At Millbrook’s 2025 Women’s Dinner, we’ll learn a little bit about Nancy Stahl’s dedication to education, service, and community engagement. Her journey through the world of independent schools began at The Chapin School and continued at Purnell School, an all-girls boarding school that fostered her love of learning and leadership. She continued her education at Hollins College, a distinguished women’s college, where she majored in art history and graduated in 1977.

Nancy’s professional career took off at Sotheby’s in New York City, where she worked in the Bids and Reserves Department. There, she played a vital role in client relations, facilitating the auction process and ensuring collectors found the pieces they sought. Her dedication and expertise led her to head the department, and she later oversaw the opening of Sotheby’s location at 1334 York Avenue, where the decorative arts division was housed. It was at Sotheby’s that she met her husband, Bill, then the head of American Decorative Arts. They married in 1979 and welcomed their daughter, Jacqueline, in 1983.

When Jacqueline started school, the Stahls moved to Millbrook—a homecoming of sorts for Nancy, whose family had spent summers and weekends throughout her childhood at their second home on Valley Farm Road. A passionate equestrian, she brought her love of riding to New Jersey during high school, where she was thrilled to join the hunt. Years later, she became Joint Master of the Millbrook Hunt alongside Millbrook alum and former faculty member Farnie Collins ’53; she held this role from 1996 to 2018.

Nancy’s commitment to education and philanthropy is woven throughout her life. She has served as board chair of Purnell School, Dutchess Day School, and the Freedom Institute, an addiction treatment center in New York City. She also supported educational opportunities for youth at the Boys Club of New York, where she tutored and mentored students and eventually followed in her parents’ footsteps as a board chair. She also played a role in the organization’s boarding school program, which has brought many talented students to Millbrook School over the years.

Her deep connection to independent school education led her to assist in the creation of the Colhoun Conference, a forum for school heads and board chairs to discuss best practices in governance and leadership, while she was heading the board at Dutchess Day. It was during her time as board chair at Dutchess Day and Purnell that she came to work closely with Millbrook’s then headmaster, Drew Casertano. In 2007 Drew enticed her to join Millbrook’s faculty as a part-time major gifts officer in the Development Office. Six years later, he would convince her to take on additional responsibilities as the full-time director of development, taking over management of the office from her longtime colleague and friend, Bob Anthony ’65.

Throughout her career, Nancy has remained dedicated to fostering strong communities and supporting the next generation. Whether working with students, alumni, or fellow leaders, she brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep belief in the power of education. A champion for Millbrook’s students and alumnae, Nancy continues the proud legacy of the strong women in her family—ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WOMEN'S EVENT

The brainchild of Millbrook alumna and trustee Caroline A. Wamsler, PhD '87 and longtime faculty members Nancy Stahl and Cindy McWilliams, the Annual Women's Event was launched in 2014, when a small group of Millbrook alumnae gathered for a tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City followed by afternoon tea. The request for a slightly stronger drink moved the event to the evening, and it now features a faculty speaker and brings together five decades of Millbrook alumnae.

Past speakers at the Cosmopolitan Club gathering have included Jarratt Clarke, Erin Downs, Barbara Gatski, Cam Hardy, Kathy Havard, Eileen Jeffreys, Nancy Keller-Coffey, and Alan Tousignant. The annual event has continued to evolve, and while COVID put a damper on in-person gatherings, we held a hugely successful event in 2021 as Linda Casertano spoke to a large group assembled on Zoom. All who gathered virtually partook in a delicious spread of locally-produced appetizers delivered to their door at home.

The in-person Women's Dinner continues to take place at the Cosmopolitan Club in New York City, and Millbrook alumnae fill the room. We gather to catch up and enjoy conversation and to hear from a member of the Millbrook family on a topic that resonates with Millbrook's mission.

For more information on the Annual Women's Event, please contact Director of Advancement Natalie Smith at nsmith@millbrook.org or 845-677-6752.