Board of Trustees
Chair: Patrick "Pat" Caulfield
Executive Committee Chair
Elected to the Board: 2012
Occupation: President, Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc.
School Affiliation: P '14, '20
Professional Background: For over 35 years, Pat has been president and owner of a construction firm headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. His company has built a comprehensive range of building types for governmental, institutional, and commercial clients throughout the U.S., with a concentration on the mid-Atlantic region. Pat has served in industry leadership roles, including serving as Board Chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Metropolitan Washington. He also served on the ABC National Board.
Pat has served extensively on the boards of local private schools for over 30 consecutive years, including St. Anselm’s Abbey School, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Connelly School of the Holy Child (where he chaired the board), and here at Bullis. Pat has also been active in leadership roles in local charities and was the long-time Board Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area. Pat and his wife Connie have four children.
Vice Chair: Hillary D. Baltimore
Elected to Board: June 2015
Occupation: Former consultant to the Department of Defense’s Military Housing Privatization program, and consultant for Ernst & Young in their Public/Private Real Estate Consulting Group
School Affiliation: P'17, '20
Professional Background: Hillary currently volunteers with and supports a variety of organizations that are focused on providing support and opportunities to underserved segments of the population. She has served on several independent school boards and held leadership positions at several not-for-profit organizations. Her primary work has revolved around fundraising, outreach and marketing, and program development. Hillary recently served as Vice Chair of the Wolf Trap Foundation of the Performing Arts and continues to serve as an active member of the board. She also serves on the board of N Street Village, an organization serving and supporting the needs of homeless women in the District of Columbia.
Secretary: Pinkie Mayfield
Elected to Board: 2019
Occupation: Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at Graham Holdings Company (formerly The Washington Post Company)
School Affiliation: P'25, '28
Professional Background: Pinkie serves as a key member of the executive team responsible for corporate affairs, public relations, communications, strategic initiatives and advising the Chairman on matters of special interest. A seasoned finance executive, Pinkie previously served as the Vice President of Corporate Solutions. Prior to joining the Washington Post Company in 1998, Pinkie was a Vice President and Trust Officer at NationsBank (now Bank of America) in the Investment Services Division. She began her career with Prudential-Bache Securities.
With a strong commitment to community service focused on the advancement of women and children through education, Pinkie currently serves on the board of directors of the District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP), the Washington Area Women’s Foundation and is a trustee of the Philip L. Graham Fund.
Pinkie graduated magna cum laude with a BA in business administration from Trinity Washington University, and earned an MBA from the University of Maryland University College. She and her husband, Carl, live in Washington, DC with their two children.
Treasurer: David A. Pepper
Elected to Board: 2019
Occupation: Chief Development Officer of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, where he is responsible for driving unit growth for each of the company’s brands in key markets worldwide.
School Affiliation: P'24
Professional Background: Prior to joining Choice Hotels in 2002, David served as vice president of franchise sales for Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns. He also served as director of franchise sales for Holiday Inn Worldwide.
David joined earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University. In addition to his work with Bullis, he serves on the planning committee for the annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference and is involved with the UJA-Federation Hospitality Division.
Next Meeting
Members
Brett Bernstein
Advancement Chair
Elected to Board: 2019
Occupation: CEO & Co-founder XML Financial Group
School Affiliation: P'21, '24
Professional Background: Brett is the CEO and Co-founder of XML Financial Group. He serves as the firm’s head of financial planning and manages the firm's operations, including the firm’s M&A strategy. Brett is an active financial advisor assisting clients with his holistic approach to goal-setting and problem-solving. Before co-founding XML in 2004, he was a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, where he was designated Producing Sales Manager for a complex that managed over $5 billion in assets. Brett is a serial entrepreneur actively investing in many start-up companies and has led his firm in acquiring two local wealth management firms. This entrepreneurial spirit has led Brett to be active at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business as an Advisor and Subject Matter Expert. Additionally, Brett volunteers his time to the Bullis School’s entrepreneurial program, sponsoring the Capstone Entrepreneurial Shark Tank competition.
