Alumni Council Candidates
Return to your email about the election for 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). There will also be a ballot in the winter issue of Tufts Magazine.
Ten candidates from AS&E, as well as two candidates from The School of Medicine and one from the Graduate Programs in Arts, Sciences, and Engineering 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 2, 2012
Undergraduate Schools
|
Graduate Programs in Arts, Sciences and EngineeringSchool of MedicineView Trustee Candidates |
Graduate Programs in Arts, Sciences and Engineering
Christina Macken, AG09, Washington, D.C.
M.A., Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning, 2009;
B.A., Political Science & Environmental Studies, Allegheny College, 2007;
M.P.S., Geospatial Information Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, expected May 2013
Occupation: manager, LEED Technical Development, U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.
Tufts Activities: resident director, Tufts University Office of Residence Life; teaching assistant, Department of Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning, President's Marathon Challenge (2009)
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: member, American Planning Association; member, Action Committee for Transit
Statement: Higher education allows students and faculty to forge a community of colleagues, peers, and friends unlike any other they will find in other aspects of their lives. Looking back on my experiences in higher education, I am both nostalgic for the intimate community feeling and driven to strike a similar chord of community among the groups in which I find myself. It should be no surprise to anyone familiar with me that I chose to return to graduate school in Maryland for a second master’s degree, simply because I love the experience of being a student.
Being a student at Tufts University was one of the best experiences of my young adult life, and I firmly believe that student experiences, communities, opportunities should nurtured and cultivated by those who care deeply about the future of their beloved academic institutions. It is for this reason that I am passionate about being a member of the Tufts Alumni Council and feel that I would bring strong skills and vigorous energy to the goals and principles of the group. I believe it is an honor and a privilege to serve our institutions of higher learning, cultivate a sense of community among students on campus, and preserve this fervor among alumni.
Having spent the last several years working deeply in the consensus-building process among organizational stakeholders, I understand the commitment necessary and willingness to be giving of oneself to help people coalesce around a shared vision, a shared goal, or even a shared memory. I am committed to bringing this energy to the Tufts Alumni Council, and hope to build on the excitement and excellence that the council’s work creates among past, current, and future students of the university.
School of Medicine
Jennifer (Chow) Lee, MG09, Brookline, Mass.
M.P.H., Health Services Management & Policy, Tufts University School of Medicine, 2009; B.S., Biology, Boston College, 2004
Occupation: grantmaking program manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation (since 2008), Boston , Mass.
Tufts Activities: vice president, Alumni Board, Public Health and Professional Degree Programs; member, Tufts Alumni Shared Interest Groups Committee
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: member, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy; board member, Associated Grant Makers
Statement: It has been a privilege to be a part of the Tufts community, which I first joined as a public health graduate student in 2005 in the Public Health and Professional Degree Program (PHPD) at the School of Medicine. Over the course of four years, I had the opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and staff who worked diligently to create a spirit of learning, collaboration, and leadership. I served as president of our Student Senate where I experienced numerous ways in which to foster our Tufts community and provide ways to engage with those within and beyond our walls. I currently serve on the Special Primary Interest Group Advisory Council for the university and the Alumni Board for PHPD. Both of these experiences enable me to support current and former students and develop opportunities for them to further engage in their connection with Tufts. If elected to represent the School of Medicine on the Tufts Alumni Council, I would work to build on the relationships between PHPD and the School of Medicine, as well as with the broader university system and its respective schools. I am inspired by the constant examples that I’ve seen of how Tufts is a journey well beyond your years of school, and the role that the Alumni Council can play in ensuring that environment and spirit stays alive in the years to come.
Jack Tsai, M06, Boston, Mass.
M.D., Tufts University School of Medicine, 2006; B.S., Molecular Genetics, University of Rochester, 1999
Occupation: senior manager, Oncology Global Intelligence, Sanofi; faculty member, Dept. of Medicine; instructor (adjunct), Tufts University School of Medicine
Tufts Activities: Medical Faculty (2009-present); Problem Based Learning instructor and Community Service faculty reviewer; Tufts Medical Alumni Association Executive Council member, 2010–present; Young Alumni Committee; 5th year Class Reunion chair; Gifford House senior dinner host-Undergraduate Campus; Career Advisory Network advisor, and Volunteer Management Workshop speaker
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Massachusetts Biotechnology Council; New England HealthCare Institute; rooting for the Sox
Statement: Supporting Tufts medical students and our alumni body is of paramount importance to me. I received my M.D. here and am proud to have a family with strong ties: my wife is employed at Tufts Office of Technology Transfer, my mother-in-law is a triple Jumbo (J66, M70, Floating Hospital residency), and my father spent over 10 years as an associate professor at Tufts Medical Centers’ Department of Radiation Oncology.
