On behalf of Mr. Michael Breece, Director of the International Community School of Abidjan (ICSA), Côte d'Ivoire, Search Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Luis Ramirez as next Upper School Principal at ICSA, commencing in August 2025. Michael Breece’s announcement to the community highlights Luis’s deep experience:
Luis is a dynamic educational leader with over 15 years of experience in international school leadership across Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. He has played a key role in guiding schools through International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization, strategic planning, and safeguarding policy implementation. Additionally, Luis has been instrumental in teacher development, student admissions, and overseeing various academic programs and student support initiatives. With a strong background in IB programs and multilingual expertise, he is committed to fostering educational excellence in diverse settings.
Luis has served as Secondary School Director at the American International School of Bolivia and, prior to that, Whole School Principal at the American Pacific International School in Chang Mai, Thailand. As member of the IB educator network (IBEN) since 2012, Luis has taken part in Middle Years Programme consultations and site visits on all the continents where he has worked. He explains why ICSA is an excellent fit:
I’m excited about the school’s emphasis on community. During the recruitment process, I had the opportunity to meet with many students, all who spoke at length about having a voice in the classrooms and ownership of the school culture.
Luis holds a Master of Leadership and Management of Educational Institutions from the Universidad de la Sabana, Colombia and a BA with a major in English from Hunter College, New York, U.S. When he needs inspiration, he remembers these lines from Dr. Jimmy Casas’s Culturize:
Being a champion for all students means just that: all students. Not just ones who are likeable and want help but also the ones who might resist your efforts.
Luis will be joined by his wife Lina and their three children—Amelia (8), Benjamin (6), and Alicia (2). Lina has participated in women’s football leagues in every city they’ve lived in and is excited to find a new team after their upcoming move to Abidjan! Together, the family enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new cultures. As service is core value, the clan actively seeks opportunities to give back to the local community. Luis adds,
"I love playing fantasy baseball, reading, writing, and bbq’ing ribs…I spend my free time agonizing over the New York Mets and Las Vegas Raiders. Luckily, my children keep me busy at playgrounds and fields. My wife keeps me centered during our walks and talk. We celebrated 10 years of marriage this June!"
Search Associates would like to thank all the candidates who applied for this position and to everyone who assisted and supported the successful search process for Upper School Principal at the International Community School of Abidjan (ICSA).
