Dr. John Patterson to Lead Advancement Efforts at Briarwood Christian School
Briarwood Christian School is pleased to announce that Dr. John Patterson will serve as the school’s Chief Advancement Officer.
Dr. Patterson brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in Christian education, having served as Head of School at Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee; First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Georgia; and Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Virginia. A highly respected leader within the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), he is known for strengthening school communities, advancing institutional mission, and developing high-performing leadership teams. Throughout his career, Dr. Patterson has successfully led strategic enrollment initiatives, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and cultivated lasting relationships with families, alumni, donors, and community partners in support of Christ-centered education.
A 1996 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning his Bachelor of Science in System Engineering and Organizational Leadership. Dr. Patterson served as an officer in the United States Army and proudly served his country in an active combat zone during Operation Desert Fox in December 1998. Dr. Patterson earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University in 2018.
“Dr. Patterson is a proven leader who understands both the mission and the ministry of Christian education,” said Mr. Gus Martin, Superintendent at Briarwood Christian School. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build relationships, cast vision, and inspire generosity that advances Kingdom work. We are excited to welcome him to Briarwood and look forward to the impact his leadership will have as we continue to invest in our students, strengthen our community, and prepare future generations to serve Christ wherever He calls them.”
Dr. Patterson expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Briarwood community.
“Briarwood Christian School has a clear mission, a strong reputation, and a community deeply committed to Christ-centered education. What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to advance that mission by strengthening enrollment, cultivating meaningful relationships with families, alumni, donors, and friends of the school, and partnering with our marketing and communications team to expand Briarwood’s reach and impact throughout the Birmingham community.”
As Chief Advancement Officer, Dr. Patterson will provide leadership for Briarwood’s advancement efforts, including enrollment strategy, development, marketing and communications, and initiatives that support the long-term mission and vision of the school.
Dr. Patterson and his wife, Cindy, have been married for 30 years and are excited to make Birmingham their home. Cindy will join Briarwood Christian Lower School as a first-grade instructional aide, bringing more than 20 years of elementary education experience. Their daughter, Gracie, is a graduate of Samford University and will begin her third year teaching third grade in the Trussville City School System. The Patterson family looks forward to being together in the Birmingham community.