AlumnaE Association

Alumnae Board 2020-2021

Executive Committee

President - Sydnee Wilson Ruff, 2004

Sydnee Wilson Ruff, 2004 is the Director of Equity, Community, and Engagement at Lillie May Carroll Jackson School, a public charter school in Baltimore City serving girls in grades 5-8. Prior to joining the team at Lillie May, Sydnee worked in communications and community affairs for various City agencies and non-profits, including the Office of the State’s Attorney, the Office of the Mayor, the Department of Public Works, and Health Care for the Homeless. She holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Boston University.

In 2018, Sydnee launched Ruby Slipper Catering and Events, a catering company specializing in creative fare for intimate events. Ever committed to making Baltimore a more beautiful and equitable place, Sydnee serves the City’s youth and marginalized through her church, Heritage United Church of Christ, and her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to her work with the Alumnae Board, Sydnee volunteers on the RPCS Parents’ Association, and currently serves as the co-chair of the Board oF Trustees' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sub-committee. Sydnee resides in Baltimore with her husband, Malcolm (Gilman '02), and their four children, Sage (RPCS '26), Ray (Gilman '33), Ella, and King (coming October 2020).

1st Vice President - Courtney Pippen, 1992

Courtney Pippen, 1992, graduated from the College of Wooster in 1996. She also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the American University School of Public Affairs. After working in academic medical research, she moved into health policy and has worked in various capacities for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When not working or volunteering, you can find her enjoying life in Washington, DC with her dog, Bailey.

2nd Vice President - Cary Zink Kassouf, 1995

Cary Zink Kassouf, RPCS Class of 1995, earned a B.S. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Emory University. She then performed her post-doctoral training and served as a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health. In 2012, Cary became an Investigator in the Clinical Sciences Division at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, a research institute affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, bringing her back to the Baltimore area. There she ran a clinical research lab focused on identifying biomarkers for mental illness using genetics and functional brain imaging. Throughout her scientific career, Cary has been the recipient of multiple research and teaching awards. She has presented her work nationally and internationally, and her research has been published in high profile journals and highlighted in several media venues.

In addition to running a lab, Cary was involved in various administrative and strategic planning activities at the Lieber Institute, and she decided to hone in on these aspects of biomedical research. In 2018, Cary enthusiastically joined the Baltimore Research and Education Foundation (BREF) as the Deputy Executive Director before becoming the Executive Director later that year. BREF is focused on improving the health and well-being of Veterans by facilitating and managing transformative biomedical research and education activities within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System, as well as at VA Medical Centers in Virginia and West Virginia. When she is not wearing her BREF Executive Director hat, Cary enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with her very active four- and seven-year-old boys, who both attended RPCS’s day care and preschool programs!

Treasurer and President-Elect - Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli, 1994

Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli is a member of the Class of 1994. She graduated from Loyola College in 1998 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Sociology and also holds a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Kelly is a full-time attorney who represents children in the foster care system of Baltimore County. In addition to her law career, Kelly is the owner of the Valley Swim & Tennis Club in Towson. A life-long resident of Baltimore, Kelly lives in Towson with her daughters Mary, Class of 2023 and Maggie, Class of 2024.

Corresponding Secretary - Kate Tubman Cameron, 1984

Kate Tubman Cameron, Class of 1984, earned a degree in English Literature and a minor in Women's Studies from Denison University in 1988. Following graduation, Kate worked as a copy editor and proofreader for the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC. She then served as the RPCS Director of Publications from 1989 to 2001 and wrote "The Middle Years" for the school's Centennial history, A Place In Our Hearts. Kate has held numerous volunteer positions for the Mount Vernon Club, Calvert School, the former Hunt Valley Antiques Show and has served a previous 6-year term as an RPCS Alumnae Association board member. Kate is a stay-at-home mom and lives in Reisterstown with her husband Pat and their two daughters, Kerry, Class of 2020 and Coco, Class of 2022.

Recording Secretary - Sarah Harrison Lenahan, 2001

Sarah Harrison Lenahan, 2001, graduated from the University of Richmond in 2005 with a BS in Business Administration. Following graduation, Sarah returned to Baltimore and began her career in financial services with T. Rowe Price. In 2012, Sarah accepted a role with Morgan Stanley and is currently an Executive Director, serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Morgan Stanley’s North America Global In-House Centers which are located in Baltimore, South Jordan (Utah) and Columbus (Ohio). Sarah resides in Phoenix with her husband Ed, and their dog Winnie.

Development Chair - Lauren Dodrill Benjamin, 2001

Lauren Dodrill Benjamin, 2001, is graduate of Franklin & Marshall (B.A. Government, 2005) where she was a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. She graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2008. After law school, Lauren served as the Judicial Law Clerk to the Hon. Judith C. Ensor in the Baltimore County Circuit Court, and she has substantial civil litigation experience.

In January of 2020, Lauren joined the University of Baltimore School of Law as Career Counselor where she counsels students and alumni in career planning, professional development, and job search strategies. Lauren also recently launched TBM Vintage (@shoptbmvintage), which offers a variety of vintage and vintage-inspired gifts, accessories, wedding items, and home decor. Lauren resides in Timonium, with her husband, James, and daughter, Gracie (perhaps a future Roland Parker!)

Alumnae Board Members 2020-2021

Sydney Armiger, 1970

Lauren Dodrill Benjamin, 2001

Sharon Bowie, 1976

Alison Kenny Brennan, 1982

Casey Lord Briggs, 1991

Kate Tubman Cameron, 1984

Shannell Richardson Cockrell, 1997

Rosanna Best Corbin, 1994

Carol Dixon Croxton, 1998

Neetu Dhawan-Gray, 1972

Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli, 1994

Jen Banister Figler, 1988

Raquel Whiting Gilmer, 1989

Corrin McBride Hunt, 1999

Caroline Noah Johnson, 1988

Cary Zink Kassouf, 1995

Sarah Harrison Lenahan, 2001

Lily MacKenty, 2009

Rianna Matthews-Brown, 1997

Deeley Close Middleton, 1979

Courtney Pippen, 1992

Emily de la Reguera, 2007

Sydnee Wilson Ruff, 2004

Annie Ferebee Short, 2001

Jamye Siegel Stern, 1985

Emily Turner, 2009

Haley Venick, 2011

Sally Foley, 1956 Emerita*

Ann Wittich Warfield, 1948 *Emerita

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