Marita Altman, Director of Advancement, holds a B.A. in Zoology from Drew University and an M.B.A. from NYU. After many years in information technology, she began her development career in major gifts at Columbia Business School. She has held development positions in the performing arts, including Director of Major Gifts at the Metropolitan Opera; Vice President of Development at Opera Philadelphia; and most recently, Vice President of Development at the New York Philharmonic. Marita is the parent of an adult daughter and son, both NYC independent school graduates. She likes to cook, read, travel, spin, hike, attend the opera, and do needlepoint and beadwork. She lives in the Flatiron district with her husband and puppy.