Dr. Rob Russell, Principal
Email: russell.19@napls.us
Phone: 614-413-8300

Dr. Russell was selected as the Principal of New Albany High School in the spring of 2024 and officially began in that role in August 2024. He has served as an Assistant Principal at New Albany High School since 2021. Prior to joining the New Albany-Plain Local Schools, Dr. Russell served as an administrator, department chairperson and teacher in the Heath City Schools, Northridge Local Schools and Newark City Schools where he was recognized as an inspirational and influential district teacher. 

Rob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, a Master of Education in Science Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration, all from The Ohio State University.   Rob has developed research projects to understand how reflection enhances achievement and most recently studied how leadership decision-making approaches influence school culture.  His personal interests include hiking, reading, and spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and sons Rocky and Rome.
 

Mr. Michael Carr, Assistant Principal
Students with the Last Names A–C (Grades 9-12)
Email: carr.16@napls.us
Phone: 614-413-8300

Mr. Michael Carr, a New Albany community member and former Johnstown Middle School Principal serves as an Assistant Principal for NAHS. He previously served as an Assistant Principal for eight years at Westerville Central High School as well as a Dean of Students, and as an Assistant Principal at Newark High School and also taught social studies.

Many in our community will know Mr. Carr through his involvement in our community and our schools. He is the parent of three New Albany students and is an alum of NAHS, class of 1990. Mr. Carr is a loyal, hard-working, relationship-oriented educator who does what it takes to get the job done.  

Michael Carr will serve as the NAHS State Testing Coordinator, among other key responsibilities. Mr. Carr has Masters in Education: Curriculum & Instruction from Ashland University and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Capital University. 
 

Mrs. Jennifer Rehm, Assistant Principal
Students with the Last Names Md–R (Grades 12) and Last Names O–Sh (Grades 9-11)
Email: rehm.3@napls.us
Phone: 614-413-8300

Mrs. Jennifer Rehm joined the New Albany High School Administrative Team in August of 2023 as an Assistant Principal. She is a student-centered leader who believes in developing a safe and supportive school climate where all students have access to rich learning experiences that lead to multiple college and career pathways for students.

Mrs. Rehm most recently served as the Dean of Students at the Career & Technology Center (C-TEC) of Licking County.  During her last seven years as Dean of Students at C-TEC, Mrs. Rehm worked daily to lead and support juniors and seniors, faculty, staff and families.  In addition to daily responsibilities involving student attendance and discipline, Mrs. Rehm was actively involved in career pathways, curricula, positive behavior and intervention supports, mental health programs and services, food services and more.  Mrs. Rehm taught high school English Language Arts prior to becoming a Dean of Students.  Her leadership skills, professional experiences and career technical education pathway knowledge will be an excellent addition to New Albany High School. 

Mrs. Rehm earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with an Integrated Language Arts concentration from the University of Akron and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University.  Mrs. Rehm and her husband, Jameson, reside in New Albany with their two children, Evan and Margot.
 

Mr. Chris Stiel, Assistant Principal
Students with the Last Names D–Hi (Grades 12) and Last Names D–J (Grades 9-11)
Email: stiel.1@napls.us
Phone: 614-413-8300

Mr. Chris Stiel is entering his sixth year as a dedicated Assistant Principal and community member at New Albany High School. A passionate student advocate, Mr. Stiel leverages his extensive background as a school administrator and former school counselor to create meaningful academic and career opportunities for all NAHS students.

At the high school, Mr. Stiel oversees several of the district's academic and career-readiness pathways. His leadership responsibilities include serving as the AP Test Coordinator, managing the College Credit Plus (CCP) program, and directing the Noble Academy, New Albany’s alternative learning environment. Chris is deeply committed to preparing students for life beyond graduation, he also spearheads the high school's Community Opportunities, Industry Credentials, and Workforce Development initiatives—building vital bridges between local businesses and student success.

Chris previously served as the Lead Assistant Principal at Ridgeview STEM Jr. High and Toll Gate Middle School in Pickerington, following seven years as a school counselor dedicated to holistic student well-being—a background that perfectly aligns with the District's purpose to achieve the best academic and developmental outcomes for each student. A Central Ohio native and former college athlete who loves supporting student-athletes, Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree from Walsh University and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. He proudly resides in the community with his wife, Jessica, and their four children: Cameron (12) and triplets Emmy, Connor, and Riley (8).
 

