Board of Trustees

The day-to-day operations of the school are overseen by the Head of School and school leadership team. The Board of Trustees provide support and guidance to the school leadership team. The Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in ensuring the school's long-term sustainability by overseeing its overall strategy, as well as its financial and educational practices.

We are fortunate to have a Board of Trustees consisting of six experienced members who come from diverse backgrounds in Korea and the United States.This wealth of expertise and knowledge in various industries and educational fields is highly beneficial to our school, and we are incredibly grateful for the supportive role that the Board of Trustees plays.

Mr. TaeHoon Oh - Board Chair

Mr. Taehoon Oh is a practicing lawyer in Korea and currently serves as a partner at The Barr Law firm. He specializes in corporate legal issues, expertly handling shareholders' meetings, board operations, and the defense of management rights. His proficiency also encompasses labor relations, where he manages collective bargaining, agreements, and dispute resolutions, demonstrating his broad legal expertise.

He obtained his Bachelor's degree in business, with a concentration in Legal studies, from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He continued his education by earning a Master's degree in Law from Jeju University Law School, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both business and legal frameworks.

Ms. Kelly Hur

Ms. Kelly Hur is a partner at Doobry Group, an intellectual property franchise and marketing strategy consulting firm. She consults businesses large and small in various industries on digital marketing strategies and development. Her extensive client list includes Universal Studios, DC Comics, STX Studio, and Netflix. Prior to consulting entertainment firms, Ms. Hur worked in international luxury hospitality marketing, serving clients like MGM Grand Macao, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and Park Hyatt Washington. She also advised South Korean diplomats to the U.S. on communication, public relations, and international political media strategies.

Ms. Hur is a St. Johnsbury Academy alumna. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Communication from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Science in Education from St. John’s University.

Dr. Sharon Howell

Dr. Sharon Howell is the Headmaster of St. Johnsbury Academy. Prior to her current role, Dr. Howell served as Head of School at Indian Springs School in Birmingham, Alabama and Associate Head of School at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, Massachusetts.

Before she began her independent school career, Dr. Howell was the Allston Burr Resident Dean in Adams House and Lecturer in History and Literature at Harvard University for almost ten years. Dr. Howell is a poet: she has published a book of poetry called Girl in Everytime, produced a poetry podcast, and served as a Massachusetts Cultural Council Poetry Fellow.

Dr. Howell currently serves on the Boards of Trustees of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju (South Korea), and The Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). Dr. Howell holds a Ph.D. in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University, an M.A. in English from Villanova University, and a B.A. in English from Connecticut College. As a secondary school student, she attended Groton School in Groton, Massachusetts.

Mr. YongSeok Jo

YongSeok Jo is a professional with a diverse business and public relations background. He has held key positions at JDC, including Director of Public Relations, Director of Business and Management Support, and Healthcare Town Project Manager. Mr. YongSeok Jo has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Diplomacy from Yonsei University and a Master's degree from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.

Mr. Bruce Buxton

Mr. Buxton taught at St. Johnsbury Academy for ten years and became Associate Headmaster of St.Johnsbury Academy in 1978. He took on the headmastership of Falmouth Academy, a day school on Cape Cod. He moved the school from a rented campus in Bourne, MA, to a new award-winning campus in the center of Falmouth on 34 acres. He retired in 2005, leaving the school well-endowed and debt-free, enjoying a strong reputation in science, writing, and programs in the arts, as well as international programs that included partnerships with three schools abroad.

After his retirement, he was invited to become the director of The Klingenstein Center for Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2019, he assumed the title of Executive Director of the Scandinavian Seminar. Mr. Buxton has served the NEASC Commission on Independent Schools for six years, leading accreditation teams to 14 schools in The US and abroad. Mr. Buxton has served over 15 Boards and continues to serve on 5.

Mr. JongIk Ko

JongIk Ko is a distinguished educator and leader with a rich and diverse career in the field of education. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Korea National University of Education, an MA in Educational Administration from Jeju National University, and a BA in French Education from Seoul National University. Throughout his career, he has held various significant positions, such as President of the Chinese Character Research Association, President of the French Curriculum Research Association, Middle School Chinese Character Teacher, School Inspector, and Executive Research Fellow at the Jeju Provincial Office of Education, and High School French Language Teacher. His dedication to education has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Green Ribbon Badge of the Order of the President in 2016, the Achievement Award of the Order of the President in 2010, and the Prime Minister's Commendation for RCY Guidance Merit in 2005.

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