Message from the Chair - Seattle Academy
The Hub
Martinique Grigg, Board Chair 2025-Present
September 2025
Dear SAAS Community,
I hope you are settling into the rhythm of a new school year and enjoying these first weeks back on campus. I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Board Chair for SAAS.
My name is Martinique Grigg. My husband, Eliot, and I have two children at SAAS—one in 9th grade and one in 7th. Our family just began our fourth year here, and we have been continually inspired by how SAAS nurtures curiosity, challenges students, and fosters a strong sense of community. Serving on the SAAS Board for the past two years has been a privilege, and I step into this role grateful for the thoughtful leadership of my predecessor, Matt Echohawk-Hayashi. In my professional life, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as CEO of two organizations and now invest in small businesses in Seattle. I’ve also served on a variety of nonprofit and business boards. I’m honored to contribute this experience in support of the SAAS community.
Last year was an extraordinary one for SAAS. We broke ground on the new Upper School, joined the competitive Metro League, and welcomed our most successful admissions season yet. We also celebrated Giselle Furlonge’s promotion to Co-Head of School and Rob Phillips’ renewed commitment to SAAS. These milestones reflect years of vision and hard work by our faculty, staff, students, and families.
This year is a pivotal moment for SAAS, and the Board will focus on three priorities:
Launch the Upper School.
The culmination of a decades-long vision, the new campus unites our community on one block with one mission. More than a building, it reflects our values and opens new possibilities for connection, collaboration, and learning.
All In for Build Bold.
The Upper School was financed through a bond so students wouldn’t have to wait. Now we need philanthropic support to meet our $60M campaign goal. Every dollar raised this year will help complete the school and advance all that makes SAAS distinctive.
Educational Innovation and Excellence.
As stewards of SAAS’s mission, we are committed to sustaining the excellence that defines our academic and extracurricular programs while embracing the possibilities that come with the new Upper School. This milestone is not just about expanded space, but about opening new horizons for learning, creativity, and community. By fostering innovation and supporting the conditions for students to flourish, we look ahead with confidence that every SAAS student will be empowered to discover their potential and make a lasting impact.
Looking Ahead:
As SAAS continues to grow and evolve, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to lead as one of Seattle’s most respected and forward-thinking independent schools. In the coming years we will be refreshing our strategic plan and setting a vision for the next decade.
Guided by bold ideas, unwavering care, and a deep belief in the potential of every student, we are entering a moment of true transformation. I’m thrilled to be serving alongside such a dedicated Board, outstanding leadership, and a community that embraces challenge and change.
I look forward to an incredible year ahead, and to building our future—together.
Warmly,
Martinique Grigg
Chair, Board of Trustees
Subscribe to Post Alerts
SAAS: A Message from Board Chair Martinique Grigg
September
17
2025
A Message from the Seattle Academy Board of Trustees
August
16
2024
Message from Board Chair Matt Echohawk-Hayashi
July
26
2022
SAAS Board Task Force
June
11
2020
Message from the SAAS Board of Trustees Chair
May
31
2020
Message from SAAS Board Chair, David Sheppard
October
19
2019