School of Fashion Design Announces New Executive Director

SCHOOL OF FASHION DESIGN ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOSTON — The School of Fashion Design has announced the appointment of Michelle Simpson as executive director. An education leader, innovator and brand strategist, Simpson has more than 20 years of experience in public and independent classrooms and has consulted with schools and learning centers in the U.S., China, Dubai and India.

Previously, Simpson served as the director of environmental education at Northfield Mount Hermon School and the executive director at Oak Meadow, a progressive K-12 school in Brattleboro, VT. She also founded the Intentional Classroom, which creates learning spaces to cultivate 21st-century skills, meet programmatic goals and foster a sense of stewardship among school communities. She has provided leadership in the progressive, experiential education sector for the past decade, presenting on tradition and innovation in K-16 education at conferences such as SxSWedu, National Association of Independent Schools, National Partnership for Educational Access, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Her writing has appeared in Independent IdeasLiving Education and parent.com. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education and English at the University of Rhode Island and her master’s in environmental studies at Antioch University New England, and attended Harvard’s Women in Education Leadership program.

Simpson assumed leadership of the School of Fashion Design on Aug. 1 and believes fashion is a driving force in human history that can be a tool for cultural, economic and ecological good.  “I am delighted to serve an institution with such distinctive history and lasting relevancy,” says Simpson, “and excited to be part of a talented team developing innovative programs to prepare SFD students for the fashion industry of the future.”

About the School of Fashion Design:

The School of Fashion Design is the only educational institution in New England dedicated exclusively to the study of fashion design. We provide students with a solid foundation in apparel design and construction that you won’t find anywhere else. We offer small, hands-on classes taught by expert faculty in professional studio workrooms, and our Newbury Street location is at the heart of the Boston fashion district.