Kenneth Kraemer brings extensive leadership, experience and vision to the position of Principal at New Albany High School. Mr. Kraemer joined the New Albany Schools family in the summer of 2018 from his most recent position as the Principal of Licking Heights High School in Pataskala, Ohio. As a principal, he brings a clear and enthusiastic vision for building student and staff culture through effective communication and collaborative programs targeted to improve student achievement, growth, and well-being. Mr. Kraemer is highly motivated to achieve the continuous improvement goals of the New Albany-Plain Local Schools.

Ken displays a clear understanding of the importance of building trust and relationships with staff, students, parents and community stakeholders and will be an excellent addition to the New Albany - Plain Local Schools leadership team. Additionally, his experience using data to increase academic outcomes while improving school culture is paramount to serving as the next principal of New Albany High School and to the success of our school district.

Mr. Kraemer earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Studies Education from Bowling Green State University.  He also holds a Superintendent license awarded in 2015 by Miami University of Ohio. He resides in Westerville with his wife, Lisa and two daughters.

Mr. Kraemer stated, “I cannot adequately express how thrilled I am to be joining the New Albany school community.  I have always been extremely impressed with the students and staff that I have come into contact with and I am truly honored to be named Principal of New Albany High School.  I look forward to building relationships with our students, parents, and staff to ensure the best education possible for our community.“

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. Annie Damceski brings a wide range of experience to the Assistant Principal position through her work at Olentangy Local Schools. She worked as an assistant principal at Hyatts Middle School and formerly as a school psychologist at Shanahan Middle School. Annie is an accomplished school administrator who is student focused and dedicated to student success and well-being. Her colleagues recognize her as a true educational leader who knows the importance of building positive relationships. Many praise her calm, thoughtful approach to making difficult decisions or having challenging conversations.

Mrs. Damceski received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University, a Masters of Education and Educational Specialist degree as a School Psychologist from Kent State University. Her Educational Administration licensure was awarded by Ashland University. Ms. Damceski resides in New Albany with her husband, Tony and their three children, Gabby, Owen, and Beau.

Mr. Russell brings a wide range of experience to the Assistant Principal position. Prior to his administration role, he was a high school science teacher and department chair where he was recognized as an inspirational and influential district teacher. Rob has utilized research-based interventions to create effective support for student social and emotional growth, resulting in a reduction of discipline and truancy issues as a middle school assistant principal. 

Rob earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Masters of Education in Science Education, and Superintendent License from The Ohio State University as well as a Principal License from the University of Cincinnati.  As a lifelong learner, he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. 

Rob lives in the Clintonville area with his wife, Jennifer and son, Rocky.

Mr. Chris Stiel brings a wide range of experience to the Assistant Principal position through his work at Pickerington Local Schools. Mr. Stiel is a passionate student advocate that is eager to support creating opportunities for New Albany High School students using his experiences as an administrator and school counselor. He recently served as a Lead Assistant Principal at Ridgeview STEM Jr. High School and was formerly an Assistant Principal at Toll Gate Middle School. Chris has seven years of prior experience as a school counselor working to improve the academic, emotional, and mental health needs of students which will align with our District statement of purpose; to create a culture of accountability that achieves the best academic and developmental outcomes for each student. He is a passionate student advocate who works tirelessly to develop student programs which put Students First.

Mr. Stiel received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Walsh University and his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. He grew up in the Central Ohio area and currently resides in Pickerington with his wife, Jessica and their four children, Cameron (age 8) and triplets, Emmy, Connor and Riley (age 3). He is a former college athlete that loves to support student athletes in their athletic and academic growth. 

Mr. Stiel will support the AP program at NAHS, as well as the school counseling program and the Noble Academy Among other key responsibilities. He is looking forward to continuing to grow the comprehensive school counseling program at the high school level, and has extensive knowledge of the implementation of school wide social emotional learning programs and restorative practices that he will bring to New Albany High School.

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).

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 joined the New Albany High School leadership team as Athletic Director on August 1, 2016. He came to New Albany after serving as the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Erie High School in Erie, Colorado. His extensive background and experience brings a unique perspective to the Athletic Director role. Examples of his professional impact include the development of a coach’s professional development program, the implementation of a Student-Athlete Leadership Team, establishment of an online-based TV station for broadcasting athletic contests and other events, the development of an athletics mobile app to increase student and family engagement, and overseeing multiple facility upgrades/capital improvement projects. Among his many accolades and experiences, he was named Colorado 4A Athletic Director of the Year in the spring of 2016 as well as the OIAAA Central District Athletic Director of the Year in 2020.

A native of Kettering, Ohio, Wildenhaus is excited for the opportunity to lead the athletic programs at New Albany High School. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada - Las Vegas where he holds a MS in Athletic Administration and a BS in Physical Education with a Minor in Athletic Coaching. He also holds an Educational Leadership Endorsement from Adams State University - Alamosa, CO.