My passion comes from mentoring students from all our campuses, but in particular those from the medical school where I'm currently teaching my 8th semester of PBL. I feel that learning about health inequities will help make better physicians which is how I became a community service advisor. In the last year, I've had several students journey to Ghana to treat the blind; currently I have 3 students who are taking on childhood obesity and providing nutrition outreach at the Floating Hospital. Finally, our Tufts Career Advisory Network allows me to regularly advise those interested in health-care consulting or pharma industry opportunities.
The job market is challenging, particularly for our new graduates who must navigate shrinking reimbursement while assuming large debt. My desire is to rally our vast alumni community to create as many opportunities to help students best make the transition from academia to professional life. My interest in serving on the Alumni Council is to help foster those strong relationships with students and alumni. I am excited to do this because I went through a career transition myself and feel passionate about helping others launch their own careers.
Undergraduate Schools
Pauline M. Eveillard, A05, New York, N.Y.
B. A., Art History, 2005; M.A., Humanities (Art History), University of Chicago, Chicago, 2008
Occupation: senior program associate, World Monuments Fund, New York, N.Y.
Tufts Activities: co-chair, Young Friends of Tufts Advancement (YFTA), 2010–present; member since 2006
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: board member, Fulbright Association, Jan. 2012–Dec. 2014; junior board member, One To World, 2009–present; Young Associate Steering Committee member, Metropolitan Opera, 2010–present; Young Collectors Council member, Guggenheim Museum, 2009–present; Young Fellows member, Frick Collection, 2011–present
Statement: After being involved with YFTA for the past five years, I would like to expand my experience volunteering for Tufts as a member of the Tufts Alumni Council. YFTA has taught me how to actively fundraise and cultivate donors, and work closely with fellow Jumbos in implementing ideas, from concept to application. This past September, I organized a guided tour of an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum for 20 Tufts young alumni in appreciation of their continued support. This was the first time YFTA had hosted such an event, and it not only demonstrated Tufts and YFTA’s gratitude to young alumni who have given consistently, but also raised awareness of YFTA’s mission and presence. I would like to be elected to the Tufts Alumni Council in order to enhance my knowledge of, and experiences with, the volunteering capacities of the university and contribute my time, skills, and efforts to subcommittees of the Tufts Alumni Council.
Tufts Family: John Mugar, 1937, grandfather
Ethan D. Ganc, A96, New York, N.Y.
B.A., Political Science, 1996; J.D., Suffolk University Law School, 2000
Occupation: attorney, self-employed, New York, N.Y.
Tufts Activities: Tufts Alumni Council, associate member, 2011–present; Tufts Lawyers Association, vice president, 2012–present, Board of Directors, 2010–present (member since 2002); Tufts Nonprofit Roundtable, co-founder, co-chair, 2009–present; Tufts Alumni Admissions Program, volunteer, 2002–2009, 2011
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: New York City Bar Association, 2001–present; Lawyers Foreclosure Intervention Network, 2011–present, LGBT Rights Committee, member, 2007–2010; LeGal (LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York), Solo Practitioner and Small Firm Committee, member, 2010–present; American Bankruptcy Institute, 2011–present; New York State Bar Association, Bankruptcy Committee, 2011–present, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, 2011–present
Statement: Since my graduation from law school, I have been actively involved in many Tufts alumni activities and organizations. I remain active because I believe strongly in the university and in strengthening the ties of alumni to the school. If elected to the Tufts Alumni Council, I look forward to being able to engage alumni on an even broader scale.
Jeff Katzin, A06, New York, N.Y.
B.A., Economics, 2006; M.B.A., Harvard Business School, 2011
Occupation: management consultant, Bain & Company, New York, N.Y.
Tufts Activities: Alumni Council transitional member (2006–2011); co-chair of the Young Alumni Weekend Executive Committee in first year of creation (2010–2011); TAAP member (2006–present); chair of the Student Issues and Young Alumni Committee (2008–2010); Tufts Alumni Boston committee member (2006–2010)
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: volunteer, Jewish Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Massachusetts (2007–2011)
Statement: During my time at Tufts as a member and eventually president of the TCU Senate, I was dedicated to making Tufts a better place for its students. As an alumnus, I have remained committed to Tufts, as I have sought opportunities to give back to the university by working on issues facing both students and alumni, particularly young alumni. Over the past five years as a transitional member on the Alumni Council, I have helped launch a National Service Day for alumni across numerous cities and a new reunion concept for young alumni (Back to the Hill), which in its first year attracted hundreds of Jumbo alumni back to campus.
