Leadership

A native of Americus, Georgia, John Davis grew up surrounded by educators. His father was in education, his mother was a teacher and sisters and brothers as well. John received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Valdosta State University.

Mr. Davis joined the Valwood family in August of 2017 after 30 years teaching and as an administrator in the Valdosta City Schools, and most recently served as the Head of St. John Catholic School.

John is a longtime supporter of organizations such as the YMCA, St John Catholic Church, Rotary Club, and Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. Over his years as an educator and administrator he has been recognized for many of his accomplishments, including being awarded the Special Education Administrator of the Year Award.

John is married to Tanya and they have three children.

Chad is a 2008 graduate of Valdosta State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in math and science. While at VSU, he balanced his education and played division 2 football as a member of the 2004 and 2007 National Championship Valdosta State Blazer football team. He also has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University and is the Valwood Accreditation Coordinator.

Mr. Gallahan began his teaching career at Valwood as a health and weight-lifting instructor. Since then, he has taught middle school math and science and served as co-dean of the middle school for two years before taking the reins. In addition, he has also taught physical science, chemistry, and pre-calculus at Valwood. He served as the Middle School Dean for ten years and the Upper School Dean from 2023.

Mr. Gallahan is a proud alumnus of Valwood School, class of 2003. He is the assistant volleyball coach; he has coached a plethora of sports teams during his time at Valwood and several rec teams.

Chad is married to Val, the school registrar and head volleyball coach. They have three daughters in the lower school, Beckham, Bodhi, and Kibbee.

Mr. Murphy graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in history and science. In 2017, he received his Master's Degree in Independent School Leadership from Mercer University. 

Adam began his career at Valwood as a fifth grade teacher in the Lower School. He has taught science in the middle school as well as served as coach for various sports teams during his time at Valwood. Mr. Murphy has been serving as the Middle School Dean since 2023.

Adam is married to his wife, Jenna. Together, they have three children, a daughter Bailie and two sons, Ansen and Caulder. 

Gary grew up in Americus, Georgia and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, with a Specialization in Social Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. 

He joined the Valwood faculty in 2018 after more than 30 years of teaching and administration in the public education system in both Sumter County and Valdosta City. He began his career as a middle and upper school faculty member, teaching English, history and science. Moving into administration, he served as the administrator of the alternative school and as assistant principal and principal in Valdosta City Schools.

Gary is married to his wife Bunny and they have four children.