Groton School names Susan Daniells next director of development and alumni affairs

Following a national search, Groton School has announced the appointment of Susan Daniells as its next director of development and alumni affairs. 

Ms. Daniells comes to Groton School with twenty-two years of experience in higher education fundraising and alumni engagement. Since 2018, she has been serving her alma mater, Connecticut College, where she is currently the interim vice president for college advancement and director of development. 

“I have dedicated my career to furthering the mission of education,” said Ms. Daniells. “My family and I are eager to become integral members of the community and move forward Groton’s ideals through meaningful philanthropy.”

Previously Ms. Daniells held leadership positions in fundraising at Yale University from 2013–18, and she also worked in various development and alumni/ae affairs roles at Vassar College. 

“Susan’s extensive experience in fundraising at a number of institutions at the college level and her deep interest in Groton and its mission shone through all the discussions we had with her,” said Benjamin Pyne ’77, P’12, ’15, president of Groton’s Board of Trustees and a member of the search committee. “We are so excited that she will be joining the Circle later this spring, and look forward to working with her in the years ahead.”

 

Ms. Daniells will succeed current Director of Development and Alumni Affairs John D. MacEachern P’10, ’14, ’16, who is retiring at the end of the academic year after twenty-one years at Groton. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. MacEachern has managed successful fundraising efforts in support of nearly every aspect of school life, and his contributions will continue to have a positive impact on the Circle far into the future.

“As John MacEachern concludes his tenure, spanning more than two decades and two headmasters, we are grateful to him for his outstanding service and loyalty to our school.” said Headmaster Temba Maqubela. “A new and exciting chapter begins with the arrival of Susan Daniells, who will take over the reins of alumni and parent relations and institutional philanthropy. We extend a Groton embrace to Susan and her family, and we look forward to her leadership during a pivotal time in the school’s history, particularly as we approach Groton’s sesquicentennial.”

Ms. Daniells will begin her tenure at Groton in April.