If reelected to the council, I would like to continue to think about ways the Alumni Council can be most impactful for alumni and run more effectively from an organizational standpoint. We have an opportunity to reimagine ways in which the council engages alumni in a more meaningful manner— I would like to help think through ways that Tufts can be an ongoing resource for you. Thank you for your consideration.
Adam Klein, A94, Atlanta, Ga.
B.A., Biology, 1994; M.D., UCONN School of Medicine, 1999; Otolaryngology residency, UCONN School of Medicine, 2004; Laryngology fellowship, Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital, 2005
Occupation: physician, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
Tufts Activities: chair, Executive Committee of TUAA Atlanta Chapter, 2007–2010; member, Executive Committee of TUAA Atlanta Chapter, 2010–present; associate member, Tufts Alumni Council, 2008–2011; current member, Communications and Marketing Committee, Citizenship and Public Service Committee; TAAP interviewer, 2005–present; member, Amalgamates Alumni Association, 1994–present
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: assistant director, Emory Voice Center; director, Medical Student Education, Dept. of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine; director, Laryngology Fellowship; director, Vocal Immersion Project, 2011–present, a partnership between the Emory Voice Center and the Atlanta Opera, providing vocal education and direction for middle-school chorus students; medical director, the Atlanta Head and Neck Cancer Screening Alliance, a nonprofit organization providing free head and neck cancer screening at NASCAR events
Statement: Tufts University has been a stepping stone for my career, my passions, and my marriage! It holds a special place in my heart, and I would like to remain connected to the community. More importantly, I would like to give of my time to help develop the vision of the TUAA, and in so doing, support the future network of Tufts alumni. I have spent four years revitalizing the Atlanta Chapter of the TUAA, and have seen an increase in enthusiasm and involvement. By implementing modern day networking platforms, we have been able to change the face of our local chapter and reach a larger contingent of Atlanta-based alumni. With my recent appointments to the Communications and Marketing Committee and Citizenship and Public Service Committee, I hope continue to aid in the spread of the Tufts message and spirit to fellow alumni and the extended community. I thrive upon enhancing the relationship between alumni, and between those alumni and Tufts. I am excited at the opportunity to help increase the impact of Tufts alumni on the university’s future and lay the foundation for lifelong relationships.
Tufts Family: spouse, Amy Birnbaum, J97
Chris Erric Maddox, A00, Los Angelos, Calf.
B.A., Child Development, Drama, and Spanish Literature, 2000; M.F.A., Acting, Columbia University, 2003
Occupation: actor and writer, self-employed
Tufts Activities: president, Tufts Alumni Los Angeles (2008–present); Planning Committee, Hill to Hollywood (2009–present); Selection Committee, P. T. Barnum Awards (2010–present); founding member, Tufts Entertainment Arts and Media Network (TEAM)
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: board member, Columbia University Entertainment
Statement: I would like to be elected to the Tufts Alumni Council because I’d like to continue giving back to an institution that has given me so much. For me, being connected to Tufts can happen in various ways: An alumni can give financially, go to various alumni events, and take greater responsibility by helping to bring other alumni into the fold through shared leadership responsibilities. I believe I can continue doing all three of these important tasks and also assist in shaping the Tufts governing body by being a member of the Alumni Council. Additionally, as Tufts continues to grow more global, I am happy to bring a broader geographic diversity to the council by being a representative from Southern California. I never imagined that I would be as active of an alumnus as I am, and I am continually humbled and honored to be called to service.
Lananh Nguyen, A04, London, England
B.A., Political Science, 2004; General Course, London School of Economics, U.K.; National Council for the Training of Journalists, 2005
Occupation: journalist, Bloomberg LP, London, England
Tufts Activities: London Tufts Alliance steering committee
Statement: I would like to become more involved in the Tufts community and have a positive stake in helping the university’s past, present, and future students. I had a wonderful time at the university and would like to help others enjoy their experience there. I have been helping the London Tufts Alliance to organize events, and I find it a fulfilling and interesting role.
Jared Pollard, A05, Jersey City, N.J.
B.A., Economics, magna cum laude, 2005
Occupation: vice president, Equities, Goldman Sachs & Co., New York, N.Y.
