Bethesda Academy is pleased to welcome Hollywood movie producer and Savannah businessman Stratton Leopold and educator Paul Pressly to the institution’s board of governors.

Leopold, a Savannah native who has been in the film business for more than 40 years, has nearly 60 film and television credits to his name ranging from executive producer and producer to casting director and actor.

In Savannah, Leopold is active in a number of civic activities and operates Leopold’s Ice Cream at 212 E. Broughton St. as well as his most recent locations in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a Savannah business founded by three Leopold brothers, including his Greek immigrant father, in 1919.

“We are extremely fortunate to welcome this icon of entrepreneurship and leadership to the Bethesda board,” said Mike Hughes, Bethesda Academy president. “Stratton brings a fresh perspective from the film industry that I know will boost our business model for the better."

Paul Pressly, a historian, educator and author, previously served on Bethesda’s board of governors and its executive committee from 2011-2017.

Pressly is director emeritus of the Ossabaw Island Education Alliance at the Ossabaw Island Foundation and is a past headmaster of the Savannah Country Day School. He holds a doctorate in history from Oxford University in England, a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Princeton University.

“He brings more than 30-plus years in independent school education,” Hughes said. “Dr. Pressly is also the previous board chair for the National Association of Independent Schools, and his expertise in leading that organization will be a great asset to us.”

The two new board members will join officers Cliff McCurry, chair; William T. Moore, vice chair; Quentin Marlin, secretary; Jim Trolinger, treasurer; and fellow members Linda Bleicken, Ellen Bolch, J. Ryan Chandler, Brian Harlander, John C. Helmken, H. Michael Hughes, Diane Ingram, R. Kevin Jackson, Leslie Littlejohn, Joe Marinelli and Donna Stafford.

The mission of the 278-year-old institution is to prepare tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs by inspiring young men to discover their academic, social and spiritual potential.