human Resources for more than 29 years.
Julie Randall Alu, Director of Communications
Julie was appointed Director of Communications for LIU12 in August 2021. Prior to joining the LIU, Ms. Alu served as the Central York School District Director of Communications and Marketing for 16 years. Julie has also served as a communications consultant to school districts and municipalities and as a freelance copy editor and dissertation editor. Her 25 years of communications leadership includes experience with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, WellSpan Health, and the non-profit and financial services industries.
Julie earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations and Political Management from The George Washington University.
Contact Us
For more information on our Executive Search Services, please contact Julie Randall Alu, Director of Communications, at jralu@iu12.org.