Brett received a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and continued his education at Georgetown University and Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Program. He earned his CFP® certification in 2003. Brett has served on various non-profit organization boards in numerous leadership positions. Over the past nine years has served as the Board Chair of So What Else, a local, grassroots charity helping at-risk youth with after-school and summer programs. In Brett’s free time, he enjoys spending time at Bethany Beach, Delaware with his wife, two teenage daughters, and two dogs.
Mikel Blair
Elected to Board: 2022
School Affiliation: P'21, '28, '30
Margaret Bonham
Ex Officio/Parents Association President
Elected to Board: 2021
School Affiliation: P'21, '23
Professional Background: Originally from Belgium, Margaret holds a Licensed Translator and Interpreter degree, as well as a Master's Degree in Linguistics from the University of Liège, Belgium. She worked in the defense industry (mainly in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East) until her first move to the US. She worked at AMF Worldwide until her first child was born.
Since she started a family, Margaret has been a full-time Mom, volunteering at her children's schools starting at the St John's International School in Waterloo, Belgium. She later held numerous leading roles as a member of the PTO at the International School of Boston before her family moved to Maryland and her sons enrolled at Bullis.
Before she became the Parents Association President, she had been a class parent in the Lower School, co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, Middle School coordinator, and Senior class parent. As her oldest son, Will is starting college in the fall and her youngest, Alex will be a Junior at Bullis, she is now in the process of going back to work as a linguist.
Livia Christensen
Buildings and Grounds Chair
Elected to Board: 2017
School Affiliation: P'22
Professional Background: Born and raised in Germany, Livia holds a German law degree from the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich. Prior to having a family, she worked in the cross-border leasing division of Siemens Financial Services in Munich and the Automotive Mergers and Acquisitions division of Citibank in London.
Livia has volunteered in schools ever since her son started at the Manor Montessori School where she helped with various school events. At Bullis, she has served as Parents Association (PA) Lower School coordinator, the PA vice president, the Bullis Gala database coordinator, the PA president, a member of the Head Search Committee, and co-chair of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. She now serves on the Board as the Buildings & Grounds chair.
Jonathan "Jon" Halle '88
Elected to Board: 2012
Occupation: Architect and Real Estate Developer
School Affiliation: Class of 1988; P'15, '17, '26.
Professional Background: After graduating Bullis in 1988, Jon attended Tulane University School of Architecture and obtained a Masters in Architecture. He then continued his education while working for various Architectural firms around the DC Metro area at John Hopkins University and achieved a Masters in Real Estate.
Jon presently is Vice President at The Halle Companies, in Silver Spring, Maryland — a family business that has always been a part of his life and celebrating 50 years in business in 2022. He has been a laborer, heavy equipment operator, carpenter, electrician, plumber, concrete finisher, leasing agent, property manager, and site supervisor. He presently works with lenders, attorneys, brokers, contractors, architects, and clients on their new developments. The projects include multi-family, office, warehouse, and retail throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Along with being a Trustee at Bullis School, Jon is on the Tulane University School of Architecture Dean’s Advisory Council. He is also passionate about raising money for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research with the hope that there will be a cure one day.
Claudia Helmig '88
Elected to Board: 2013
Occupation: Developed Fair Oaks Golf Park, a state-of-the-art golf practice facility in Fairfax, VA. Currently a residential interior designer.
School Affiliation: Class of 1988; P'17, '20, '22
Professional Background: Board member at Washington Hebrew Congregation (Chair, Youth Committee and Second Sunday Soup Kitchen Program); volunteer with development efforts at Miriam’s Kitchen; active volunteer at Harbor School, Norwood School, and Horizons of Greater Washington.
Dheeraj (Raj) Khera
Elected to Board: 2020
Occupation: Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, WealthEngine
School Affiliation: P'22, '19
Professional Background: Raj is a former CEO of four software-as-a-service companies, two of which were acquired by public companies. Currently, he heads marketing and customer growth for Bethesda-based WealthEngine, which helps nonprofits find donors and financial institutions find wealth management clients.
He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland and is the author of a marketing bestseller, The IT Marketing Crash Course.
