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.
Holly Cariddi Director of Annual Giving
Holly joined the Friedman School and HNRCA Development team as the Director of Annual Giving in December 2015. She oversees annual fund marketing and communications for the school, center, and special programs, partners with volunteer leaders to support fundraising initiatives, and works to involve alumni and friends in the life of the school and center. Prior to joining Tufts, Holly worked in professional school settings at New England Law | Boston and MIT Sloan School of Management. To help inform her role, Holly actively volunteers and supports her alma mater, Northeastern University.
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 Seidel 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.
Kelly Melcher Special Projects Associate
Kelly Melcher joined the Friedman School as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations in February 2014. In this role her efforts were focused primarily on the Alumni Association Executive Council and fostering alumni engagement around the world. Shortly after starting a family in 2016, Kelly transitioned to her current part-time role as Special Projects Associate. Prior to Tufts, Kelly spent six years at Jumpstart, where she designed and established the organization’s national alumni network. She is a graduate of the University of Rochester, a returned Peace Corps volunteer, and an AmeriCorps alum. Kelly resides outside of Boston and spends most of her spare time being active with her husband, Huy, and son, Jude. She enjoys skiing, golfing, gardening and volunteering.
Matt Francis Staff Assistant
