The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) and President of The General Theological Seminary (GTS), has announced his intention to retire on June 30, 2028, following more than two decades of distinguished service. This planned transition provides an opportunity for both seminaries to engage thoughtfully in discerning their next chapter of leadership.

Below is the proposed timeline for the search process, which is designed to allow for broad consultation and a thorough international search:

• Spring 2026: Extensive listening sessions with stakeholder groups

• Summer 2026: Position description published and applications open

• Fall 2026: Potential candidates identified and initial conversations begin

• Spring 2027: Interviews held

• Summer/Fall 2027: New Dean and President announced

• Summer 2028: New Dean and President takes office

The seminaries have intentionally chosen an extended timeline to support a comprehensive international search. This timeline allows for meaningful listening sessions with stakeholders across both institutions and the wider Church, and ensures access to the broadest and strongest possible pool of candidates. It also provides flexibility if the successful candidate needs to give up to 12 months’ notice in their current position, helping us to attract senior leaders who are deeply embedded in their current role.

The Boards of Trustees of VTS and GTS have appointed a Search Committee to lead the process. You can read more about the members of the committee here: The Search Committee.The Search Committee will work closely with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller, which brings deep experience in senior leadership searches for academic and faith-based institutions.

Community input is a central and valued part of the search process. The search will begin with extensive listening sessions with stakeholder groups, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and members of the wider Episcopal Church, to help identify the qualities and experience needed in the next Dean and President. There will also be opportunities to provide written input. Details about listening sessions and submission opportunities will be shared on this website as they become available.

Rather than pre-determining the profile, the seminaries are committed to shaping the position description informed by what is heard through the listening process. We anticipate the profile being available in the summer of 2026. Once finalized, it will be posted here: Profile.

It is currently too early to submit an application as the position description is not yet available. When the position description is published and applications open, full instructions for submitting an application will be posted here: Submit an Application. The Search Committee and Isaacson, Miller will not turn their attention to applications until the summer of 2026.

We ask that you wait until the position description has been published before proposing candidates. Once applications are open, nominations and expressions of interest may be directed to our executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller, at:

• Ernest Brooks, Partner and Practice Leader, ebrooks@imsearch.com

• Liz Braun,  Managing Associate, lbraun@imsearch.com

• Annah Wells, Senior Associate, awells@imsearch.com

All major announcements, updates, and opportunities for engagement will be posted on our dedicated webpage here: Dean search. We encourage you to check this page regularly for the latest information. The Chair of the Search Committee will also be providing monthly updates on the process.

To respect the confidentiality of all candidates involved in the process, information about applicants will not be shared publicly.

You should be able to find most of the information you need on our dedicated webpage here: Dean search. If you have additional questions or require further information, you may contact our executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller, at:

• Ernest Brooks, Partner and Practice Leader, ebrooks@imsearch.com

• Liz Braun,  Managing Associate, lbraun@imsearch.com

• Annah Wells, Senior Associate, awells@imsearch.com