Contact Our Team

List of 10 members.

• 

  Melanie Hoffmann 

  Executive Director, Development & Alumni Relations

  (202) 537-2355

  Bio

  Melanie Hoffmann has thirty years of experience in fundraising, strategic planning, communications, and alumni and parent relations. She comes to St. Albans from Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Fla., where as director of advancement she completed an $82 million campaign for endowment, a new STEM Center, and a variety of other programs, while also growing their annual fund to $4.7 million. Melanie previously served as assistant head of school and director of external affairs at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vt., and as director of institutional advancement at the Pingry School in Basking Ridge, N.J. At each institution, she has immersed herself in school life, serving as a student advisor and adjunct dorm parent, and working to increase a sense of belonging among local and international parent and alumni communities. Melanie received her B.A. in art history and German from Hollins University and her M.S. in education (with a focus on school leadership) from the University of Pennsylvania.
• 

  Rachel Jarvis Shah 

  Director, Leadership and Legacy Giving

  (202) 537-5682

  Bio

  Rachel Jarvis Shaw has over two decades of fundraising experience across the arts and education sectors, spanning higher, primary, and secondary learning. She most recently joined St. Albans School from St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School, where she led the school’s largest comprehensive campaign to-date, and The George Washington University, where she led the Principal Giving program during the school’s $1B campaign. Rachel is an avid arts enthusiast and a de-facto Washingtonian, having lived in the District for over 25 years. She enjoys spending time with family, including her human and fur babies. Rachel holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.B.A., both from The George Washington University.
• 

  J. Frank 

  Director, Alumni Relations

  (202) 537-6582

  Bio

  Lanier Frank joined the development team as director of alumni relations in 2014, and is responsible for engaging alumni of all ages in their support of the school and one another. He works to build on-campus and regional events that encourage all alumni to remain actively involved in the life of the school. Previously, he served as vice president at Crossway Community Inc., advancing fundraising efforts as an entrepreneurial nonprofit in Maryland, and prior to that at a division of Johnston, Lemon & Co. that sponsored and administrated over $50 billion in mutual fund assets. Volunteerism on the Close includes his service as head of the NCS Annual Fund, chair of St. Albans Annual Giving, and 16 years on the St. Albans Alumni Association Board, the last two as president. Lanier received a B.A. in business administration from Vanderbilt University. He and his wife, Bethany, have two children, Shepherd ’09 and Campbell ’10 (NCS).
• 

  Beth Nusman 

  Director, Development Services

  (202) 537-5651

  Bio

  Beth Nusman joined the Development Office in 2025 as the Director of Development Services. She has over 25 years of experience in database management and development operations, most recently serving as the Director of Development Operations at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For two decades, she worked as the Database Administrator for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Beth received her B.A. in International Studies at the University of South Florida. She enjoys going to concerts, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
• 

  Carolyn Higgins 

  Director, Annual Giving

  (202) 537-6409

  Bio

  Carolyn Higgins has over 15 years of fundraising experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on arts and culture organizations. Before joining St. Albans School, she served as Manager of Leadership Gifts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and as Senior Manager of Membership at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Carolyn holds a B.A. in Art History and Museum Studies from the University of Mary Washington. A passionate museum-goer and proud Washington resident, she loves exploring D.C.’s vibrant arts and culinary scene, as well as walking her deaf but thriving Boston Terrier, Sophie, through Rock Creek Park.
• 

  Ted Pelonis 

  Leadership & Legacy Giving Officer

  (202) 537-5790

  Bio

  Ted Pelonis joined the Development Office in 2015 as a senior development officer. In his role, he builds and strengthens relationships with individuals and families to match their philanthropy with the school’s priorities. Prior to joining St. Albans, he held development positions at the American Heart Association, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Bread for the City. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he holds a degree in English literature and continues to enjoy reading as well as playing tennis and golf. A twenty-year District resident, Ted lives in Northwest D.C. with his wife, Eve, daughter, Rhea, and son, Leo.
• 

  Matthew Rawson 

  Leadership & Legacy Giving Officer

  (202) 537-5205

  Bio

  Matt Rawson ‘07 joined the Development Office in 2025, having
  previously worked in admissions at Phillips Exeter Academy, Middlesex
  School, and St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School. He holds degrees from
  Amherst College, Harvard University, and the Georgetown University Law Center. Matt spends his free time reading and enjoying the outdoors. He
  and his wife, Brooks Swett NCS ‘05, live in Bethesda with their young son,
  Peter.
• 

  Brennan Lafeber 

  Assistant Director, Annual Giving; Athletics; Head Golf Coach

  (202) 537-5687

  Bio

  Brennan Lafeber, who joined the Development Office in summer 2023, is also serving as head golf coach. Following his graduation from Saint John’s University, in Minnesota, Brennan spent a year in Tororo, Uganda, volunteering with the Benedictine Volunteer Corps. Upon his return to the U.S., he worked as the assistant director of annual giving at Saint John’s University. Most recently, he served as the annual giving manager at Totino-Grace High School in Minnesota, where he directed annual fund solicitations. At Totino-Grace, he was the assistant golf coach, helping lead the team to their first Minnesota State Championship in school history. Brennan enjoys golfing, biking, rock climbing, and playing music.
• 

  Caitlin Lane 

  Event Planner and Office Manager

  (202) 537-6426

  Bio

  Caitlin Lane has over 15 years of event experience, with a focus in non-profit and sport events. Prior to joining St. Albans School, she worked on many National and International equestrian events and Championships. Caitlin holds a B.A. in Psychology from Washington & Lee University where she was also a member of the Equestrian Team.  Caitlin joined St. Albans School in 2025. You may reach Caitlin by calling (202) 537-6426 or email by clicking here.
• 

  Bernard Fitzsimmons 

  Development Coordinator

  (202) 537-5592

  Bio

  Bernie Fitzsimmons is the Development Coordinator at St. Albans School, where he helps strengthen the school’s mission through donor engagement, stewardship, and operational support. His sense of dedication and perseverance extends beyond his work — he walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain. A graduate of the University of Montana, Bernie brings energy, warmth, and a deep commitment to building lasting relationships within the St. Albans community.