Alexandra Heddinger
Director of Advancement
B.F.A. stage management, North Carolina School of the Arts
518-794-6007

After providing leadership in the Development Office as Associate Director of Development, Director of Communications, and Director of Alumni Relations, Alex took on the role of Director of Advancement. She has been integrally involved in all facets of the operation of the Development Office for more than nine years, and has demonstrated her understanding and passion for the work and for the mission of the school.

Alex began working at Darrow in February 1999, following a 15-year career as a professional stage manager and lighting designer for several dance companies, and as the production coordinator for Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. She is originally from Maryland, but now lives in a 110-year-old renovated schoolhouse in Lee, MA, with her husband, Marc, and their two sons, Benjamin ’13 and Zachary ’14. She is also an enthusiastic reader and welcomes any recommendations for good books.

Lawrence Klein, Esq.
Associate Director of Advancement, General Counsel
J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
B.A., government, Clark University
518-794-6031

Lawrence has a range of unique experience in development, fund-raising, and community outreach, especially through the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City, which he founded in 2001 and served as chairman and president. Lawrence’s legal background as in-house counsel for high-technology companies gives him invaluable perspective into contracts and business agreements, allowing him to also serve as Darrow’s General Counsel.

Lawrence’s primary responsibilities are Darrow’s major gifts and Legacy program, and he helps to manage the growing.greener sustainability initiatives and other fund-raising efforts. As part of his plan to meet Darrow alumni, Lawrence is traveling far and near, including recent travel to London, Zurich, Paris, Colorado, Arizona, and Florida. He volunteers on the boards of several local nonprofits, and is also an accomplished equestrian. Lawrence lives in Pittsfield with his wife, Sarah, and two children.

Geoffrey Miller
Special Events and Alumni Relations Coordinator
B.A. piano performance (minor: arts and administration), SUNY Fredonia
518-794-6555

Geoff comes to Darrow with a wealth of experience in planning special events in Columbia County. He previously worked for the Shaker Museum & Library, helping the museum’s board of trustees and president establish a presence at the North Family by increasing public attention, facilitating unique programming, and securing funding opportunities.

Geoff has also planned events ranging from annual galas to business meetings and private receptions. At Darrow, his focus is on a variety of large events, such as Reunion, Graduation, and Fall Family Weekend, and smaller ones like Regional Gatherings and the annual Appreciation Dinner. In his off time, Geoff is a volunteer piano teacher for Albany-area at-risk students, and an advocate for arts in education. He lives in Renssealaer, New York.


Steven Ricci
Director of Communications
B.A., Communications/Journalism, Saint John Fisher College, Rochester, NY
518-794-6004

Steve is the newest member of the Advancement Office, coming on board in July 2011.

Deborah Vittone
Advancement Office Assistant
B.S., elementary education and psychology, Framingham State College
518-794-6023

Now in her sixth year at Darrow, Deborah is a key member of the Advancement team, helping to support all aspects of fundraising, including gift recording, as well as communications, alumni relations, and special events. Prior to working at Darrow, she was the assistant to the development director for the Catholic Schools of Pittsfield. Deborah lives in Pittsfield, MA, with her husband, and has five grown children.

Craig Westcott
Curriculum Coordinator, Director of the Samson Environmental Center, Director of Hands-to-Work, Assistant Director of the growing.greener initiative
M. Ed., Harvard University
B.A., Ithaca College
518-794-6011

Now entering his twelfth year, Craig has long worked with the academic, residential, and co-curricular programs at Darrow, facilitating a unique, locally developed curriculum of place that prepares students for leadership in sustainability in an increasingly complex global context. Last year, he assumed the role of Assistant Director of the growing.greener sustainability initiative. In this capacity, he has focused on extending the Darrow sustainability “brand” and advancing institutional sustainability efforts by cultivating relationships among multiple constituencies. Craig lives on the Darrow campus in Valentine Cottage with his wife, Kenly, and sons, Haven and Keller.