Thomas, who is currently the chaplain at St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland, will assume his new position on July 1, 2008 upon the retirement of the Rev. William S. Wade.

"We are incredibly blessed that an energetic educator of Fr. Thomas' caliber and experience was called to be the second head of SAS," said SAS board president Murray Robinson. "John clearly understands the mission of St. Andrew's-Sewanee and is eager to take on this exciting role."

Wade, who has served as head of SAS for 26 years said: "I have great faith in Fr. Thomas. I believe he will serve this school exceptionally well. He has the leadership skills needed to meet the challenges that lie ahead and to move this school forward."

A key administrator at St. Andrew's since 1999, Thomas also teaches in the Religion department, coordinates the school's service learning and summer outreach programs, and is the varsity golf coach. He is a board member of the Middle Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association (MAESA) and an accreditation team member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools. He also serves as an adjunct associate at St. Columba's Episcopal Church, in Washington, D.C.

Prior to St. Andrew's, Thomas was assistant rector at Christ Episcopal Church in Pensacola, Florida, and associate for Family Ministry at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, in Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas holds a B.A. from the University of the South and a M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary. Additional studies include two summers at St. John's College in Oxford, England, and the E.E. Ford Technology Leadership Institute at The Bullis School.

"Throughout this process, my wife Janice and I have felt a pervasive sense of God's great gathering nature," said Thomas. "We were challenged to think and pray ourselves into becoming new. We met able administrators, dedicated trustees, lively students, engaged parents, and a true sense of community at SAS. Everything just felt right. I am awed at the sacred trust I have been given through my election as Head of School, and we are confident that together, we will meet the challenges and growth of the coming years in a fabulous community of faith."

St. Andrew's-Sewanee School is an Episcopal co-ed boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12 dedicated to bringing "all members of the community to a richer spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and aesthetic awareness so that they might lead lives of honor and loving service to God and to others."