Darrow Zeidenstein, Ph.D., Named Chief Development Officer
Joins MD Anderson from Rice University
MD Anderson News Release June 17, 2019
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today named Darrow Zeidenstein, Ph.D., as chief development officer. With more than 25 years of development experience, Zeidenstein will begin his new duties overseeing fundraising strategy and execution on July 22.
Zeidenstein comes from Rice University where he has served first as associate vice president for development and then as the vice president for development and alumni relations since 2004. At Rice, he has worked with his team to increase philanthropic commitments nearly four-fold over 15 years and served as the lead executive for Rice’s successful Centennial Campaign, which finished with a total $1.1 billion in 2013.
Zeidenstein will be responsible for leading the MD Anderson’s Development Office in cultivating long-term and trusted relationships with existing donors, as well as generating support from new constituencies. He will play a pivotal role as the institution works to develop its strategic plan and anticipates needs for a multi-year, comprehensive fundraising campaign. Zeidenstein will work proactively to leverage the expertise and knowledge of MD Anderson’s faculty, staff and Board of Visitors members in support of the institution’s mission.
“Darrow is a proven development leader known for his strategic approach to fundraising and for his genuine, personal approach to relationship building,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president. “He will represent MD Anderson in cultivating and maintaining relationships with a variety of donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations and other partner organizations in Houston, Texas and beyond. We look forward to welcoming Darrow to our executive leadership team.”
Zeidenstein’s previous experience includes a role as managing director at Marts & Lundy, a leading philanthropic consultancy. He started the firm’s analytics practice, pioneering the use of statistical modeling for fundraising assessment and forecasting purposes. He also has held leadership roles in Development at The University of Texas at Austin and Stern School of Business at New York University. Zeidenstein holds a Ph.D. in social anthropology from The University of Texas at Austin.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected for this exciting role at MD Anderson,” said Zeidenstein. “I am inspired by the institution’s mission, and I am drawn to Dr. Pisters’ compelling vision for the future. I consider this role the best Development opportunity on the planet, and I am excited to work with this team of Development professionals.”