The Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) recently welcomed Dr. Jeanne McCarthy as the new division director. 

BVA is operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), and McCarthy’s appointment was ratified at the Jan. 17 meeting of the Chester County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors.

She officially began the new role on Feb. 12.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jeanne McCarthy to the Brandywine Virtual Academy family,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director of the CCIU. “Her wealth of experience in virtual learning, educational technology and curriculum development aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing a top-notch online learning environment, ensuring that our students will continue to receive an exceptional education.”

McCarthy brings with her over 16 years of experience in education, educational technology and curriculum development, including extensive knowledge of the K-12 online learning environment. 

Her impressive background includes serving as the chief academic officer at A Step Up Academy, where McCarthy oversaw the administration of an integrated and innovative academic program for students with autism and created systems to assist in measuring student outcomes. 

She has also held key positions such as director of learning technologies and director of educational programming at Commonwealth Charter Academy, where she spearheaded technology projects, developed instructional technology plans and implemented online learning programs. 

“Dr. McCarthy’s experiences working in online education bring a level of expertise to an already dynamic and growing division within our intermediate unit that is defining the future for online learning,” said Dr. Steve Gerhard, assistant director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Chester County Intermediate Unit as the new director of Brandywine Virtual Academy,” said Dr. McCarthy. "It is truly an honor to work with BVA’s incredible staff, district partners and the CCIU leadership team and help build upon BVA’s legacy of providing exceptional online programming for schools across Pennsylvania.”