The Elizabethtown Area School District (EASD) Board of School Directors has announced that Tom Strickler, the district's current chief financial and operations officer (CFOO) and interim superintendent, was appointed superintendent, effective July 1. Strickler will continue to serve concurrently in his role as CFOO.

Strickler joined EASD in June 2023 as CFOO and was later appointed interim superintendent following the departure of Karen Nell, who accepted the position of superintendent of the Eastern Lebanon County School District.

As interim superintendent, Strickler balanced the responsibilities of leading EASD while continuing to oversee its financial and operational functions. During his time at Elizabethtown, he has played a central role in advancing several key initiatives, including implementation of the district's comprehensive plan and the initial phases of the middle school and high school building project. He has been recognized for his collaborative approach, commitment to students, and focus on continuous improvement.

Strickler has extensive educational, operational, and executive leadership experience. Prior to joining EASD, he served as superintendent of the Columbia Borough School District, where he led daily operations, strategic planning, personnel management, curriculum oversight, fiscal administration, and board relations. He worked closely with the board to secure resources, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support student achievement.

Strickler also served as director of operations for the Eastern Lancaster County (ELANCO) School District, where he conducted a comprehensive review of expenditures and operational practices that resulted in more than $500,000 in savings. He also recruited and developed key administrative leaders while implementing systems designed to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

His professional experience also includes service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and leadership positions within the private sector.

A graduate of Elizabethtown College, Strickler earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is engaged in professional and community organizations, including the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Mental Health America of Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, and Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania.

The board did not conduct a comprehensive search for superintendent candidates because it believed that an external candidate would require significant time to learn the district's operations, relationships, and priorities. While the board ultimately selected an internal candidate, it first conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Strickler's qualifications and readiness to assume the permanent superintendency.

The board facilitated a formal interview process consistent with EASD policy and sound human resource practices. Reference checks were completed, and extensive discussions were held regarding Strickler's leadership philosophy, strategic priorities, and vision for the future of the district. This process provided board members with the opportunity to assess not only his past performance but also his capacity to lead the district into its next chapter.

One of the board's highest priorities is to work collaboratively with Strickler to develop a bold and ambitious roadmap for the future. This work will include strategic goal setting, leadership development, continuous improvement initiatives, a comprehensive superintendent evaluation process, and investments designed to strengthen organizational capacity and ensure long-term success.