USM Foundation Elects Six New Directors

Top Row (L-R): Carlton Arrendell, Hugh Breslin III, Steve Dubin
Bottom Row (L-R): Mark Lewis, Paul Mandell, Nicole Pollard

The University System of Maryland (USM) Foundation is proud to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors.

Carlton Arrendell, Hugh Breslin III, Steve Dubin, Mark Lewis, Paul Mandell, and Nicole Pollard were elected to the USM Foundation Board, effective July 1, 2025.

Carlton Arrendell, Director for Real Estate Development, University of Pennsylvania

Carlton Arrendell is the director of real estate development at the University of Pennsylvania, overseeing a $1.5 billion portfolio that includes commercial, retail, residential, and office properties. His previous experience includes roles at Full Spectrum and the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation, where he led real estate investment transactions nationwide. He has more than a decade of experience as a corporate director, serving on compensation, audit, nominating, and governance committees for public and nonprofit organizations. Carlton has also held board positions with the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation and the Terrapin Development Company. He earned his B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park and his J.D. from George Mason University, and is licensed to practice law in Maryland and DC.

Hugh Breslin, Member of the USM Board of Regents

Hugh J. Breslin III recently retired after a 41-year TV broadcasting career, most recently in a senior management role for Nexstar Media Group, the largest TV broadcasting company in the United States. Currently, he does media consulting for HJB3 Media. Hugh is a 1977 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and has served as an active member on many boards, including the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. He currently serves as president of the board of trustees of the Fletcher Foundation and is serving on the finance committee of the Meritus Medical Center.

Steve Dubin, Principal, SDA Ventures LLC

Steve Dubin is a principal at SDA Ventures LLC, advising companies in the health, wellness, and nutritional products sectors on corporate development, acquisitions, and finance. He serves on the boards of Adicet Bio, Phytolon, and Exosomm, and was previously a senior advisor at Paine Schwartz Partners, focusing on food and nutrition investments. From 2006 to 2011, he was CEO of Martek Biosciences, where he led the company through significant growth and its $1.1 billion sale to Royal DSM. Earlier in his career, he worked in venture capital and banking, and co-founded the Chesapeake Emerging Opportunities Club. Steve holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland, College Park and a J.D. from George Washington University, and is a licensed CPA and member of the Maryland Bar.

Mark Lewis, Managing Partner, Bracewell LLP

Mark Lewis is the managing partner of his firm’s Washington, DC office and a member of the management committee, and leads the firm’s business development efforts. He specializes in regulatory and transactional matters related to oil, gas, and CO2 pipelines, representing developers, operators, investors, and regulated entities. Mark regularly advises clients on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) compliance, project development, tariffs, and transactions involving pipeline assets. He is ranked Band 1 in energy: oil and gas (regulatory and litigation) by Chambers Global and Chambers USA and is recognized as a leading lawyer by The Legal 500. Mark also serves on the boards of HMT Tank Service, Inc., the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation, and the Terrapin Development Company.

Paul Mandell, Founder and CEO, Consero Group

Paul Mandell is the founder and CEO of Consero Group, which became part of the Blackstone family in 2021, and has launched multiple businesses and startup incubators since 2005. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he was Student Government Association president, and earned a J.D. from Yale Law School, serving in key editorial roles. Paul has held leadership positions on the boards of the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation and Yale Law School Fund and currently serves on several other nonprofit boards. He has received numerous honors, including the Wilson H. Elkins Award, the Spirit of Maryland Award, and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dean’s Award. Paul is also a member of the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation’s 1856 Society and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dean’s Circle.

Nicole Pollard, Legal Counsel and Executive Assistant to the President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Nicole Pollard is legal counsel and executive assistant to the president of AFSCME, with a 30-year legal career serving major U.S. labor organizations including AFSCME, IBT, and NEA. She earned a B.S. in finance from the University of Maryland, College Park and a J.D. from Villanova University. A committed advocate for working families and underrepresented communities, Nicole has also remained deeply involved with her alma mater through long-standing volunteer leadership. She currently serves on the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation Board of Trustees and has held multiple volunteer leadership roles, including president of the Alumni Association Board of Governors and member of the Smith School Board of Advisors. A Philadelphia native now living in Laurel, Maryland, Nicole is also active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Incorporated.

The USM Foundation and its Board advocates and supports the advancement of public higher education in Maryland through visionary leadership in philanthropy, asset management, and stewardship. The Foundation manages $2.45 billion (as of 4/30/2025) made up of $2.3B endowment and $92M in operating funds.