CUMMING—Pinecrest Academy’s head of school, Paul Parker, recently named Chris Kane the school’s new athletic director, effective July 1. Kane will succeed Tom Palmer, who is retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 school year. Kane, who teaches history, currently serves as head varsity soccer coach and social studies department chair at Pinecrest.

Chris Kane

“Mr. Kane’s passionate commitment to helping our students fully develop their potential as athletes, students and Christian men and women is renowned by both students and parents,” said Parker. “His devotion to excellence, both on and off the field, is already well known within the community. In addition to these attributes that we see in action every day, Mr. Kane also brings an equal breadth of experience in athletics.”

“Chris Kane has won state and area championships on the field and has an outstanding record in the classroom with a 95 percent pass rate in the AP courses he teaches,” said Pinecrest principal Ed Lindekugel. “And with his 10 years of Division I collegiate athletic experience, Pinecrest will have an outstanding leader for our athletic program.”

Before joining Pinecrest in 2008, Kane developed the women’s soccer program at Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, where he served as head coach and director from 2003. Before his tenure at Marshall, Kane was an assistant soccer coach at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, the University of Georgia and La Salle University, Philadelphia.

“I am humbled and excited about being selected for the role of athletic director, and I want to thank Paul Parker, Ed Lindekugel and the search committee for this opportunity,” said Kane.

Palmer’s tenure at Pinecrest Academy spans nearly 10 years. During that time he served in various capacities, including as dean of students for the Upper School boys.

“I come into this position with some big shoes to fill, as Tom Palmer has accomplished some incredible things during his tenure as athletic director for Pinecrest Academy,” said Kane. “I hope to follow in his success and continue to build upon our program, bringing Pinecrest athletics to its highest potential.”