Four New Members Join the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the election at the April 2021 meeting of Douglas A. Cramer ’83; Kristine Pelletier; Kimberly Sweeney Samson P’16,’19; and Matt G. Siegel ’82 to three-year terms. “We are grateful to Doug, Krissy, Kim, and Matt for their dedication to Cushing’s mission and for their willingness to serve the Academy in this vital role,” Board Chair Joseph Marzilli commented. “Through their professional expertise and experience, each will bring a unique perspective and make an invaluable contribution to the work of the Board.”

Douglas A. Cramer '83

San Anselmo, California

Doug Cramer is general partner and investment manager for CANY Holdings, LLC, managing private partnerships investing in venture, real estate, private equity, and roll-up strategies. Prior to founding CANY Holdings, he founded Alternative Access Capital, an independent broker-dealer and alternative investments advisory firm.

A member of the Class of 1983, Doug was a three-year student at Cushing. He attended Syracuse University, where he graduated from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Doug is a member of the Corporate Advisory Board at Syracuse University, where he is also a founding Advisory Board Director for the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education.

Kristine Pelletier

Stow, Massachusetts Krissy Pelletier is a partner at NEPC, having joined the firm in 2008, with investment experience dating back to 2002. A member of NEPC’s Endowment and Foundation consulting practice, she focuses on leading research efforts for philanthropic clients. She is a member of NEPC’s Women’s Leadership Forum and the co-head of NEPC’s Impact Investing Committee.

Krissy earned her B.A. in finance and economics from Simmons University and her M.B.A. from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and participant in industry publications on the topic of impact investing. She currently serves as a mentor for Girls Who Invest, is an active volunteer with Simmons University, and previously served on the board of the Student Leadership Training Program.

Kimberly Sweeney Samson P ’16,’19

Westminster, Massachusetts Kim Samson is currently the chair of the board of trustees at the Forbush Memorial Library in Westminster, Massachusetts, having joined the board in 2011. Earlier in her career, she served as a student affairs professional managing all aspects of Student Activities and the University Center at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, and Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, including events planning, advising and overseeing student clubs and organizations, and teaching leadership development.

She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in English and American Studies with certification in secondary education from Keene State College and her M.A. in higher education administration with distinction from Boston College. While her sons Evan ’16 and Brendan ’19 were four-year day students at Cushing, Kim served as Parents for Cushing co-chair and chair from 2013 to 2019 and as Parent Council chair from 2017 to 2019.

Matt G. Siegel ’82

Vestal, New York Matt Siegel is vice president of National Pipe & Plastics, which he joined in 2011 continuing a 25-year career emphasis on the PVC pipe industry. His work includes a focus on diversifying product offerings, expanding the service territory, and streamlining operations.

After attending Cushing for one year as a postgraduate student in the Class of 1982, Matt earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Juniata College and a certificate in finance and accounting from Rice University. He is active in industry associations, currently serving as the chairman of the board of directors of the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association and on the board of directors for the Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association. In addition to industry associations, he is active locally, including service on the board of directors of the Greater Binghamton (New York) Area Chamber of Commerce.