The Mountain School Announces Inaugural Director of Development

The Mountain School of Milton Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Lauricella as the School’s inaugural Director of Development, beginning July 1, 2026.

For many who attended The Mountain School, the experience defies easy description. A semester on 418 acres in Vershire, Vermont – farming, studying, building, cooking, and living in genuine community – has a way of clarifying what matters. Alumni from the School's earliest years and students of recent semesters use different words to describe the experience, but they arrive at the same conclusion: something fundamental changed during their time here, and stayed with them.

Since its founding in 1984, The Mountain School has cultivated that kind of transformation through farm-based work, outdoor learning, authentic scholarship, and shared residential life. As interest in experiential and place-based education continues to grow, the School is investing in the relationships, programs, and systems needed to sustain and strengthen its mission for decades to come.

The creation of the Director of Development role marks an important step in that evolution. The position reflects The Mountain School's commitment to strengthening philanthropy, deepening engagement, and building the resources that will sustain the School's mission well into the future. 

Chris will lead the School's advancement efforts by strengthening connections with alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends while expanding philanthropic support for priorities including financial aid, campus stewardship, and long-term institutional sustainability. Strong philanthropic support will help ensure that future students continue to benefit from the distinctive educational experience that has defined The Mountain School for more than four decades.

"Chris's appointment comes at an important moment for The Mountain School," said Alex Myers, Director of The Mountain School. "His experience has given him a deep understanding of strategic leadership, relationship-building, and mission-driven schools. He has led institutions through meaningful periods of growth and transformation while remaining grounded in mission. Just as importantly, he understands the distinctive power of The Mountain School experience and how to help people move from loving this place to investing in its future."

Lauricella joins The Mountain School following 18 years as an independent school head, most recently at Albany Academy in Albany, New York, where he led strategic initiatives, major fundraising efforts, and institutional change. Throughout his career, he has helped schools build philanthropic programs grounded in trust, participation, and shared purpose.

"I was drawn to The Mountain School and the power of its mission," said Lauricella. "People consistently describe their time here as transformative, and I am excited to help strengthen the School by deepening our philanthropic culture and inviting more members of the community to invest in this extraordinary work. To me, advancing the School is ultimately about relationships, engagement, and a shared belief in the life-changing experience it provides."

In the coming months, Lauricella will begin meeting with alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of the School to listen, learn, and discuss The Mountain School's future ambitions.

"As we look ahead, philanthropy will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that The Mountain School remains accessible, resilient, and sustainable," Myers added. "We are excited for Chris to help lead that work in partnership with our community."

Alumni, parents, and friends of the School will have opportunities to meet Lauricella during reunions, campus events, and community conversations throughout the coming year.