Leading From the Second Position 

Susanne Carpenter is a leadership consultant and the founder of Carpenter Leadership Consulting. As an educational leader for more than 20 years, Susanne partners with independent school leaders to develop and advance high-functioning and strategy-focused leadership teams. Before founding her firm, Susanne served as the assistant head of school at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA. As assistant head, she was responsible for the high school program, including academics, arts, student life, community programs, and college counseling. During her tenure, Susanne led the school’s efforts in creating a joint partnership with Boston Ballet School to create Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division at Walnut Hill. She also developed and implemented a comprehensive enrollment management process, oversaw diversity, equity, & inclusion, and helped create the auxiliary programs division. She began her career in school leadership in admission and enrollment management. Susanne graduated from Westover School and received her B.A. from Wheaton College. She currently sits on the board of trustees at Westover School.