Alumni Council Candidates
How to Vote
Look in your inbox beginning 2/25 for an email about the election with your direct link to the ballot. No need to log in or remember a password!
If you have not received an email with a link to the ballot, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@tufts.edu or 1-800-THE-ALUM (800-843-2586).
Ten candidates from AS&E, as well as two candidates from the School of Dental Medicine, as well as two candidates from the Fletcher School are running for seats on the Alumni Council. Click on a candidate's name below to read about his/her qualifications. Voting for Alumni Council members is school-specific. You may vote only in the ballot section representing the schools you attended.
Election deadline: April 8, 2013
Undergraduate Schools
Jennifer L. Bokoff, A08, Brooklyn, N.Y.
B.A., Sociology and Community Health, 2008
Occupation: Program Officer, Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, New York, N.Y.; Teacher at the Brooklyn Brainery
Other Professional/Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: social media consultant; member, Grants Managers Network; member, Improv Comedy Magnet Theater
Tufts Activities: TAAP interviewer, Young Friends of Tufts Advancement co-chair, current transitional member of Alumni Council
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: social media consultant; member, Grants Managers Network; member, Improv Comedy Magnet Theater
Statement: I have served the university while a student and since graduation because I am proud to be a Jumbo. I value the people I met and the experiences I had in my four years on campus and since. In my term as co-chair of Young Friends of Tufts Advancement, we have become a Shared Interest Group and raised more than $80,000 for the university through young alumni gifts, which I am very proud of. I have used many of these strategies to fundraise within the Alumni Council, too, through my work on the Campaign Committee. I bring a positive energy, constructive ideas, and quality project management to the table, all of which I apply to committee work. I have enjoyed the Alumni Council network and projects and hope to remain an active member as long as you’ll have me!
Susan (Swerdlick) Dickason, A04, Boston, Mass.
B.A., Political Science and Spanish, 2004; J.D., Suffolk University, 2009
Occupation: fundraising/development at Tufts Medical Center
Previous Occupations: fundraiser for Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Tufts Activities: Active Citizens of Tufts (ACT) Boston (2011–2013); co-chair, ACT Boston’s first annual Gala (2012); the Association of Tufts Alumnae (ATA) (2011–2013); Tufts Alumni Boston (2012–2013); speaker at Senior Dinner (2012); speaker at networking event helping students launch a career in the nonprofit sector (2012); associate member of Tufts Alumni Council (2012); CASE program volunteer (2011) and mentor of two graduating students; sQ! co-ed a cappella alumni group (2004–2013).
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: member, Massachusetts Bar (2010); Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society; Suffolk Law Chapter (2006–2013); member of the 508s a cappella group.
Statement: It would be a tremendous honor to be elected to the Tufts Alumni Council. I know that Tufts provided me with unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow and to meet incredible people and professors. There is no question that it has made me a more well-rounded person and helped to position me for personal and professional success. Because of the deep Jumbo pride that I feel, I have a great desire to see Tufts continue to prosper and lead the way—in higher education and in producing top-tier community leaders. I feel I can be a great asset to the Tufts Alumni Council because of my professional background in fundraising and development. I have a passion for engaging volunteers in programs and initiatives that resonate with them—and I would love to combine my professional strengths with my desire to give back to Tufts. Thank you for your consideration!
Tufts family: husband, Brandon Dickason, A03; father, Ted Swerdlick, D70, A04P
Kristi Tough Desapri, A02, Chicago, Ill.
B.S., Biology; B.A., Child Development, 2002; M.D., University of Texas San Antonio Medical School, Lenox Hill residency, Cleveland Clinic fellowship
Occupation: women’s health specialty internal medicine physician and director of the Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern Comprehensive Bone Center; clinical instructor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
Tufts Activities: Active TAAP interviewer since 2002—in San Antonio, Tex., New York City, Cleveland, Ohio, and now Chicago, Ill.; participated in multiple college fairs; recently joined committee in Chicago to organize alumni events such as November 2012 “Toast to Tufts” event; invited speaker at Tufts admitted students reception in NYC 2010; executive board member of TACNY (Tufts Active Citizens of New York) 2007–2010; organized Tufts team for “NY Cares” and “Into the Streets” and other service-related events, citizenship lectures, and roundtable dinner discussions for Tufts alumni in NYC; contributed to summer mentorship program; Tufts senior leadership award and former University College of Citizenship and Public Service (UCCPS) award in 2002; vice president of LCS, founder of “Kids to College” LCS program at Tufts; board member of Experimental College.
