Boston Trade School Names New President

Boston—The North Bennet Street School, a private vocational school in Boston, has named Sarah Turner as its president, effective Dec. 1.

Established in 1881, the North Bennet Street School trains students for careers in traditional trades, combining skills conducted by hand with evolving technological practices.

The accredited postsecondary career school serves 150 students each year, offering dozens of continuing education classes and nine full-time programs, including Jewelry Making & Repair, Bookbinding, Carpentry, Piano Technology and more.

In her new role, Turner will spearhead the expansion of the school’s public programs and community partnerships in the craft-education world, NBSS said, while also continuing its legacy of training students for careers in traditional trades and fine crafts.

She succeeds Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez—the first person to take the helm at the school who was a graduate of its programs—who is retiring this month.

During his 12-year tenure, Gómez-Ibáñez secured and led the renovation of the North Bennet Street School’s new 64,000-square-foot facility, established a number of strategic partnerships and oversaw its recent $20 million fundraising campaign, which will help fund $1 million in student scholarships annually.

Turner brings more than 20 years of experience in contemporary craft and design to the role, as an educational leader, instructor and artist at a number of institutions, including Cranbrook Academy of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, Oregon College of Art and Craft and the State University of New York at New Paltz.

During her time at Cranbrook, Turner redesigned the academic programs and implemented an international teaching fellowship to bring art and design thinkers to studio practice. She also launched a new public lecture series, instituted regular conferences on various topics and developed new community and institutional partnerships.

She earned a BA in Sociology from Smith College, a Certificate in Metalsmithing from the Oregon College of Art & Craft and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art.

“My heart lies in leadership work; helping studio-craft institutions draw together the contributions of all members to make something unique, useful and forward-looking,” Turner said. “The strong sense of this, past and present, at North Bennet Street School drew me to the position. I am excited to get started on bringing about new connections and ideas.”