Germantown Academy Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 has announced the hiring of Karen Wertz as the school’s new Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations. Wertz has served as the Director of Finance & Operations at the Church Farm School (CFS) in Exton since 2018.

“I’m very excited to welcome Karen Wertz to the new Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations role at GA,” said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760. “Karen brings a wealth of experience in both the corporate and independent school worlds to GA, and she is deeply connected to her peers in the region. Most importantly, Karen is a true ‘school person’ and knows how special and transformative schools like GA can be in the lives of students, families, and employees. GA will greatly benefit from her diverse experiences as well as from her buoyant spirit.”

At CFS, Wertz serves as a senior administrator living and working on campus. She has managed more than $22M of campus renovations and deferred maintenance that included new STEM space, a track & field project, and an arts center, and currently oversees the renovation of nine dormitories. She is responsible for sustaining millions of dollars in endowment, pension, and defined contribution plans. Wertz manages 25+ employees and contractors and has had no turnover during the past six years.

“I am excited to join Germantown Academy because of its strong sense of community and commitment to excellence in education,” said Wertz. “The collaborative environment, with dedicated faculty and staff, creates a space where both students and educators thrive. I am confident that this role will not only allow me to grow professionally but also contribute meaningfully to the school’s mission and long-term strategic vision.”

Wertz has more than 25 years of global business experience, often in newly created positions, working in finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, transportation, auxiliary services, and safety – all of which will be under her purview at GA. She has significant experience supervising high performing teams and outside contractors. Her work has also included collaborating with committees and board members.

Prior to her time at CFS, Wertz spent several years as finance director for Easttown and Cain Townships and was the treasurer for Upper Uwchlan Township. She also has background in supply chain and financial planning. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg in business administration and an MBA from Penn State. She is also a certified public accountant. Wertz is an active volunteer, both for local charities and youth sports and a PAISBOA Board member.

Wertz will begin her position in June.