Thank you, Director Dr. Kristi Hiltibran!

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran’s story with ICSB began when she and her family of eight moved to Hungary from Poland in December 2004, and her children started attending ICSB the following month. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Hiltibran and her husband, Todd, had served in Poland with ReachGlobal, where they were involved in cross-cultural ministry. Before that, she had taught in the United States. Upon her arrival in Hungary, she not only became an ICSB parent but was also asked to serve on the Board of Trustees. Her time on the Board gave her valuable insight into governance, which served as a good foundation for the leadership roles to come.  

 

 

Over the years, she came to know the school from many different points of view. She began teaching in 2007, taught for four years, became Elementary Principal in 2011, served as Director of Teaching and Learning from 2016 to 2018, and became Director in the summer of 2018.

One thing about me is I have known the school from a lot of different perspectives. It gives you a wider perspective and helps you see issues through different lenses, and that’s pretty important when you’re making decisions. That experience helps inform your understanding of people. 

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

 

That layered perspective became one of the gifts she brought to ICSB’s leadership. Dr. Hiltibran also continued to grow as a learner. She completed her master’s degree in 2015 after being asked to serve as Principal, and she earned her doctorate in 2020. Both degrees were in Educational Leadership.

I really do like to keep growing and learning; formal education is a natural path to that. I would always say that one of my biggest values is lifelong learning. God isn’t finished with us yet. Because what’s the alternative? Deciding that we’ve already formed? Or do we just keep doing things out of habit but not purpose?

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

 

When asked about her favorite memories at ICSB, Dr. Hiltibran did not highlight the major milestones or events, but the daily rhythms of school life. She described ICSB’s mission as one of the most meaningful parts of her work, pouring into children while continually asking, “How does it feel to be here?” and “Are we following through on what we say we will do?” in light of the school’s mission.

You think of the big fun moments, special events, but for me, I think what I’ll miss the most is the day-to-day.  I just love schools so much, and this is a very special one [...] I will never regret investing in children and the future. [...] I loved being part of something so purpose-driven, It was a relational way to minister, even in the ordinary days.

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

 

As Director, she led the school through many unprecedented difficulties, from COVID to the response to the War in Ukraine, to the death of a beloved colleague.

You really have to trust God's wisdom and just make decisions the best you can. I would say that with the crises that came up, trying to communicate well, trying to just hold steady, and also just continue what you’re called to do...It was hard for everybody.

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

Yet she still propelled the school forward,  staying on track with the 10-year strategic plan she set for the school, even in the midst of such uncertainty. 

 

 

Kristi led through some of the greatest challenges the school has faced...a pandemic, war in a neighboring country, and the tragic passing of a beloved principal... in the midst of crisis, when some literally panicked and quit, Kristi remained a calm and steady presence... Not only did she lead through these challenges, she helped the school grow and improve. She launched a 10 year strategic plan in 2020 and kept it on track, which always boggles my mind when I think of it.

Mr. David Kelley, Lower School Principal, Incoming ICSB Director

 

When reflecting on what she is most proud of, Dr. Hiltibran pointed to the work of identifying and following through on priorities, and helping position the school for a healthy future. That included financial, legal, operational, instructional, and strategic planning, all with the goal of helping ICSB continue to live out its mission. She also spoke with gratitude about the work of her predecessor, Mr. David Welsh, who helped build a healthy school culture. Dr. Hiltibran said she inherited that foundation and wanted to continue caring for people and valuing them well.

Every leader brings their own gifts. That’s who God brought at that time, and I am so excited and hopeful for what David Kelley and other leaders and staff staying on at ICSB will do, and that they can build off of what I did, as I built off of David Welsh and his predecessors.

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

 

Dr. Hiltibran’s next season will begin with six months of rest and renewal. She plans to focus on her health, travel a bit, and take time to rest and reflect. In early 2027, she and her husband plan to move back to the United States, though they are not yet sure where they will settle or what work will come next. After more than 30 years in education and ministry in Europe, her next work will likely involve children or education. She is looking forward to being closer to family. 

 

 

Goodbye, she said, is the hardest part. But since they are not yet moving back, she is grateful that it does not have to be a complete goodbye just yet to everyone who remains part of the ICSB community.

I will miss coming to school. I love the routine of it, but I also love that each day is different. Most of all, I will miss the people.

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

 

She leaves ICSB with gratitude, peace, and hope for the future. Her years of service have helped shape the school in ways that will continue to matter for students, families, staff, and leaders for many years to come. As she looks back, Dr. Hiltibran hopes her legacy will include a school that remains open to growth and change while staying rooted in the truth of God’s Word and the mission of ICSB. She hopes ICSB will continue to lead change well, maintain a healthy culture, build effective teams, and work collaboratively for the sake of the mission.

I’m extremely hopeful and peaceful about the choice to leave and to do so at this time, when I feel like the school is doing well. I have nothing but the best memories and confidence in ICSB for everyone going forward. I hope many other generations will benefit. It will look different over time, but I have always seen a consistent sense of God’s faithfulness and faithfulness to His work through leadership. I hope that continues. My hope is that ICSB would always be a place open to growth and change, while at the same time preserving the truth of God’s Word and the school's mission. That doesn’t have to look one way forever, but some things should never change.

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, ICSB Director

 

Many from the community gathered on Saturday for her farewell celebration, expressing their gratitude. There is much more to say about her impact on the school, both professionally and personally. In conclusion, here are just a few things her colleagues, some of whom spoke at the event, and some of whom did not, had to say about her. 

 

 

Additional Testimonies from Colleagues

Kristi has been a steady support for me in my growth as a leader. I'm thankful to have served with her for these last eight years. It's hard for me to imagine ICSB without her leading the way.

Mr. Michael Southwell, Upper School Principal

Watching the way God prepared Kristi through the years for the role of Director was a beautiful picture of His plan for ICSB. In her role, she understood through experience what it was to be an ICSB parent, teacher, principal, and administrator. When she stepped into the Director role, she served each of these groups well. Her willingness to listen, her love for the kids, and her desire to see us all thrive have made ICSB stronger. For these things and so many more, I am thankful.

Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel, Middle Grades and Upper School Music and Christian Studies Teacher

It was a true privilege to work with Kristi for seven years as Executive Assistant to the Director. We began working together when she stepped into her role as Director, and in many ways, we grew into our positions side by side, building a strong and trusting partnership. Kristi often said that we were a team—and she genuinely meant it. She consistently had my back, supported me in every situation, valued my opinion, and entrusted me with meaningful responsibilities. Her work ethic, calm and steady presence, wisdom, and exceptional organizational skills have left a lasting impression on me and will continue to serve as an example I aspire to follow. I will always remember that even during the busiest and most demanding weeks, when I would ask how she was doing, she would honestly admit feeling overwhelmed—but would always add, “I know it will all work out.” That quiet confidence and resilience says so much about who she is as a leader. I am deeply grateful for these years of working together and truly feel blessed to call her not only a colleague but also a friend.

Ms. Eszter Bálint, Former Executive Assistant to the Director

You met with many of us individually, eagerly, every week, and in each meeting, you were fully engaged in how things are going, what we were dealing with, and how we were doing personally. It made us want to work even harder. [...] We have been blessed by you, Kristi Hiltibran—we have been very blessed by your acute intelligence, phenomenal capacity, and unending grace towards all of us whom you led. God has used you here.

Ms. Lori Dickason, Special Projects Consultant

 

We are grateful, Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, for your many years of service to our school! Thank you for leading with intentionality, humility, and a genuine care for people! Your impact will be felt for many years, and your presence will be missed!