Tufts Activities: transitional member, Tufts Alumni Council, 2005–2010; Steering Committee New York Tufts Alliance (2005–2009); Steering Committee, co-chair, New York Tufts Alliance (2010–present); Tufts World Day (2007); panelist, Tufts Wall Street Crash Course weekend (2011); member, Tufts Financial Network (2009–present); organizer, Tufts Black Alumni NYC (2011–present); guest speaker, Annual Campus Lecture/Resume Critique for Econ Society (2010–present); interviewer, TAPP, (2009–present)
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: mentor, Big Brother, Big Sister NYC (2007–2011); mentor, Liberty LEADS (2007–2010); fundraiser/participant, St. Baldrick’s Foundation (2010–2011)
Statement: I truly enjoyed my five years on the Alumni Council as an elected transitional member subsequent to graduating from Tufts. I believe we were able to carry out many new initiatives and programming, but there is significant work left to be done. In those five years, I have learned a great deal about the inner workings of the council and how best to leverage the university’s vast resources to get things done effectively. Furthermore, I gained valuable insight into the interests of local alumni while helping to run the New York City Alumni Chapter for the past few years. I think it is an opportune time to bring some of this local expertise back to the broader council.
Matthew S. Shapanka, A09, Washington, D.C.
B.A., Political Science, 2009
Occupation: J.D. candidate, 2014, George Washington University Law School
Tufts Activities: Tufts Alumni Student Issues and Young Alumni Committee; Class of 2009 One-Year Reunion Committee (2010); Senior Dinner alumni host (2010, 2011); Tufts Alumni Admissions Program (2009–present); Tisch College Honos Civicus Society Application Evaluator (2010)
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Boy Scouts of America, Troop Committee member
Statement: I want to join the Alumni Council to use my skills and experiences to help engage alumni with Tufts and ensure that future generations of Tufts students and alumni have the opportunities we all enjoyed on the Hill. Tufts, its faculty, staff, and student body inspired and empowered me—to explore academics, to be a leader on campus, and to engage with the community. Those experiences, along with alumni and faculty mentors, encouraged me to continue that intellectual and community engagement after graduation and prepared me to be an active citizen as a student and in the broader community after leaving Tufts. I want to use a position on the Alumni Council to keep supporting Tufts, its students, and its alumni by helping to mentor students and alumni, providing opportunities for alumni, particularly those who have left Boston, and growing that network of engaged alumni so Tufts will have the financial and organizational support to continue educating active leaders in our world.
Christopher J. Valente, A05, Boston, Mass.
B.A., International Relations, 2005; J.D., Boston University School of Law, 2009
Occupation: attorney, K&L Gates LLP, Boston, Mass.
Tufts Activities: member of Tufts Lawyers Association (TLA) and co-chair of TLA's annual Law Day on the Hill; class representative to the inaugural Back to the Hill: Young Alumni Festival & Reunion Steering Committee, 2010 to present; clerk of the Alumni Board of Directors of ATO Associates, Inc.; involved with Tufts Men’s Swimming & Diving Team, Tufts Wilderness Orientation, Pride on the Hill, and the Tufts Alumni Admissions Program
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Boston Bar Association’s New Lawyers’ Section Steering Committee, New Lawyer’s Section liaison to Litigation Section; junior fellow, Boston Bar Foundation; Dinner Committee, Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, 2010 chair; national director of marketing and communications, BU Law Young Alumni Council; member, Boston Chapter; citizen teacher in the Discovering Justice/Citizen Schools Legal Apprenticeship Program.
Statement: I strongly believe in supporting Tufts’ continuing mission to support, nurture, and challenge its dynamic students, engaged alumni, and world-renowned scholars. As a member of the Tufts Alumni Council, I will work with other alumni to amplify and expand the impact Tufts has, not only on its current students, alumni, and scholars, but on the world around us. I am a strong believer in giving back to the community, and I can think of no better place to volunteer my time and energy than Tufts.
Valerie Wencis, A04, Boston, Mass.
B.A., International Relations, 2004 (minor in Communications and Media Studies); graduate level journalism class, Profile Writing, Harvard Extension School
Occupation: assistant director of communications, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Tufts Activities: president, Association of Tufts Alumnae; five-year reunion committee for Class of 2004; TAAP interviewer for five years; panel participant for Communications and Media Studies “Careers in the Media” workshop (multiple years); volunteer for individual and annual events like Foster Children’s Holiday Party
Other Professional/ Volunteer Affiliations and Activities: Big Sister Association of Greater Boston (Big Sister/Mentor for four years); former Gen-Y blogger for Pink magazine; presenter at National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) Creating Connections conference (PR/Communications Track)
Statement: I cherish the memories I have from my time at Tufts. I met such interesting people—inspiring professors, successful alumni, and diverse peers, many of whom I now call my closest friends—and developed culturally and intellectually. I had the best resources at my fingertips and formed lasting, enriching relationships. I want to make sure Tufts continues to provide its students and alumni with the kinds of opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to experience thus far. While the Tufts alumni network is strong, it has so much potential to evolve into something even more robust. I would like to help drive strategy for recruiting more active participants and increasing service commitment across the Tufts community, which I feel would be possible through participation in the Alumni Council. I have actively served Tufts since I was a student and plan to continue doing so for a very long time.
