Phillips Academy Leader David Contarino Receives National Attention
Alumnus David Contarino discusses long-term impact of Massachusetts boarding school.
- Lousiville, KY-IN (1888PressRelease) June 18, 2013 - David Contarino, alumnus of Phillips Academy in Andover, was impressed but not surprised to hear that Becky Sykes was named president of the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation. Sykes is a 40-year veteran of Phillips Academy, according to David Contarino, and is currently serving as associate head of Phillips Academy.
As an alumnus of the school, David Contarino notes that Becky Sykes was a dedicated member of the school's administration. The new position places Sykes at the head of Oprah Winfrey's philanthropic efforts, including working with the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. According to David Contarino, Sykes will split her time between America and South Africa.
David Contarino is a 1979 graduate of Phillips Academy, which he attended before moving on to Cornell University. Like many other Phillips Academy alumni, David Contarino has had success in his chosen industry, having served as chief of staff for both the governor of New Mexico and a California congressman. Today, David Contarino works as a media and political consultant to a variety of clients, but he attributes some of his success to his great education.
Since 1778, Phillips Academy has provided high-quality education to a group of carefully selected students, says David Contarino. His education at Phillips Academy helped David Contarino develop the organizational, analytical and communication skills that have paid off over the course of his career. David Contarino also credits his education at Cornell University as furthering his skills in these areas. "Cornell and Andover taught me to analyze, conceptualize, organize and communicate," said David Contarino.
David Contarino applauds the administration and faculty at these schools, including talented leaders like Becky Sykes. Sykes joined Phillips Academy in 1973, when she served as a part-time receptionist. She worked her way up the ranks and in 1996, according to David Contarino, Sykes accepted the role of associate head of school. David Contarino notes that this new position will take Sykes away from the school where she's spent the last four decades.
David Contarino points out that Phillips Academy is one of the oldest incorporated high schools in the country. Originally an all-boys' school, by the time David Contarino attended, the school was already co-ed after its 1973 merger with all-girls' school Abbot Academy. David Contarino points out that Phillips Academy has several notable alumni, including former American presidents George H.W. Bush and his son George W. Bush. It seems natural that David Contarino, who attended the school 15 years after the younger president, would go into politics himself.
In addition to his political work, David Contarino has also founded and managed several companies in real estate and the title and escrow industry. He is a trusted advisor to business owners and politicians alike, allowing him to relate to Sykes' career as a trusted advisor to the head of Phillips Academy.
As David Contarino explains, Phillips Academy has a long tradition of excellence, with a strict set of values upheld both for the sake of the school and the surrounding community. Sykes has become a trusted advisor to school head John Palfrey, who often relies on her to resolve situations that arise in the course of providing education to students in grades 9 through 12.
Because of Sykes' experience as an advisor, David Contarino believes Becky Sykes is an excellent choice to head up Oprah Winfrey's philanthropic efforts. Her expertise will be invaluable to the former talk show host and entrepreneur. Contarino is proud of the education he received at Phillips Academy and Cornell University and strongly recommends both schools to anyone considering attending them.
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