Brewster Announces Matthew Colburn as Executive Director of BA International

Brewster Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Colburn as the new Executive Director of BA International, LLC. Matt will lead Brewster’s international operations, including its two campuses in Madrid, Spain. 

This appointment marks an important milestone in Brewster’s international journey. Since the launch of BA International in 2023 and the opening of Brewster Academy Spain in Madrid, Brewster has taken bold steps to extend its mission and educational philosophy into new global contexts. With two thriving campuses in Chamberí and La Moraleja, BA International is now poised for its next phase of growth, one that is thoughtful, mission-driven, and deeply aligned with Brewster’s values. For current Brewster students and families, this leadership appointment strengthens the global reach of the Brewster Model®, expands opportunities for cross-campus learning and connection, and reinforces Brewster’s position as a forward-looking school preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.

Matt brings more than two decades of transformative leadership experience across education, government, and nonprofit sectors. A mission-driven executive, he has dedicated his career to community investment through transformational education, building institutions, scaling impact, and strengthening organizations in complex global environments.

Most recently, Matt served in senior executive leadership roles with the United States Peace Corps, including Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Country Director in Mexico, overseeing multinational operations across more than 20 countries. His work required navigating complex regulatory, financial, and cultural landscapes while leading diverse teams and ensuring program integrity, operational excellence, and strong financial stewardship.

Earlier in his career, Matt served as Chief Operating Officer of KIPP Delta Public Schools, where he helped scale the organization from a single school into a multi-campus regional network, nearly tripling the number of students served while preserving educational quality, mission fidelity, and long-term financial sustainability. He also led the development of international education and literacy networks in Central America with The Riecken Foundation, building a deeply impactful community-based education model from the ground up.

A fluent Spanish speaker with nearly two decades of international field experience, Matt brings deep intercultural competence and a collaborative, strengths-based leadership style. He is known for building high-performing, values-driven teams and forging meaningful partnerships across cultures and communities.

As Executive Director of BA International, Matt will serve as both a strategic leader and an educational entrepreneur. He will be responsible for ensuring fidelity to the Brewster Model®, championing academic excellence across international campuses, supporting campus leadership, and shaping the long-term vision for Brewster’s global presence.

Reflecting on his appointment, Matt shared: “Brewster’s bold vision for international education reflects the very best of what schools can be: mission-driven, innovative, and deeply committed to students. I am excited to partner with the Brewster community as we expand this extraordinary model around the world.”

We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Brewster family and look forward to the leadership, vision, and global perspective he brings to this exciting next chapter of Brewster Academy’s story.