Joe Toombs was named the next Athletic Director of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, marking a meaningful return for an educator and leader whose professional journey is deeply connected to the district.

Toombs began his career in Mamaroneck, where he spent more than a decade as a physical education teacher and coach at Mamaroneck High School. During that time, he worked alongside colleagues to reimagine the student experience in physical education and health, helping to develop programming that was more responsive to student interests and needs. Many of those colleagues remain in the district today, and he returns with a strong sense of connection to both the people and the work they began together.

“This is a place that had a profound impact on me,” Toombs said. “The students in Mamaroneck are hard-working, diverse, and success-driven. It’s a very unique place. You see that play out in the hallways. There is a real connection and strong identity with the school and community.”

Since leaving Mamaroneck, Toombs has served as Athletic Director in other districts, most recently in Pelham, where he oversaw a comprehensive athletic program serving hundreds of student-athletes and coaches. His work focused on building strong systems, strengthening communication, and ensuring that programs are aligned with a clear vision centered on student growth and experience.

At the core of his leadership is a collaborative, mission-driven approach. He describes his style as working “shoulder to shoulder” with his team, listening carefully to input from coaches, staff, and students, and building plans together to move initiatives forward.

“At its core, this work is about students and what we are trying to achieve for them,” he said. “The best work happens when people feel heard and are part of the process. You bring people together, you listen, and you build something collectively.”

That philosophy was shaped in large part by his earlier experience in Mamaroneck, where he was part of a team that prioritized student voice and collaboration. He points to the district’s willingness to explore change, particularly in physical education and health, as formative in his development as an educator and leader.

“We built a portfolio of work together that was really grounded in student-driven initiatives,” Toombs said. “That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.”

Superintendent Dr. Charles Sampson said that Toombs brings both the experience and the mindset needed to succeed in Mamaroneck. “Joe understands this community and shares our commitment to putting students at the center of everything we do,” Dr. Sampson said. “He is a collaborative leader who knows how to bring people together, build on what is already strong, and move the work forward in a thoughtful and meaningful way. We are excited to welcome him back.”

Toombs will succeed longtime Athletic Director Bari Suman, who is retiring after years of dedicated service to the 

district.