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: advisory board of Center for Personalized Medicine at Cleveland Clinic: 2010–2012; North American Menopause Society: Membership Committee board member 2011–current; American College of Physicians (ACP) member; American College of Obstetrics/Gynecology (ACOG) member; AVON three-day breast cancer walk, Susan G. Komen Foundation physician volunteer: 2008–2012.
Statement: I consider Tufts University a loyal friend after graduating 10 years ago. My Tufts education has proven invaluable in my personal and professional life. Both the academic environment of excellence and the social environment that fostered collaboration and creativity were naturally omnipresent at Tufts. In my daily life I strive to create that same balance. Working with fellow students with various backgrounds and interests toward common goals in the Leonard Carmichael Society taught me leadership and mentorship skills that matured in my career as a resident, fellow, and physician. The unique classes at Tufts, particularly in the Experimental College and Community Health program, opened my mind to niche subjects that I still enjoy and follow today. Above all these scholarly lessons, I consider the friends I made at Tufts as family. We are present for each other daily with calls, emails, or visits despite long distances. We have different personalities, professions, and opinions, but each of us is passionate with a thirst for knowledge and zest for life. We share memories and our love for Tufts. Now our husbands and children have joined the Tufts family too. This bond is why I volunteer interviewing prospective applicants. Tufts strives to foster a cultured community with diverse passions, which is what makes it so unique. I am committed to strengthening this rich tradition. As part of the Alumni Council, I would like to work on efforts to improve our outreach and activities for alumni in regions traditionally underserved (given geographic distance). My goal is to help reconnect old friends while creating new ones who share in volunteering their services and resources back to Tufts. I hope this unique opportunity will allow me give back to Tufts all that I have gained. Thank you.
Pamela Feo, A04, G06, Boston, Mass.
B.A., English and Music, 2004; M.A., Musicology, 2006
Occupation: Community Programs and Publications Manager, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston, Mass.
Tufts Activities: member of Shared Interest Groups Committee; member and event organizer for Tufts Alumni Nonprofit Network; member of Tufts TEAM (Tufts Entertainment, Art, and Media Network). Undergraduate activities included volunteering for the Leonard Carmichael Society.
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: internship in education and marketing departments at Boston Lyric Opera, 2006/2007 season.
Statement: As a double Jumbo, I understand the integral role that outreach plays in Tufts culture; the importance of public service that was demonstrated to me during my days as a student still resonates in my work today, developing an inner-city music program for Boston Public Schools. As a member of the Tufts Alumni Council, I will seek to not only enhance the role of Tufts in the community, but I will aim to strengthen the alumni network’s ability to provide opportunities for us to challenge ourselves in bettering our communities beyond campus. Through my role on the Shared Interest Groups Committee, I have witnessed the relevance of the alumni committees in providing the framework within which alumni may remain engaged, as well as the resources to help them develop connections around the globe. On the council I will ensure that Tufts alumni have the support they need to dedicate themselves to causes that are important to them. In addition, with my experience in the music field and my connection to Tufts TEAM, I aim to build upon the strengths afforded by the new music building at Tufts, developing the university as a leader in arts outreach in the community.
Jonathon Gais, A06, Somerville, Mass.
B.A., Economics, 2006
Occupation: senior consultant, RINET Company LLC, Boston, Mass.
Tufts Activities: chair, Regional Programming Committee for Tufts Alumni Council; president emeritus, Tufts Alumni Board, Boston; president, Theta Chi Alumni Board; assistant coach, Tufts crew; 5th Reunion Committee for Young Alumni Weekend; TAAP member
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: program volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Charlestown; Everybody Wins: Powerlunch reading mentor
Statement: I greatly valued my time as an undergraduate at Tufts. I had the opportunity to row on the varsity crew team, serve on the TCU Senate, lead wilderness pre-orientation groups, join a fraternity, and co-found a percussion ensemble. I have remained connected to Tufts as an alumnus, seeking out opportunities to continue my involvement with these organizations as well as the broader Tufts community. As president of Tufts Alumni Boston, I helped to expand our programming and extend our outreach to the broader Boston alumni network. Recently, I was honored to be appointed as the chair of the Regional Programming Committee for the Alumni Council, where I have just begun to work with my committee to strengthen Tufts’ global alumni network and reevaluate how we think of our role as active alumni. I believe that we have the potential for a more dynamic alumni experience, and if elected to the Alumni Council as a full-term member, I will continue to work with regional programming and the Office of Alumni Relations to develop deeper engagement across the alumni community. Thank you for your consideration.