Raj is an active member and past chair of the Board of Visitors at the University of Maryland College of Computer, Math, and Natural Sciences. He is the Vice President of the Mindshare Alumni Organization, a group of 800+ regional technology CEOs. Raj also served on the Maryland Economic Development Commission, appointed by former Gov. Martin O'Malley, and was a past president of Eta Kappa Nu, Gamma Xi Chapter (Electrical Engineering Honors Fraternity).
Andrew "Drew" Mannes '77
Elected to Board: 2022
Occupation: Chief, NIH Clinical Center's Department of Perioperative Medicine
School Affiliation: Class of 1977; P'25
Professional Background: Drew is chief of the NIH Clinical Center's Department of Perioperative Medicine. His current interests include developing pain therapies using gene therapy; targeting pain pathways with selective agonists, toxins, or fusion proteins; and improving the diagnosis of disease states using proteomic and genomic techniques.
He has written widely in books and medical journals on such topics as advances in cancer pain management, gene therapy for pain, and neurosurgical intervention approaches to pain relief. He is board certified in anesthesiology and fellowship-trained in pain management.
Drew is a member of the American Medical Association and is on the editorial advisory board of Open Pain Journal.
Samier Mansur '03
Elected to Board: 2022
Occupation: Founder and CEO, No Limit Generation; and Co-founder, LiveSafe
School Affiliation: Class of 2003
Professional Background: Samier is a social impact entrepreneur, writer, and Leadership Coach who has been recognized as one of the “top innovators of Washington DC.” He is the founder and CEO of No Limit Generation – a global children’s mental health and well-being platform that connects children and their caregivers to the world’s leading child well-being professionals. Samier is also the co-founder of LiveSafe, a mobile safety app that provides safety coverage to over 10 million people. Has over 40 national and international publications on topics ranging from self-development, to global affairs, and pressing social issues.
Samier has received certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT) and neuroscience-backed, evidence-based mind-body practices for increased confidence, well-being, and stress reduction (Breath-Body-Mind). He resides in Washington DC and coaches emerging entrepreneurs, social impact, business, and policy leaders on wisdom-filled leadership and life principles that result in harmonious, productive, and purpose-filled outcomes.
Paul Mavrikes ’14
Ex Officio/Alumni Chair
Elected to Board: 2020
Occupation: Director of Business Services at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, Washington, DC Center
School Affiliation: Ex-officio, Class of 2014; Chair of Alumni Board
Professional Background: Paul is the Director of Business Services at the Bush School of Government and Public Service in Washington, D.C. Under the banner of Texas A&M University, the Bush School’s new D.C. Center opened in the summer of 2020. In his current role, Paul oversees all aspects of the Bush School D.C.’s business operations, managing the Information Technology, Human Resources, Facilities, Operations and Administrative Service Departments, as well as the Business Office. A member of the Bush School D.C. Senior Leadership Team, Paul works with the executive leadership in both Washington, DC and College Station, Texas to craft the long-term strategic goals of the institution. Previously, Paul served as the Director of Governance, Facilities and Operations at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security in Washington, D.C.
Paul currently serves on the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Alumni Board at the University of Maryland, College Park. He also serves on the Young Professionals Council of the First Tee of Greater Washington. Paul earned a B.A. in Government and Politics with a Minor and History from the University of Maryland, College Park. While at Maryland, Paul served on the University Senate’s Committee on Student Conduct.
Robert "Robby" Miller
Governance Chair
Elected to Board: 2021
Occupation: Founder and Principal of Miller Group, a vertically-integrated developer, owner, and operator of real estate assets.
School Affiliation: P'19, '24
Professional Background: With more than 20 years of active development, construction, and financing experience, Robert oversees all aspects of the firm, from investment opportunities and development concepts to long-term planning and company mission.
Robert earned his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Architectural Engineering at Penn State University, followed by his MBA from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed real estate broker in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
He has served in various board capacities, including the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, where he currently serves on its board and executive committee.
Robby and his wife Meredith have two boys, James '24 and Joe '19. Both have enjoyed great years at Bullis.
Helen Stefan Moreau
Elected to Board: 2019
Occupation: President and CEO/Founder, The Midtown Group—one of the best staffing firms in the nation.
