Our Staff
Meet Our Leadership Team
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Elaine Chen • Program Coordinator
Teresa works within the operations team at Tufts Gordon Institute, managing program logistics and ensuring student success with a warm smile and positive energy. With a master's degree in Higher Education from Merrimack College, she brings a wealth of experience in student life to her role. Outside of work, Teresa enjoys skiing, attending book clubs, and cooking new meals. Her fondest memories at TGI include accompanying MSIM students on "Innovators Mindset" trips, and her dream vacation would be exploring the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
Contact me: E: Teresa.Aloi@tufts.edu
Kevin Oye • Executive Director and Professor of the Practice, Tufts Gordon Institute; Director, MSIM Program
Kevin joined the Tufts faculty with over 35 years of experience leading product development, corporate strategy, and merger and acquisition teams. Previously, he was the Vice President of Systems and Technology at Sycamore Networks, Inc., where he led a global team that created and delivered global and nationwide optical networks for customers such as NTT, Vodafone, Sprint, and the U.S. Department of Defense. He started his career at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where he held various engineering and management positions in digital communications systems. He currently mentors at the non-profit EforAll business accelerator and provides advisory and consulting services to startups and corporations.
Contact me: E: Kevin.Oye@tufts.edu
Jill Parlee • Director, Programs & Operations
Jill shares responsibility for managing administration, operations, and program development at Tufts Gordon Institute. She brings program management experience in higher education at both Tufts University and McGill University, as well as a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Jill's dedication stems from her work in sustainability across for-profit and non-profit organizations, supported by her academic background: an M.Sc. in Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies and a B.Comm. in Social Context of Business from McGill University. Outside of work, Jill finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking and baking, and she's an avid traveler, having studied and lived abroad for several years. Every year, she eagerly welcomes new students with a warm smile and helpful heart.
Contact me: E: Jill.Parlee@tufts.edu / P: 617.627.6523
Maura Vogel • Director, Student Recruitment & Strategic Partnerships
Maura leads the recruitment strategy for Tufts Gordon Institute (TGI), shaping its approach to attracting top talent to its graduate programs. With an MBA from Simmons College and a degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, her diverse background equips her to drive successful recruitment efforts. Maura oversees outreach with alumni, corporate, and community partners, enriching TGI's academic community and professional network. She plays a pivotal role in engaging prospective students and guiding them through the admissions process, always finding joy in calling newly admitted students to share the good news. Beyond work, Maura cherishes time with family and friends, cooking memorable meals and enthusiastically supporting her daughter's soccer league.
Contact me: E: Maura.Vogel@tufts.edu / P: 617.627.6073
Meet Our Staff
Tufts Gordon Institute prides itself on its dedicated staff that provides a high level of service to all its students and faculty. Please contact any of our staff members below with questions – we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
Teresa Aloi • Program Coordinator
Teresa works within the operations team at Tufts Gordon Institute, managing program logistics and ensuring student success with a warm smile and positive energy. With a master's degree in Higher Education from Merrimack College, she brings a wealth of experience in student life to her role. Outside of work, Teresa enjoys skiing, attending book clubs, and cooking new meals. Her fondest memories at TGI include accompanying MSIM students on "Innovators Mindset" trips, and her dream vacation would be exploring the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
Contact me: E: Teresa.Aloi@tufts.edu
Cody Damon • Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Cody Damon is a strategic communications advisor known for his impactful work in the social good sector. With a career spanning various communication disciplines, Cody has collaborated with organizations like (RED), NRDC, and the Atlantic Council, crafting and executing large-scale digital marketing programs to drive positive change. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts and the American University of Paris, Cody is deeply involved in various board and advisory roles, particularly drawn to high-impact organizations with a global reach. Outside of work, Cody coaches softball at Boston College, explores rural New England roads on his motorcycle, and ventures into new cities with his children. He eagerly anticipates the infusion of fresh ideas from students each year, cherishing the energy they bring, along with the anticipation of coaching sessions before competition.
Contact me: E: Cody.Denning@tufts.edu
Carol Denning • Assistant Director, Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts
Carol is the driving force behind the Derby Entrepreneurship Center, spearheading events, workshops, and seminars. She also leads our marketing efforts, managing program literature, social media content, and communications. With a background in corporate retail, Carol's expertise is invaluable. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts. Carol joined Tufts to make a difference in students' lives, and she cherishes the opportunity to have a positive impact on them. Outside of work, Carol finds joy in walking her dog, Stella, and getting lost in the pages of a good book.
