Brian Beale, Director of Enrollment, Brimmer and May School (MA)

Though Brian hails from the Philadephia suburbs, he considers himself a New Englander at heart. After attending Bates College in Maine, Brian spent four years in New Hampshire, two of which were at Dublin School. Brian continued his career in admission at Princeton Day School (NJ) before returning to New Hampshire in 2007 to work at Cardigan Mountain School. Brian was particularly drawn to Brimmer and May's "signature programs" global education focus, and the opportunity to work with international students and families.

What has changed the most in the world of independent school admission and enrollment since you first started?

The importance of and dependence upon strong marketing and communications efforts is perhaps the greatest difference I have noticed over the past 15 years.

What surprises you about your job?

I am always pleasantly surprised to see that for as much change as we witness year in and year out within the profession, the primary focus of the role has remained largely the same.

What keeps you up at night?

The bottom line!

If you could tell yourself one thing when you took your first job in admission office, what would it be?

"Do not respond to an emotionally charged email or phone call without first taking a moment to think."

What's your least favorite part of your job?

Having to a tell a family that we cannot provide them with financial aid.

What is the one piece of knowledge/advice you'd like to pass along to your admission/enrollment colleagues?

I would encourage my colleagues to further the profession by sharing knowledge and expertise and having an honest and open dialog about the pressing issues we all face.