The Nathaniel Witherell Appoints New Director of Development

David Ormsby, Chairman of the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell, announced on Thursday the appointment of Mary Vinton as the Friends’s new Director of Development.

Vinton replaces Scott Neff who has served as the Friends principal fundraising staff member since 2009 and Executive Director since 2014. Ms. Vinton assumes the new position as of May 2, 2022.

“We warmly welcome Mary Vinton and look forward to a very productive and successful relationship as we continue to provide support for the Nathaniel Witherell’s outstanding skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services,” Ormsby said. “We also extend our deepest appreciation to Scott Neff, who worked tirelessly with the Friends’ leadership to raise successfully over $12.8 million in contributions during the past thirteen years.”

Ormsby noted that Mr. Neff’s efforts made possible the Witherell’s first capital campaign “Project Renew Witherell” to renovate and upgrade the facility, the establishment of a Friendship Garden located in the Witherell’s courtyard, annual support for critical quality of life programs and services for Witherell’s long-term residents as well as other facility improvements. “I am grateful to the Friends’ Board of Directors and Greenwich residents for their steadfast support and commitment to Witherell’s elderly residents which sets the 5-Star rated Nathaniel Witherell apart from other skilled nursing homes,” Ormsby added.

Vinton has been a professional fundraiser, principally in Fairfield County, during the past 22 years. She is well-acquainted with the Greenwich community, having worked for several organizations here, most recently as the Director of Development for the Greenwich Historical Society, assisting with securing pledges and long-term funding and planned giving to support their educational and cultural programs and services. She also oversaw the fundraising for the expansion and renovation of the Byram Shubert branch of the Greenwich Library between 2002-2007, raising upwards of $6M to complete the project; and was Managing Director of Kids In Crisis in Cos Cob (2008-2012), where her primary focus was generating a third of the organization’s revenue through individual major gifts, private foundations and state and government grants.

Vinton was Director of Development for King School in Stamford where she was instrumental in helping to secure funding for a $15M capital campaign, as well as bolstering a scholarship program for underprivileged students.

Ms. Vinton has worked as a consultant to various nonprofit organizations, providing strategic planning for fundraising and marketing initiatives, especially for those challenged by the pandemic. She also served on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and dedicates much of her time as a volunteer to help young adults and children facing adversity, mental health issues, and challenges of addiction.

“I am thrilled to be joining Friends of the Nathaniel Witherell,” Vinton said. “I believe The Nathaniel Witherell is a true community jewel, one that is recognized for its outstanding care and dedication to its residents and patients.”

Vinton holds a B.A. from Stonehill College. She resides in Port Chester, NY, and is the proud mother of one daughter and two grandchildren. She describes herself as “a true believer that optimism is the key to a happy and fulfilling life.”