The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals is proud to announce Colin Ripmaster has been selected as the next Executive Director of the association, succeeding current Executive Director Wendy Zdeb upon her retirement, June 30, 2026. Zdeb will continue to lead MASSP through the transition, with a special recognition planned during the EdCon 2026 summer conference.
Ripmaster will assume the role starting July 1, 2026, following more than a decade of service as MASSP’s Deputy Executive Director and a 30-year career dedicated to strengthening school leadership, advancing student success and shaping statewide education policy.
Following Zdeb’s retirement announcement, the MASSP Board of Directors initiated a statewide search to select the association’s next leader. A committee of MASSP members from across Michigan reviewed applications, conducted interviews, and ultimately recommended Ripmaster to serve as MASSP’s sixth executive director since the organization’s founding in 1911. The Board of Directors unanimously accepted the recommendation.
“For thirteen years, Colin has served as MASSP’s Deputy Executive Director, dedicating his career to supporting students, educators, and secondary principals across Michigan,” said Amy Pashak, Walled Lake Western High School Principal and MASSP Board of Directors President. “He is a trusted leader, deeply knowledgeable about the issues facing school administrators, and leads with heart, integrity, and compassion. The Board is thrilled and confident in Colin’s ability to guide MASSP into its next chapter. We are also deeply grateful for the steady and inspiring leadership of Wendy Zdeb, whose legacy of advocacy and service has left MASSP strong and well-positioned for the future.”
Ripmaster joined MASSP in 2013 after serving nearly a decade as principal of Mattawan High School. He served on the MASSP Board of Directors as a Regional Representative, Executive Board member, Board Liaison, and President of the Association (2012–13). He also previously served as a middle school assistant principal and elementary teacher in West Ottawa Public Schools.
Colin has been a central driver of MASSP’s growth, strategic direction and impact. As Deputy Executive Director, he’s led the organization’s professional learning, member services, and statewide leadership pipeline, while also playing a key role in advocacy, financial sustainability, student leadership programming and governance.
Under his leadership, MASSP has tripled professional learning engagement, expanded equitable access to high-quality programming, and established nationally-recognized systems for developing and supporting school leaders.
“Every day, Michigan’s school leaders serve with courage, clarity of purpose and an unwavering belief in the promise every student carries. MASSP exists to support that work,” Ripmaster said. “I look forward to partnering with our Board, staff, and members to grow leaders, strengthen belonging, and amplify voice. Together, we will advance human-centered, innovative, and sustainable systems that reflect our mission, honor our people, deepen trust, elevate leadership, and help every school leader and student thrive.”
Ripmaster earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College, majoring in K–12 Special Education with a minor in Elementary Education, and later completed his Master of Arts degree in K–12 Educational Administration at Michigan State University.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ripmaster is deeply rooted in family and community. He and his wife, Elise, have two sons, Jacob and Lucas, and much of their time is spent supporting the pursuits and passions that shape their family life. He enjoys training and competing with his rottweilers in competitive dog sports, attending musical and sporting events, and spending time with extended family at Stony Lake.
Ripmaster will assume leadership at a pivotal time for Michigan schools, as principals continue to navigate evolving expectations, workforce challenges, and the increasing complexity of the role. His vision for MASSP centers on deepening member engagement, expanding leadership development pathways, advancing strategic innovation, and ensuring that every principal has the community, tools, and support needed to succeed.
“I could not be more confident in this decision,” Zdeb said. “Colin has been my colleague and partner in leadership for the last 13 years, and during that time he has consistently demonstrated exceptional integrity, deep commitment to Michigan’s school leaders, and a vision grounded in both innovation and practicality.”