School Affiliation: P'21, '23
Professional Background: Helen opened her company in 1989— just months after the start of her career in the staffing industry following her 1988 graduation from the University of Florida (UF). In 2008, she was accepted as a member of the prestigious Young Presidents’ Organization and served on the executive team as her chapter’s membership chair, making her the chapter’s first female chairperson. Helen was also chosen as a member of The Committee of 200 (C200), a membership organization of the world’s most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate innovators.
A dedicated member of the UF Foundation, Ms. Moreau is also a member of the State University System (SUS) Undergraduate Dean’s Council for the College of Journalism and Communications. In 2015, she was inducted into the Gator100, honoring the fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world.
Helen is a fierce champion for women around the world. In 2007 and 2008, she was awarded “Board Member of the Year” for her involvement with Rachael’s Women’s Center, helping local women in DC step up and out of homelessness. She was also a member of the Zonta Club, empowering women across the nation through service and advocacy. In addition, she serves as Vice Chair of the Studio Samuel Foundation, ensuring vulnerable girls in Ethiopia overcome endless obstacles to complete their education. Helen’s involvement guarantees each girl will receive healthcare in addition to the life skills she learns while attending Studio Samuel.
Susan Richman
Elected to Board: 2019
Occupation: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and co-founder of Bethesda Counseling Associates
School Affiliation: P'10, '11, '24
Professional Background: As a psychotherapist, Susan has worked with adults and adolescents in her private practice for over 14 years. She specializes in relationship counseling, parenting, and anxiety management. She has also provided counseling services at the Montgomery County Commission for Women and in private and public school settings.
Susan earned a B.A. in Economics from Tufts University, an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a Masters in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Susan has been an active member of the Bullis community since 2001. From 2003-2006 she served as a Classroom Parent Representative, and from 2006-2008 she was the Bullis Representative to the Parents Council of Washington, as well as a member of the Parents Association Board. She currently chairs the Bullis Parent Connections committee, which hosts multiple parent networking events by grade throughout the school year.
Lisa Clayton Robinson
Elected to Board: 2021
Occupation: Writer and Editor, Children’s Defense Fund
School Affiliation: P'20, '22, '25
Professional Background: Lisa is a writer and editor in the Office of the Founder at the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), where she writes on a wide variety of policies, programs, and social and historical issues affecting America’s children.
Lisa received her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude and her master’s degree from Harvard University. Before joining the Children’s Defense Fund she served as an Assistant Senior Tutor, or academic dean, and teaching fellow at Harvard, and as a researcher and writer at the University’s W.E.B. DuBois Institute.
Lisa is a longtime volunteer at her children’s schools and a member of the Bullis Parents Association Board, where she is the past Board Secretary.
Emine Sandi
Elected to Board: 2022
Occupation: Co-founder, The Sandi Group Global Holdings (TSG GH)
School Affiliation: P'25, '32
Professional Background: Emine is a transformative global visionary leader, strategic and futuristic planner, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, education advocate, and advisor on women's leadership and mental health. She is an international executive with comprehensive experience in international business. Her expertise includes building corporate value, managing projects, and identifying and implementing strategies to sustain global growth for international companies in Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East and Europe. She enjoys working with multi-billion-dollar companies in the private sector, U.S. Government Departments of State and Justice, Fema, and others.
Emine received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School. She also has certifications in reiki, yoga, pilates, and coaching. She lives in Potomac, Maryland, and is a proud wife, daughter, sister, friend, and mother of two Bullis students.
Marcus K. Shaw
Elected to Board: 2021
Occupation: Founder, Montgomery TechLab
School Affiliation: P '23
Professional Background: Marcus is a strategic leader with a 20 year track record of driving impact and delivering results. Operating at the intersection of business, technology, and community, Marcus believes in the power of multi-sector collaboration and is dedicated to creating opportunities for shared economic prosperity. Most recently he founded the Montgomery TechLab, a non-profit organization to support inclusive economic growth in Montgomery Alabama through the advancement of tech-based careers and ventures.
