About Us

Stacey S. Heckel

Stacey brings over twenty years of fundraising and nonprofit management in higher education, independent schools, faith-based organizations, social services and the arts. Enthusiasm and innovation are hallmarks of her work resulting in over $100 million raised for annual operations, capital campaigns, comprehensive campaigns, endowments, planned gifts and special events.

At Anne Arundel Community College as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the Foundation, Stacey led a fundraising program raising $1.3 million annually. As Regional Campaign Director at Sweet Briar College, Stacey led 13 cities raising $9 million towards a $35 million campaign. Stacey is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Council for Resource Development (CRD).

Stacey served as National Campaign Director for Washington National Cathedral during a comprehensive campaign for $50 million. Working in partnership with Beauvoir Elementary School, National Cathedral School for Girls, St. Alban's School for Boys and the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Stacey secured six and seven-figure gifts for historic preservation, educational programs and capital expansion.

Stacey has extensive experience with independent schools. She has led institutional advancement operations and successful fundraising programs. At Grace Episcopal Day School, Stacey served as Director of Development. At St. Timothy's School in Baltimore County, Stacey joined the senior leader team as Director of Development to help the institution grow enrollment, establish the International Baccalaureate program and raise critical operating funds. Stacey held leadership positions in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) and the Association of Maryland Independent Schools (AIMS) including serving on accreditation teams and regularly convened a group of her peers in development.

Crossway Community, a residential facility for at-risk mothers and children, benefited from Stacey's leadership in fundraising, public relations and marketing. Her efforts supported workforce development, an independent school and supportive housing. The organization's annual operating budget of $9 million relied on her efforts. She established a new source of support through individuals and the local business community.

Prior to her focus on development, Stacey's career focused on special event and convention planning. Stacey worked for the American Bankers Association and Courtesy Associates planning conventions, conferences and special events from intimate VIP dinners to multi-day conventions of 3,000. Stacey is a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES).

Stacey is a graduate of Sweet Briar College. She holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation from CFRE International.

Involved in her community, Stacey is committed to many nonprofit, arts and educational organizations in the Annapolis, Maryland, Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland area. She has two sons in elementary and middle school.