Last year Williamsburg Christian Academy welcomed a new Head of School; this year, it welcomes a new board president. Matthew Leffler was officially named president of the WCA Board Directors effective January 1st, upon completion of the full term for Judy Henley, who has been president for the past three years. Leffler had been a member-at-large prior to the announcement. The board retains current Vice President Doug Kinder, and Treasurer Mike Nice, as well as Secretary Amy Nice, and members-at-large Bill Wright, Robin Jones, and Kristi Atkins.

Henley Completes Term after Six Years of Service

Henley was at the helm in a period of high transition, and despite a great deal of variability in the school’s staffing and student body, the school has made substantial strides during her time in office. Although she is quick to point to the guiding force of God as the power behind all the school’s accomplishments while she was at the helm. “I was only His hands and feet through all of the accomplishments during my tenure on the board. Although there were many very challenging times, God has continued to humble me through His faithfulness and continued provisions for WCA.” Henley also feels the school is in great hands, both with the board team and new Head of School Johnny Graham. “WCA is blessed to have an incredible new Head of School, Mr. Johnny Graham, and is continually growing. It is only through Christ that the school is where it is today.”

Henley had served on the WCA Board of Directors for two years before being elected president. She has also served on the New2you Thrift Store board, King of Glory Governing School Board for five years, and on the Greensprings Plantation Board of Directors. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mother to her children 13 years ago, she spent 15 years as a District Manager for Gap, Inc. in both Florida and Virginia. Judy and her husband, Ray, have two sons, Evan, who graduated in 2018, and Carson, a current senior at WCA.

“It has been an incredible honor. I am continually amazed how God puts us in situations, and often we don’t understand why,” said Henley, reflecting on what it has meant to hold the position these past three years, and the three years before that as a board member. “Looking back on the last six years, through the ups and downs, it is so reassuring to see God’s hand at every single turn. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this ministry.”

More than anything, Henley was thankful to the many people that helped her along the way. “There are so many to thank, the Board of Directors at WCA is a team. It could be compared more to a church small group in the way that we pray for and support one another. I am so grateful for the Board members that have served with me, but also for the relationships that were built during my term. Mr. Rob Campbell and his lovely wife Tina have been steadfast over the years, and through their prayers, work, and dedication, WCA is thriving today. To the incredible faculty and staff for
their hard work and continued support. Finally, thank you to the families of WCA, for entrusting the school with their children and serving alongside us. I will be forever honored to have served the WCA community on the Board of Directors. The exciting part now is the future. My oldest is a senior this year, and I wish I had a few more years to be a part of what God has in store for this incredible school. I feel certain that the best is yet to come.”

Leffler Named New President

Into the big shoes to fill steps Matt Leffler. Matt has served the past two years as a member-at-large, and will now take on the task of guiding a solid school plan and strategy that has been forged by Henley, new Head of School Johnny Graham and Head of Administration Rob Campbell, among others. Leffler takes over at the head of an experienced board that has helped Henley move forward a stable and consistent set of school processes- financial, academic, and administrative- into the next decade for WCA.

“I’m blessed to be a part of a board, staff, and facility that is truly a gift from God, and I am thankful for the leadership and friendship of Judy Henley. She has been invaluable to our community,” said Leffler when speaking about his new position. “As a board member, I have seen God’s blessing through His answered prayers, such as the arrival of  Johnny Graham and his family, Rob Campbell and so many more that have joined WCA.”

Matt grew up in Williamsburg and attended WCA in the 4^th and 5^th grades.  At that time, WCA was meeting in a building on Jamestown Rd, which is now a landscaping business!  These days Matt is a Commercial Real Estate Broker with Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate.  Matt graduated from Radford University with a Masters Degree in Corporate Communications.  He and his wife of 15 years Suzanne have one child Noah, who is a 3rd grader.  The Leffler’s attend the Williamsburg Community Chapel.   Matt enjoys mountain biking, backpacking, and also training in martial arts, which he attends with his son.

“I am so excited to see WCA mature spiritually and academically, and I look forward to the opportunities of expanding our enrollment and enriching our Academic excellence for our families.” Leffler will be at the helm as many of these opportunities come to fruition, as the board recently approved the proposal to seek authorization to become an International Baccalaureate school. WCA would be the only such school in Virginia to implement the program from preschool in the Primary Years Program through to graduating seniors in the acclaimed Diploma Program.

Early Enrollment at WCA opens February 1st and extends to the end of the month. Students enrolling in this period will ensure their place in their class, as well as locking in tuition rates at 2019-2020 levels before prices increase on March 1st. For more information on the WCA Board of Directors, or touring and enrolling at WCA, please visit their website at williamsburgchristian.org. The WCA Board can be reached directly at wcaboard@williamsburgchristian.org.