Daiena Masciarelli, J98, London, England
B.A., International Relations and minor in Italian, 1998; University of Florence, 1996–1997
Occupation: strategy and operations consultant, financial services and nonprofits, New York and London
Tufts Activities: present: London Tufts Alumni co-chair: organize multiple cultural and educational networking events in London; assist in managing relationships with university and other alumni groups. Past: Association of Tufts Alumnae (1997–1999); student government, Tufts Community Union Senate, Italian Club, Leonard Carmichael Society, Commuter House representative
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Save the Children; Federation of American Women Clubs Overseas; American Women’s Club (AWC) of London; Prince’s Trust; extensive global traveler
Statement: Having grown up in Medford and attending Tufts as well as having multiple family connections to the university—two sisters attended Tufts as well as my mother worked for more than 20 years at Carmichael Hall—Tufts has been a strong influence on both my professional and personal development. Whether it be the values that Tufts instills in its community or the business smarts in the classroom, I have profited from the many initiatives created to move Tufts forward while maintaining its integrity. Many of these successful operational initiatives have been directly linked to the Alumni Council. Now, having led the strategic, operational, and financial areas of international companies and nonprofits, I would like to utilize my skills to help the Alumni Council and Tufts overall continue to grow from an intellectual and strategic perspective. In addition, as a co-leader of the London Tufts Alumni group, I have a unique perspective of Tufts outreach overseas and as part of the council, I can use that to strengthen these relationships. I look forward to representing alumni on the council and helping Tufts continue to be the great academic leader it has always been.
Tufts Family: sisters, Marina Tramontozzi, J88, Pina Masciarelli, M.Sc.1996, occupational therapy, lecturer 1998–2003; mother, Lina Masciarelli, worked in Carmichael Hall for more than 20 years
Katherine O'Meara-McKersie, J98, Cos Cob, Conn.
B.A., magna cum laude, English and Certificate in Peace and Justice Studies, 1998; Graduate, School of the Hartford Ballet Professional Training Program
Occupation: dance teacher/choreographer and stay-at-home mother
Tufts Activities: president, Returning Students Alumni Association (2008–present); vice-chair, Alumni Resources Committee (2010–present); mentor, Alumni Resources Committee (2012–present); past member, Shared Interest Groups Committee (2011–2012); alumni representative for the president’s Senior Dinners (2010–present); TAAP (recently applied)
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: past co-chair, Christian Service Committee, Lexington, Mass.; past lead teacher, Children’s Arts Corner Dance Program, Lexington, Mass.; annual keynote speaker on social justice, Lexington, Mass., Catholic Community; feature writer; choreographer, Amahl and the Night Visitor, St. Catherine's of Siena, Riverside, Conn.
Statement: I have two reasons for wishing to serve on the Alumni Council. The first is my deep dedication to the university. The second is the unique perspective I would bring to the council as a REAL Program alumna. I am deeply dedicated to giving back to Tufts and guiding others to do the same. Tufts changed the course of the O’Meara family. My grandfather attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) as a grandson of Irish immigrants. His dentistry career enabled my father to attend TUSDM. My father completed a 60-year career as a pedodontist in Connecticut. Together, my father and grandfather established a legacy of giving that includes Tufts, as well as the O’Meara Foundation. I would also bring a unique perspective to the Alumni Council as a product of the REAL Program. Tufts University is unique among top-flight colleges and universities in offering undergraduate degrees to nontraditional-age students. In my case, Tufts was the entrée from a successful professional dance career into my work as an educator and choreographer. I would be honored to play a lead role in helping the Alumni Council reflect all the programs and students of the university, as well as the REAL Program. While mine is a true Tufts family, I am proud to say that I am the first woman in my family to graduate from Tufts. I hope the next generations will follow in my footsteps, too!
Tufts Family: grandfather, William Francis O’Meara, D23; father, William Foster O’Meara, D55; husband, William McKersie, A81
Nancy E. Pinn, J88, Watertown, Mass.
B.A., English, magna cum laude, 1988; J.D., Washington University School of Law, 1993; A.M., East Asian Studies, Washington University, 1993
Occupation: Director of Administration and Student Affairs, Harvard Law School Graduate Program, Cambridge, Mass.
