Christopher Jones will be the next Cannon School head of school, effective July 1 next year. Matthew Gossage is retiring, effective June 30 after 13 years of service.

A Texas native, Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He currently serves the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools as associate director of schools. Lab is an independent, nonsectarian school enrolling more than 2,160 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.

Jones’s appointment is the culmination of a nine-month, national search, led by an 11-member search committee composed of school community members and in conjunction with search partner Wickenden Associates. The process engaged Cannon parents and students, as well as the administration, faculty, and staff.

“On behalf of the Search Committee, I am thankful to everyone who shared their interest, enthusiasm, and honesty as we journeyed through this process together,” said Board Chair Blake Evans.