Mr. Geron Tate, Assistant Principal
Students with the Last Names S–Z (Grades 12) and Last Names Si–Z (Grades 9-11)
Email: tate.3@napls.us
Phone: 614-413-8300

Mr. Tate brings a wide range of experience to the Assistant Principal position through his work at Windsor STEM Academy and the private sector. He has successfully demonstrated expertise in bridging the gap between school and community, in creating student centered opportunities for academic achievement as well as social emotional learning growth.  His colleagues praise his interpersonal relations and his ability to motivate others as an extreme strength. Mr. Tate will support the brand new Nest program, which will focus on SEL and mental health.  Mr. Tate is also a huge fan of the “R” factor and ensures that the outcome is always positive.

Mr. Tate earned his Executive Master of Business Administration from The Ohio State University and his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Capital University, where he was also inducted into the athletic hall of fame for basketball in 2016. He resides in Westerville with his children Geron Michael (14) and MacKenzie (10).
 

Mr. Zach Wiard, Assistant Principal
Students with the Last Names Hj–Mc (Grades 12) and Last Names K–N (Grades 9-11)
Email: wiard.1@napls.us
Phone: 614-413-8300

Zach Wiard joins the New Albany High School leadership team as Assistant Principal on August 1, 2026. He brings a wealth of experience in education and a passion for helping students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

Before coming to New Albany High School, Zach served as an Assistant Principal at Gahanna Lincoln High School. Over the course of his career, he has also served as a teacher and coach at Jackson Middle School and Watkins Memorial High School, as well as an Assistant Principal at Grove City High School. Across each of these experiences, he has remained committed to supporting student growth, building meaningful relationships, creating positive school cultures, and helping all students succeed.

Zach earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Integrated Social Studies from Ohio University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Ashland University. Outside of school, he enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and making the most of time with his family.

This fall, Zach is excited to join the New Albany community and partner with students, staff, and families to support a positive and engaging high school experience.
 

Mr. Patrick Samanich, Dean of Students
Email: samanich.3@napls.us
Phone: 614.413.8300

Patrick Samanich transitioned to the role of Dean of Students for the District in the summer of summer 2021 after serving as Dean at NAHS. Mr. Samanich steps into his new role after spending the last 25 years coaching football at the collegiate and high school levels. He will also begin his 25th year in the classroom serving as a Technology Teacher. 

"Coach" Samanich is committed to student achievement, student growth, and student well-being as evidenced by the FINISH program that he championed during his tenure as football coach for NAHS. He is currently on the district R Factor Team where he is committed to helping students "Own Their R(esponse)" to the events they encounter in daily life. Coach Samanich is interested in empowering all students to develop their potential as leaders. He firmly believes that leaders create culture, culture drives behavior, and behavior produces results.

Mr. Samanich holds a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration degree from Ashland University. He lives in New Albany with his wife Tracy and daughters Evelyn and Caroline.
 

Mr. Richie Wildenhaus, Athletic Director
Email: wildenhaus.1@napls.us
Phone: 413-8325

Richie Wildenhaus, CMAA serves as the Director of Athletics for New Albany-Plain Local Schools and is entering his 10th year leading New Albany Athletics and his 17th year as an athletic administrator. He oversees a comprehensive athletic program serving more than 1,000 student-athletes and 150 coaches across grades 7-12. Under his leadership, New Albany Athletics has earned recognition as one of Ohio’s premier educational-based athletic programs, including receiving the prestigious NIAAA Quality Program Award (QPA), while expanding opportunities in student leadership development, coach education, facility enhancements, and student-athlete wellness.

A strong advocate for education-based athletics, Wildenhaus believes athletics are an extension of the classroom where students develop leadership, character, resilience, and teamwork. He is actively involved in professional leadership at both the state and national levels, serving as Health and Wellness Chairperson for the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) and as Ohio’s liaison to the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Health and Wellness Committee. He is also a mentor for athletic administrators pursuing national program recognition and regularly presents at state and national conferences.

Wildenhaus earned the Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) designation, the highest professional certification available to interscholastic athletic administrators. His honors include being named Colorado 4A Athletic Director of the Year in 2016 and OIAAA Central District Athletic Director of the Year in 2020. A native of Kettering, Ohio, he holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an Educational Leadership Endorsement from Adams State University. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio Dominican University.