We are excited to announce that Jeff Haverdink ’93 will join us as the next Head of Schools at Holland Christian this July! Jeff’s hire comes after a months-long national search process in partnership with Vanderbloemen Search Group and informed by interviews and survey research with our community.
Jeff brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to the role, and will be joining us from Calvin University, where he currently serves as Executive Director of Alumni and Family Engagement. Through his 14 years at Calvin, Jeff has become ingrained in the Christian education community, building relationships with Christian school educators and leaders across North America.
Jeff has also been actively involved in Christian school leadership at Dutton Christian School for over a decade, serving as Board Treasurer and Director of Finance. He guided the school through rapid enrollment growth, COVID challenges, building projects and strategic planning. He also brings direct experience managing tuition assistance programs and understands firsthand the financial realities families face when choosing Christian education.
Jeff’s Focus as Head of Schools
As Head of Schools, Jeff will focus on long-term organizational strategy, financial stewardship, community engagement and building a culture where teachers can thrive. His fundraising background and familiarity with the West Michigan community position him to support the philanthropic efforts that make Christian education accessible to more families.
Jeff and his wife, Erin, are both graduates of Christian schools and attended Christian colleges. Long before their first daughter was born, they committed to raising their two daughters in Christian education. Hearing and seeing the blessing of Christian education in their own children is one of the biggest drivers of Jeff’s work.
“We’re passionate about Christian education,” Jeff told us. “While it requires real investment from families and our community, the value and impact it has on the lives of students is priceless.”
Holland Christian is in a season of growth. Enrollment has increased 20% over the past five years, the school carries minimal debt, and the $22.5 million Faithfully Forward capital campaign has already raised $15 million. Jeff steps into HC with real momentum.
Jeff’s passion for Christian education and the people who make it possible is infectious. In his own words “The heart and soul of Christian education is our teachers and staff. The impact they have in the lives of our children is truly a forever gift.”
A Part of Our Community
Some of you may already know Jeff, who is a 1993 Holland Christian graduate with deep family roots in our community. His parents, brother, uncles, aunts and cousins all attended Holland Christian.
Jeff and his family have been in earnest prayer about this calling for some time. He enters this role with confidence that this is where God is calling him and his family, and with full reliance on God’s wisdom as he works alongside you to build upon Holland Christian’s mission for the next 125 years and beyond.