Contact me: E: Carol.Denning@tufts.edu
Morgan Dent • Marketing & Communications Specialist
Morgan collaborates with the marketing team at Tufts Gordon Institute, documenting student life, events, and innovative ideas. With a B.F.A in Photography & Design from Lesley University, she brings experience from gallery art, university, and corporate industries to create engaging content for TGI. She enjoys showcasing student stories and innovation on social media, capturing their enthusiasm for learning at TGI. Beyond Tufts, Morgan enjoys exploring with her Rolliecord film camera, aspiring to photograph all U.S. National Parks and much of the world.
Contact me: E: Morgan.Dent@tufts.edu
MaryAnn DiRamio • Administrative Assistant
MaryAnn is the backbone of support at Tufts Gordon Institute, where she assists staff, faculty, and students alike. Her administrative prowess covers everything from coordinating meetings and events to managing finances and aiding students with project meetings and commencement preparations. A proud Italian, MaryAnn finds joy in visiting Italy, cooking for her loved ones, and soaking in the ocean breeze. Her passion for connecting with students has fostered many meaningful relationships with colleagues and faculty over the years.
Contact me: E: Mary.DiRamio@tufts.edu / P: 617.627.3110
Benjamin Friedman • Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist
Ben is the creative mind behind Tufts Gordon Institute's marketing campaigns and communication channels, crafting engaging content to showcase our programs and engage students and alumni. With a background in copywriting and digital marketing in the tech and healthcare sectors, Ben brings a wealth of experience to our team. He holds a B.A. in Film & Literature from the University of Connecticut and an M.A. in English Literature from Boston College. Outside of work, Ben indulges in reading, writing, and watching movies, with a dream of vacationing on the moon someday.
Contact me: E: Benjamin.Friedman650311@tufts.edu
Marcus Johnson-Smith • Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Marcus Johnson-Smith, honored as one of Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2022, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a decade-long track record in retail business development, online marketing, fundraising, and real estate procurement. Marcus is a results-driven executive and excels in strategic partnership development and brand management, particularly in cannabis retail, brand and product development.. He holds a Bachelor of Science in African American Studies and Literature, along with a Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Northeastern University. Marcus finds joy in the curiosity new students bring and eagerly looks forward to coaching their ideas into reality as an EIR at Tufts.
Contact me: E: Marcus.Johnson_Smith@tufts.edu
Idicula Mathew • Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Idicula is dedicated to educating, mentoring, and coaching Tufts students while spearheading innovative programming at the Derby Entrepreneurship Center. Each year, he looks forward to The Ideas Competition and seeing students ventures shine during Tufts Accelerator Demo Day. Idicula brings over eight years of experience in scaling startups, venture capital, and medical device innovations and has led startups to raise millions in funding. Beyond Tufts, he serves as the co-founder and CEO of Hera Health Solutions, a pharmaceutical device company specializing in long-acting therapeutics. He holds a degree in biomedical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Contact me: E: Idicula.Mathew@tufts.edu
Annika Murphy • Program Manager
AAnnika manages the Gordon Institute’s marketing and communications multi-channel campaigns, including digital marketing, advertising, and the overall branded digital presence. With a background in social media and digital marketing across various industries, including higher education and entertainment, Annika brings a wealth of experience to Tufts. She holds a B.S. in Motion Pictures/Art from the University of Miami and a graduate certificate in Children’s Literature from Penn State University. Outside of work, Annika enjoys arts and crafts with her daughter and cherishes time with friends and family. Her dream vacation destinations include Prague and Antiparos in Greece.
Contact me: E: Annika.Murphy@tufts.edu / P: 617.627.3112
Brianne Odom • Senior Assistant Director, Admissions
Brianne is the primary contact for prospective students applying to Tufts Gordon Institute programs. With five years of admissions experience at Bay Path University and Savannah College of Art and Design, she brings expertise in strategic recruitment and application review. Brianne collaborates closely with the Director of Admissions & Professional Programs on virtual and in-person admission events. She has a B.F.A. in Fine Arts from Lesley University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. Outside of work, she enjoys snuggling with her cat Penny and dreams of traveling to Egypt. Brianne is always eager to assist students through what can be a confusing admissions process and looks forward to meeting prospective students along their journey to becoming a Jumbo!
Contact me: E: Brianne.Odom@tufts.edu / P: 617.627.8298
