In a news release Friday, Trinity School in Buckhead announced its board approved the appointment of Joseph “Joe” P. Marshall as the 11th head of school, effective July 1.

Marshall, who is the unanimous choice by the board and the head search committee, will succeed Stephen G. Kennedy, who last year announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2012-13 school year, after 11 years at Trinity.

Marshall has more than 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in independent schools, and is the current head of school at The Orchard School in Indianapolis, Ind.

“Joe’s intelligence, warmth, passion and outstanding record of accomplishment made it clear that he has the essential qualities and characteristics necessary to lead Trinity masterfully through the next phase of its remarkable history In announcing his appointment,” board chair F. Weldon Baird said. “He has an inspiring intellectual curiosity and a naturally collaborative leadership style — he is a strong believer in meeting the individual needs of each child, and he acts with great care. From Stephen Kennedy, Joe Marshall will inherit a wonderful legacy to build on.”

The selection of Marshall was the culmination of a national search during which a nine-member committee — chaired by board members Lucinda Chapman and Bill Jordan — worked closely with consultants from Carney, Sandoe & Associates to identify and review 135 candidates.

“I am equally honored and excited to become a member of the Trinity School community, as its next head of school,” Marshall said. “Trinity sets itself apart from other schools in its commitment to an authentic child-centered education that values each child as a unique individual within a nurturing educational environment. There isn’t a better place for children to spend their elementary school years than Trinity! Its well-deserved national reputation as a preeminent elementary school emanates from the dedication and ingenuity of its community members.”