Brian D. Cohen
Senior Development Associate
B. A. Haverford College
M.F.A. University of Washington
Putney’s roving goodwill ambassador, Brian taught art, ran the school’s summer programs, and served as Dean of Faculty for years before reinventing himself and joining the development effort in 2013. When not traipsing around the country visiting alumni, parents, and friends, Brian can sometimes be found plying nearby lakes and rivers in his kayak.
Carlotta Brelsford Cuerdon ’80
Annual Giving Manager
B.A. Dartmouth College
M.Ed. Antioch University New England
An alumna and proud parent of three graduates and sister to four more, Carlotta has strong ties to the Putney community. When not immersed in fundraising efforts, she’s inevitably helping colleagues, family, and friends navigate life’s challenges. A personal goal is to get outside every day to play, be it on skis, a bike, or on foot.
Alison Frye
Alumni Relations Manager
B.A. Kalamazoo College
J.D. University of Minnesota
A Michigan transplant, Alison ably organizes both Harvest Festival and Reunion, and builds ties between Putney alumni. When not on campus or walking her black lab Zoe, she’s usually engaged in some kind of competitive or recreational sport – tennis, softball, cycling and surfing (even in January).
Elizabeth Johnson
Development Operations Manager
A.S. Northwestern CT Community College
B.S. Southern Vermont College
The secret (non-violent) weapon, Elizabeth has been working in this behind-the-scenes role at Putney since 2006. She is a dedicated fiber artist and enjoys working with the students in the weaving studio. In her rare time off, she and her family engage in kid-friendly recreational opportunities.
Hugh Montgomery
Director of Development
B.A. Middlebury College
M.S. Antioch University New England
Putney’s been a “road not traveled” for Hugh since 1987 when he became the school’s development director and the “endowment” was the mobile hanging in the KDU. In the many miles since, his two daughters have graduated and the school has undergone many changes. Hugh is a not-terribly-talented but enthusiastic ukulele player who vaguely remembers leading Long Spring trips to Tuckerman Ravine.
Heather Newkirk
Development Operations Assistant
Heather has been our office greeter and data entry specialist since early 2017. If you need help making a gift, finding an alumnus/a, or changing your name/address, drop her an email or give her a call. When not driving a keyboard, Heather and her family might be found enjoying the natural world of the Connecticut River valley.