Tufts Activities: Class of 1988 Reunion Committee for 15th, 20th, and 25th (upcoming) reunions; 25th reunion class gift officer; Tufts Lawyers Committee Board, Tufts Law Day co-chair 2012 and 2013; Tufts Law Day Planning Committee member
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Botanic Gardens Children’s Center Board of Directors, member and secretary; Botanic Gardens Children’s Center, Director Search Committee (Summer 2012); French-American School of Rhode Island board member (2008–2010)
Statement: My father graduated from Tufts Dental School and often reflected on his enthusiasm for the school. When it was time for me to apply to colleges, Tufts seemed like the natural choice. Since then, my commitment to Tufts has grown as a lifelong, global endeavor. From a busy Tokyo street corner (where I unexpectedly ran into a classmate just months after graduation) to milestone reunion celebrations back on campus, Tufts is all about our connections to each other. Tufts promotes an unparalleled education, a strong sense of community, lasting friendships, and shared commitment to international awareness. These values have remained with me, have informed my choices, and explain why my role as part of the broader Tufts network is one of which I am most proud. As alumni, we travel through life—locally or further afield—as ambassadors of our alma mater, and encounter connections at each waypoint. My engagement with Tufts, through formal roles as well as informal activities, has helped to solidify these connections. I would like nothing better than to continue to promote our wonderful institution to fellow alumni while also encouraging a next generation of leaders to seek meaningful lifelong participation in the Tufts community.
Tufts Family: father, Marvin J. Pinn, D60
Chloe Rossen, A08, Chicago, Ill.
B.A., International Relations and Economics, 2008; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, expected 2014
Occupation: law student, Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago Ill.
Tufts Activities: Alumni Council transitional member (2008–present); Student Issues and Young Alumni Committee (vice chair 2010–2011; member 2008–present); Citizenship and Public Service Committee (member, 2008–2011); Tufts Alumni Boston (member, 2008–2011) and ACT Boston (member, 2010–2011); Boston CASE Program Mentor (summer 2010); Tufts Alumni Chicago (member, 2011–present); and currently helping start the Chicago chapter of the Tufts Lawyers Association
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (member, 2011–present); Northwestern Law Women’s Leadership Coalition (treasurer, 2012–present)
Statement: As a transitional member of the Alumni Council for the past five years, I have had the opportunity to actively participate in this wonderful organization. I would like to remain involved—and help shape Tufts and its alumni network—by continuing my membership on the Alumni Council. I am deeply committed to supporting the Alumni Council in its mission to develop programs and services for alumni. I have demonstrated such leadership and dedication to the Alumni Council over the past five years, most notably by serving as the vice chair of the Student Issues and Young Alumni Committee and as a member of the Citizenship and Public Service Committee. Now, I am also helping start the Chicago chapter of the Tufts Lawyers Association. Additionally, since moving from Boston to Chicago in 2011, I have found that the alumni presence in the Boston area is much stronger than in other regions. As a member of the Alumni Council who lives in the Midwest, I will strengthen the alumni presence and involvement here and demonstrate how alumni can stay connected to Tufts no matter where they live. I look forward to continuing to serve you!
Pamela Bernard Shames, J84, Palo Alto, Calif.
B.S., Psychology & Mental Health, 1984; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, George Washington University, 1989
Occupation: psychologist, self-employed
Tufts Activities: Silicon Valley (Northern, Calif.) TAAP chair
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: chair, Menlo School Parent and Faculty Education Conference 2013; school representative, Common Ground Speaker Series; chair, Menlo Middle School Community Service Learning (fall 2010–spring 2012); member, San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group; member, American Psychological Association; member, California Psychological Association; member, San Mateo County Psychological Association
Statement: I welcome the opportunity to give back to Tufts, a place that has given me so much. Like many of you, I left Tufts with intellectual curiosity and enduring relationships with faculty and friends. As an Alumni Council member, I would work to expand our reach, involving more alumni in the many academic and cultural opportunities that Tufts provides on and off campus. As the TAAP chair in Silicon Valley for more than 15 years, I take great satisfaction in the tremendous growth of the Tufts application pool in the Bay Area and have involved many local alumni in the interviewing process. These proud alumni are powerful ambassadors for the school. By strengthening these ties, I can help Tufts to achieve its mission and broaden its reach.
School of Dental Medicine
Eileen Brusseau, J96, D03, Nashua, N.H.
B.S., Mathematics, 1996; D.M.D, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, 2003
Occupation: general dentist in private practice
Professional Affiliations and Activities: member, Massachusetts Dental Society; member, American Dental Association
Statement: As a “double Jumbo” I immensely enjoyed my time at Tufts and made lifelong friendships. Given all the opportunities provided to me by Tufts, I have been looking for a way to give back and become more involved with my alma mater. I would be honored and privileged to be elected to the Alumni Council.
Tufts Family: husband, Marc Gouthro, A96; Brooke Schuman, A14
Anthony Michael Paolucci, D11, Boston, Mass.
B.S., Boston College, 2007; D.M.D., Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, 2011
Occupation: dentist, private practice in Medford, Mass., and Providence, R.I.
