The Development team serves both the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Cindy Briggs Tobin Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations
As the senior director, Cindy develops and leads the team’s outreach and fundraising strategies and tactics, working closely with the dean, other academic leaders, and volunteer leadership. Cindy partners with capital and major gift donors to find ways to match their philanthropic goals with Friedman School priorities.
Cindy joined the Tufts Advancement Division in 2000 after previous service at Boston-area nonprofits. She has served in different capacities for the Friedman School Development and Alumni Relations Office, for example, was named director of development in 2007 and promoted to senior director in 2010. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and has an MS in Public Relations from Boston University. Cindy and her husband live outside of Boston. She is an avid football fan and, in her free time, also enjoys reading and traveling.
Heather Leet Director of Development
Heather oversees the department’s alumni relations and annual giving programs and manages a portfolio of major gift prospects. She schedules meetings to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward these individuals, with the goal of increasing donor engagement and support. She also manages the Tufts Nutrition Council, a volunteer group comprised of individuals from academia, the private sector and non-profit sector.
Sam Bailey Director of Annual Giving
More information coming soon.
Nancy Mehegan Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship
Nancy joined Tufts in August 2014 and currently serves as the Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. Prior to Tufts, Nancy served as executive director and editor of a small magazine, and earlier in her career worked as a newspaper reporter. She is always looking for good story ideas to share with Tufts friends and alumni so if you have one give her a call! She lives in Winchester with her husband, Dana (a proud Jumbo), son and daughter.
Janine Baisch Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Janine Seidel joined the Friedman School as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations in September 2016. In this role, she works with the Alumni Association Executive Council to foster alumni engagement around the world. Prior to Tufts, Janine worked at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA and MIT on the Alumni Relations team building community among alumni, students, and parents through a variety of outreach, events, and volunteer opportunities. Janine is a graduate of Emerson College and completed her EdM in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Boston University in 2015. In her free time Janine enjoys reading, running, and yoga.
Matt Francis Administrative Coordinator
Matt joined the Friedman School and HNRCA’s Development and Alumni Relations team as a Staff Assistant in March 2016. He supports the team in matters relating to finance, gifts, events, communications and donor relations. Originally from London, Matt graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2014 with a BA in English Literature and Philosophy. Outside Tufts, Matt enjoys reading, music, hiking, traveling, and cricket.
Staff Assistant
More information coming soon.