NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal School parent and alumna Chesney Doyle said she finds the straight talk of the school’s incoming headmaster Les Hegwood refreshing.

“He’s so open and sincere in his communication,” Doyle said.

Doyle said Hegwood has already reached out to parents through the school’s e-mail system, but Friday offers parents and community members a chance to shake the hand and greet the face behind the written words.

Doyle is the co-chair of a meet-and-greet committee, which will host a gathering at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall to welcome Hegwood and his family.

Hegwood started as the top administrator at Trinity June 1 but has been meeting with school staff since the board of trustees hired him in April.

Doyle said some parents feel like they have already had a chance to get to know Hegwood through his messages.

“We all feel like we have a really straight shooter who doesn’t beat around the bush, is thoughtful (and is) obviously extremely bright,” Doyle said.

Doyle said Hegwood also has an interesting story, including a period in his life in which he studied to become an Episcopal priest.

“Throughout that process (Hegwood) discovered that his heart really was in education,” Doyle said.

Doyle said she wants Hegwood to feel that he will be embraced not only by those involved at Trinity but by the entire Natchez community.

At the meet-and-greet, the Rev. Walton Jones will say a prayer before Will Devening, a trustee, introduces Hegwood. Following Hegwood’s speech, attendees will be allowed to speak with Hegwood informally and enjoy refreshments.

Doyle said parents will learn about Hegwood’s student-centered vision for Trinity.

“I just have a really good feeling about (Hegwood), his wife (Corinne) and their family,” Doyle said. “(I think Hegwood) will be the right fit at the right time for our school, but also for the Natchez community.”

Hegwood has a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Mississippi.

He is a native of Jackson and attended St. Andrews Episcopal School.