Tufts Activities/Awards: Ethics and Professionalism Committee, 2007–2009; Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity, 2007–2012; teaching assistant program for operative dentistry, 2011; Dr. Chapman Ethics and Professionalism Scholarship, 2011
Professional Affiliations and Activities: member, Rhode Island Dental Association; member, Massachusetts Dental Association
Statement: I would be honored to be elected to the Tufts Alumni Council. I had many wonderful experiences at Tufts University that have helped me grow, both personally and professionally. I feel a sincere obligation to give back to the school that has greatly shaped my identity and career. The academic environment and the relationships made with my fellow Tufts graduates have shaped me as a person, fostering my core beliefs, integrity, and a passion to help those in need. If I am elected to this council, I will perform the duties required to the highest ethical standards, making informed and rational decisions in the best interest of Tufts University.
Fletcher School
Adria "Addie" Chamberlain, F08, Medford, Mass.
M.A.L.D., Fletcher, Tufts University, 2008; concentrations in Leadership Studies and Human Security Studies; Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado-Boulder, May 2000: International Relations, Political Science, Spanish; Universidad de Sevilla, España, 1998
Occupation: Chief of Staff to Founder and Managing Director Vanessa Kirsch, New Profit Inc., Feb. 2010–present
Previous Occupations: Chief of Staff, Alan Khazei U.S. Senate campaign, 2009; paralegal, private-practice immigration law: 2000–2006
Tufts Activities: Fletcher’s Class of 2008 Reunion Chair; Fletcher Boston alumni happy hour organizer; Tufts Alumni Nonprofit Network member; Active Citizens of Tufts University (ACT), panelist on social entrepreneurship; CASE Boston alumni mentoring program, volunteer; Fletcher School Career Fair Forum, panelist; Tufts University “Careers in the Commongood,” panelist
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: BOSTON+acumen (Acumen Fund’s Boston Chapter), leadership council member; University of Colorado, advocate; City of Medford Human Rights Commission, former council member
Statement: After spending my post-Fletcher career immersed in the world of scaling the impact, organizations, and missions of some of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs, I’ve become increasingly familiar with what it takes to grow and support great ideas, people, and organizations. Tufts is all of these. I have a deep sense of commitment to the school, place, and people who provided me with so much and think Tufts would benefit from the confluence of my passion and skills. Since graduation I’ve tried to help the Tufts community in every way that’s been asked of me, and many that were not. I think it’s important to think innovatively about how to keep the school nimble and forward-facing by engaging its alumni in this pursuit. Through the Alumni Council, I would like to be one of the leading members of this collaboration because this is where most great ideas and results arise—from well-orchestrated, collaborative groups mobilized by good leadership. There is so much talent, intellect, passion, and resource within the Tufts community; it would be an honor to help harness these for the next generation of Jumbos.
Mary Dulatre, F12, Somerville, Mass.
M.A.L.D., The Fletcher School, Tufts University, 2012; B.A., Music History, University of California, Los Angeles, 2002
Occupation: Assistant Director of Student Affairs, the Fletcher School
Tufts Activities: raised more than $1,000 for the Friedman School through the President’s Marathon Challenge; served as Prospective Student Interviewer for the Fletcher Office of Admissions; coordinated the Fletcher Annual Faculty/Staff Waits on You Dinner, raising more than $10,000 in two years
Awards: Fletcher Board of Overseers Scholar; Fulbright Scholar (Philippines); musicology departmental honors; Provost’s Honor List; Phi Beta Kappa honor society
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: AmeriCorps; Peace Corps (Honduras); American Red Cross; U.S. Department of State (summer internship/Argentina)
Statement: I am a public servant. This is the common thread that best explains my eclectic mix of experiences before my time at Tufts University as a Fletcher student. Before Fletcher, I advocated for at-risk youth in AmeriCorps, wrote grants and fundraised in the Peace Corps, trained volunteers in public speaking at the American Red Cross, and worked in public diplomacy at the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires. After graduating in May 2012, I went on to work at the Fletcher School where I currently run the Office of Student Affairs and continue to serve the school and university. I am committed to strengthening the collaborative relationship between Fletcher and the greater Tufts community. My past work experiences have all been service-oriented and I can contribute skills such as event planning, fundraising, teamwork, and relationship building in order to widen the recognition of the Fletcher and Tufts brands and to facilitate growth of the global Tufts network. I can then help to produce more tangible results such as greater scholarship funding, maintenance of an accurate alumni database, and the execution of major events that celebrate the positive contributions of Tufts alumni. I ask for your vote to be elected to the 2013 Tufts Alumni Council. I will proudly represent all Fletcher alumni on the Tufts Alumni Council and hope to be granted this opportunity. Thank you.
