Chris Abell

Christopher S. Abell spent a substantial portion of his professional life at Mater Dei School in Bethesda, MD, where he served as Teacher and Coach, Headmaster, and President over a 43-year career. Among other major accomplishments, Chris helped shape the school’s educational philosophy, ran two successful capital campaigns, expanded classroom facilities, and coordinated the building of the school’s chapel, a second gymnasium, and a turf field. After his retirement from Mater Dei, Chris was the Executive Director of the Elementary School Heads Association for five years, where he brought his expertise and vision to lead and support elementary school Heads in their pursuit of academic and institutional excellence.

Chris's law school and firm experience supplemented his educational roles early in his career. For several years at Furey, Doolan & Abell in Chevy Chase, MD, he balanced a legal job with his passion for education, working part-time while teaching during the school year and full-time during summers.

Chris's educational journey has been marked by a pursuit of knowledge and academic achievements. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College in 1970, a Master of Arts in History from Georgetown University in 1974, and a Juris Doctor from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law in 1979. Subsequently, Chris obtained a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University Arts in 1998 and a Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance Certificate from American University in 2022.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Chris has been actively involved as a board member of many schools, including the Washington Jesuit Academy, Ivymount School, Center City Consortium, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Concord Hill School, Primary Day School, Georgetown Preparatory School, and Mater Dei School. He also served as a trustee for the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools and as President of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington. In addition, Chris was Chairman of the William S. Abell Foundation and President of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Washington, DC.