The Staff Senate is beginning its second year with new officers and a commitment to increase recognition for the outstanding work being done by staff across the university.
“I am excited to be a part of this Staff Senate that desires to talk less, do more, and show appreciation to staff members every chance we get,” said Keshia Giboney, president. “Alongside the other Staff Senate members, I look forward to creating new achievements, increasing staff appreciation, and raising the bar for the next group of Staff Senate members.”
The Staff Senate was formed last year, when two longtime employee organizations merged.
The Employee Relations Committee, which represented non-exempt employees, and the Exempt Staff Council, which represented exempt employees up to the director level, joined to form the Staff Senate. The new organization now represents both exempt and non-exempt employees in the departments, divisions, and units throughout the university.
In addition to Giboney, the 2025 officers are Peggy Reisser, MASC, strategic communications manager for the Office Communications and Marketing, president-elect; Kyle Smith, Information Technology Services, secretary; Michelle Bollenbach, CAP, GME program specialist, parliamentarian; Ashley Woods, business manager for the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, communications coordinator; Brenda Coleman, CAP, fellowship program administrator in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Employee Relations Advisory Board representative, non-exempt; Shenicia Richardson, Employee Relations Advisory Board representative, exempt. Debbie Long, Human Resources benefits and training associate, is the ex-officio representative.
In its inaugural year, the Staff Senate recorded several achievements. Kimberlee Norwood, MA, who recently retired from the Office of Medical Education, served as the first president of the group.
- The organization joined the Faculty Senate and the Student Government Executive Council as part of a new and expanded University Council. Additionally, senators sat on various campus leadership committees.
- Senators had 100% participation in the 2024 Family Campaign as a way to inspire colleagues to give to the monthlong philanthropic initiative.
- The group hosted talks from Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, and Executive Vice Chancellor Raaj Kurapati.
- Members volunteered support for Employee Appreciation Day and the Campus Holiday Celebration.
- The executive committee submitted a recommendation to Human Resources to improve the employee evaluation process by recommending supervisors share evaluations with employees at least 24 hours in advance of any evaluation meeting.
The Staff Senate meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month, either via Zoom or in person.