Newsletter

Dear Leelanau Community,

With deep respect and heartfelt admiration, I share Bruce and Laura Hood’s decision to retire at the end of this academic year, marking an incredible 31 years ( x 2!) of devoted service to The Leelanau School, its students, parents, colleagues, and mission.

The influence of an educator extends far beyond the confines of a classroom or a school year; it reverberates throughout lifetimes, shaping futures and enriching minds with invaluable lessons and enduring memories. Over three decades on our campus, Bruce and Laura have left an indelible mark, enriching countless lives with lessons of courage, creativity, stewardship, and resilience. Throughout their tenure, Bruce and Laura have exemplified the very best of what it means to be educators. Their passion, creativity, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student have transformed our school into a place of learning, growth, and boundless possibility. So many people are standing taller because of the sincerity the Hoods brought to their work and relationships. Their dedication and love have made our world brighter, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Throughout the storied history of Leelanau, there have been many remarkable faculty members whose impact transcends their tenure, becoming cherished legends whose influence persists long after they’ve moved on. Alumni from different generations tell stories of their favorites, who continue to inform their lives long after graduation. Now, the Hoods stand beside other historic faculty who served Leelanau for decades and shaped this school’s character. At one time, they were the “newbies” accepting the baton from the legends of the past. Now, they are the shoulders we stand upon. The passions they instilled, the traditions they started, and the compassion they displayed will inspire the Leelanau school for its next 100 years.

While we all wish for Bruce and Laura to remain with us indefinitely, that would be selfish. They are, first and foremost, our friends. Their decision to embark on new adventures in retirement is a testament to their vitality and the wealth of experiences awaiting them. Though we will miss their daily presence, we embrace their well-deserved respite and eagerly anticipate the chapters they will write in the next stage of their lives.

Although they may no longer occupy the forefront of our campus, Bruce and Laura will forever remain integral members of our community. The Hoods plan to remain living in Leelanau County, never far from campus. They are eager to continue to play a role in serving the school and its students, their spirit and guidance serving as beacons for all who pass through these halls. Their continued involvement in the stewardship of our school is a testament to their enduring commitment to our shared mission. We intend to keep them close.

A tree stands in the forest for decades, defining the space, providing shelter and beauty, and stoically observing all it sees. Just as nature fills the void left by a towering tree with new growth and beauty, so too shall we embark on the journey of recruiting the next generation of legendary educators to join our mission.

Let us celebrate Bruce and Laura Hood’s remarkable legacy and carry forward their passion, dedication, and spirit as we continue to shape the future of The Leelanau School.

Sincerely,

Rob Hansen

Head of School

If you have stories or messages you want to share with the Hoods, please get in touch with the Alumni Office at alumni@leelanau.org.

Andrew “Andy” Maner has over 30 years of executive leadership experience in both the private and public sectors.

Currently, Andy serves as the Chairman of NewSpring Federal as well as on the SSA Boards of ST Engineering and Qinetiq Inc. Andy was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avantus Federal until it was acquired by Qinetiq US in November 2022. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Advantus Federal focused on Data, Mission, Space, and Cyber. Their services and solutions were designed, tailored, and executed based on the experience of multiple organizations and elite talent, bringing expertise to its Defense, Intelligence, Homeland Security, and Federal Civilian customers and helping to solve some of the toughest national security problems and government missions. From 2018-2022, Andy led the company through 9 acquisitions and 2 divestitures before leading the company through a competitive acquisition process.

From 2010 to 2015, Andy served as the Managing Partner of US Federal within IBM Global Business Service, managing the $1.6B consulting, solutions, and technology business. Andy was also the Chief Executive Officer of National Interest Security Company (NISC), a private equity-backed, rapid acquisition (7 acquisitions) mid-market information management, services, and technology consulting firm that IBM acquired in 2010.

During the George W. Bush Administration, Andy served as the first Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Homeland Security from 2004 to 2006 and as Chief of Staff to Customs Commissioner Bonner from 2002 to 2004, where he led the transition of three agencies into Customs and Border Protection following the events of 9/11. He also served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush in the White House and as a Staff Assistant under Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater in the White House Press Office (1991 to 1993). Andy later accompanied President Bush into private life in Houston as his aide after the 1992 election. In 1993, he served as the Special Assistant to the United Nations Envoy in Mogadishu, Somalia, during a time of heightened crisis and resolution.

Andy holds a Master of Business Administration from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University (1997) and a Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University (1991). He serves on the Advisory Board of the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University. He was selected as both an “Old Master” (2010) and “Distinguished Alumni” (2014) at Purdue. He was elected to the NewSpring Capital “CEO Hall of Fame in 2023” and was recognized as CEO of the Year in 2021 after presiding over 300+% Year-over-Year growth. He also received the coveted ACG Growth Company of the Year in 2022 ($200M+) during the same period. Andy is a member of the Washington Economic Club and serves on several private sector and public sector boards.

For more than 15 years, Andy has served on the Board of Directors for No Greater Sacrifice, a non-profit that dedicates scholarships for higher education to families of fallen and wounded service members. He has helped lead the organization towards a deep and abiding mission to fund a complete college education and mentoring for the children of the fallen and severely wounded. He is also on the George and Barbara Bush Foundation Advisory Board.