Prior to founding Montgomery TechLab, Marcus was the CEO of The Company Lab (CO.LAB), where he led the development and execution of a strategic plan to grow innovation and entrepreneurship in southeast Tennessee. Marcus also served as Senior Director of Business Development and Partnerships for Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), a leader in diversity and talent development. He was the Head of Tech, Media and Telecom research at a Capitol Hill investment advisor focused on policy and regulated industries and a member of Bank of America’s Telecom Services equity research team, which ranked consistently among top Wall Street research teams by Institutional Investor’s survey. Marcus started his career as a network engineer with IBM. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Morehouse College and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Marcus lives in Maryland with his wife Maren, and their two children, Sydney '23 and Marcus Jr.
Muriel Suggs
Elected to Board: June 2018
Occupation: Executive Neuroscience Account Specialist for Allergan, an Abbvie Company
School Affiliation: P'24
Professional Background: Muriel earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Frostburg State University. Over the past 30 years, she has worked in the Healthcare Industry as a pharmaceutical sales representative for various Fortune 500 companies. Muriel's active volunteerism began in 1982, when she joined the Illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, whose Motto is "Service To All Mankind." She has been a power source for organizations she believes in ever since. She has added her enthusiasm, energy, drive, and can-do spirit as a Member of the Bullis Parents Association (PA) Board for the past six years, currently Co-Chairperson for New Families and Committee Member of Advancement for Bullis. She also served as the 6th - 8th grade Bullis Fund Ambassador.
Christian Sullivan
Ex Officio/Head of School
Elected to Board: 2020
Occupation: Head of School, Bullis
Professional Background: Christian began his tenure as head of Bullis School on July 1, 2020. A native of England, Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Durham, a master’s degree in educational management from the University of Bath, and a master’s degree in independent school leadership from Columbia University.
During his career, Christian has served as an administrator and teacher at independent schools in England, Kenya, Virginia, Connecticut, and Washington State. Bullis is his third headship, following ten years as head of Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, WA. An active community leader, Christian has served on the boards of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools, the Washington Federation of Independent Schools, St. Paul’s School, WA, and Tacoma’s Museum of Glass.
Shawn Till
Elected to Board: 2020
Occupation: Chief Executive Officer, Bureau Veritas Primary Integration
School Affiliation: P'21, '23
Professional Background: Holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School in General Studies and a Degree B. Eng from McMaster University in Civil Engineering. Leads a global commissioning, testing and inspection company for the data center facilities industry. Former CEO, logistics manager, and senior project estimator with experience in QA/QC, operations, construction, commissioning, risk management, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (MEP).
Cyndi Bullis Vasco ’83
Elected to Board: 2009
Occupation: Nurse practitioner
School Affiliation: Class of 1983; husband Kevin Vasco '84; P'20, '21
Professional Background: Holds a B.S. in nursing from the University of Vermont, an M.S. in nursing from the University of Massachusetts and a graduate certificate in business of medicine from Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business. Has worked at the Washington Hospital Center as a nurse practitioner in cardiac surgery and interventional radiology since 1999.
Paula Widerlite
Elected to Board: 2012
Occupation: President & CEO, Widerlite Coaching and Consulting
School Affiliation: P'11, '14; former Parent Association President
Professional Background: Paula, President & CEO, Widerlite Coaching and Consulting, is the former Chief Strategy Officer of Luminis Health, a $1.2 B not-for-profit integrated health system. Prior to that, she was the Vice President of System Strategy for 22 years at Adventist HealthCare headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Paula has led countless strategic planning processes throughout her 40-year career in non-profit health care in the Washington, DC region. In addition to additional clients in other industries, she assists Luminis Health with its strategic planning and business development efforts.
Recently, Paula became a certified leadership coach after completing Georgetown University’s Executive Certificate program. As a trained and skilled coach, she helps her clients address challenges that are barriers to their continued professional growth and development. Combining her skills as an executive and leadership coach and facilitator, she assists executive women who are members of Chief in their career and leadership growth and development.
Paula has been an active community member serving on multiple boards, including Leadership Montgomery, the Lourie Center for Children, the Jewish Social Services Agency, and the Ginger Cover Continuing Care Retirement Community. Currently, she is leading the Lourie Center Champions for Children women’s leadership circle. Paula understands the challenges facing non-profit and membership-based organizations. Some of her recognitions include community service and women in industry.