In Memory of Jeff Mercer

Jeff Mercer
1969 - 2025

Jeff Mercer began his Chadwick School career in 1996 and over the past 29 years has held a wide range of leadership, teaching and coaching roles. He was originally hired as an Upper School and Middle School history teacher, and most recently served as Director of the Middle School, a position he held for 14 years. 

During his time at Chadwick in Palos Verdes, Jeff held a number of additional leadership positions, including Interim Head of School (2018-2019), Assistant Head of School (2010-2011), Interim Director of the Middle School, Assistant Head of the Middle School and Dean of Upper School students.

In 2010, Jeff was a member of the leadership team that launched Chadwick International in South Korea, helping establish Chadwick’s Mission, Core Values and teacher hiring practices at the new campus. He was Chadwick International’s Head of School for two years from 2011-2013. 

Jeff’s notable contributions to Chadwick School include the following:

• ChIP Week
  Jeff was the leader and champion in establishing the Middle School Chadwick Immersion Program in 2024 (ChIP Week), designed to provide Chadwick’s seventh and eighth graders with immersive, hands-on travel and experiential programs, both locally and internationally. ChIP Week celebrates exploring new ideas, collaborating with peers and living out Chadwick's Core Competencies and Core Values.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
  Jeff led the development of Chadwick’s first diversity statement and Chadwick’s DEI professional development program for students and faculty as participants in the National Association for Independent Schools People of Color Conference.  
• Honor Code
  Jeff was instrumental in the development of the Upper School Honor Council and the reintroduction of the Honor Code in 2002.
• Core Competencies
  Jeff was a member of the leadership team responsible for developing Chadwick’s Core Competencies to guide the school’s culture and curriculum.

In addition to his contributions to Chadwick's academic programs, Jeff coached Middle School basketball and football, girls’ junior varsity basketball and served as assistant coach to the girls’ varsity basketball team and the boys’ varsity baseball team. 

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Master of Arts in teaching from Duke University. In his off-time, he enjoyed surfing, reading, camping, skiing and mountain biking. 

Jeff is survived by his wife, Noelle, and twin sons, Dylan ‘23 and Joshua ‘23, who are currently attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison.