Annual Staff Assembly

1. Annual Staff Assembly May 2, 2011 2011 Elections Biographies of Nominees

2. 2011 Available Seats

3. Guy Cicinelli Support Personnel • I am married with two children, originally from Chicago, IL. I have been living in Naples, FL for over 10 years now. I am a FGCU graduate (2006) and served in the US Army. My work experience has mainly been in Information Technology, beginning at Verizon Wireless in the late 90's. I currently work in Library Services as a Computer Support Specialist where I get to help staff, faculty, students , and community patrons with all their computing needs. I joined the FGCU team in August of 2009, so this summer will be my two year anniversary. I am also taking classes toward an MBA at FGCU. • I am running for a position on SAC so that I can help represent the needs of my fellow co-workers in the library and the university. I feel that my previous work experience and education, as well as my experience with FGCU, will provide a strong foundation to assist me as a member of the SAC.  • One of my favorite things about FGCU is that is young and growing by leaps and bounds. We, as students, staff, and faculty have the opportunity to shape the university's future. Most universities have long been set in their history and traditions, where change and/or improvements are very difficult to accomplish.

4. Susan Fohs Support Personnel • When my husband and I moved to Florida in 1994, one of the first things I noticed was a sign in front of a two story building just south of Alico Road which stated, “The New University: Now Hiring!” At that very moment I set my sights on applying and getting a position with this new venture. I was hired by the University Library in September 1994. I spent my first five years helping the librarians to build and furnish the library for the ‘New University!’ During this time the university was named, a logo was selected and a site was chosen. We were well on our way to building the faculty, staff and campus for Florida Gulf Coast University. In 1999 I moved to the College of Arts and Sciences and served the Department of Ecological Sciences as Executive Secretary. Then in 2004 I moved to the Whitaker Center for STEM Education where I am currently serving as Administrative Assistant. • This week I received an email informing me that someone had nominated me to run for the Staff Advisory Council this year. I served on the Committee which put together the plan to have a staff council and then served as a member the first year it was established. A few years later, I was elected to serve another term. So much has changed since 1994! I am now in my last few years of serving this wonderful institution. I felt that I should accept this nomination and, if elected, bring my years of experience in working with staff, faculty, students and administration toward serving the Staff Advisory Council once again. As always, there is so much to be done! • My favorite part of working at FGCU has to be the people. This is a great place to work. I have laughed and I have cried many times with faculty, staff and students. My heart is here!

5. Kim Hobart Support Personnel • I have been with FGCU since October 2004 beginning as a Senior Secretary for the School of Nursing, then as an Executive Secretary, and currently the Office Manager for the School of Nursing. Being at FGCU is so similar to a small town – everyone being friendly and helpful. Friends are easily made at FGCU. • I am seeking a second term on SAC, I hope to continue with the committees and issues that SAC as a whole is working on. For the first two years on SAC, I have participated on the Comments, E lection, Strategic Planning, and Public Relations Committee. I also was a representative for SAC on the Positioning Alignment Task Force. • I would like to continue being a part of SAC to help staff voices be heard.

6. Kathy McElroy Support Personnel • My name is Kathy McElroy and I have been with FGCU for 5 years now as the Executive Secretary for The Chemistry & Mathematics Department. I have served on SAC for 2 years now, and would love the opportunity to renew my service term and continue working on the important projects that SAC is currently addressing. I was asked by the Provost to service on the Task Force as a representative of SAC, which I did and was very excited to be a part of that awesome team. • Because FGCU is growing so rapidly, changes are inevitable. I would like to be a part of the Staff Advisory Council and have the opportunity to help shape the policies that will determine the type of work environment we want at FGCU. • It is a pleasure to come to work every day. I love being on campus with the students. There is always something going on in the courtyards, students always seem so happy to be here. • One fun thing about me is my love for  Betty Boop collectables

7. CJ McFarland Support Personnel • I have been at FGCU since 1999 when I was accepted as a freshmen and I watched this school grow from 3 Academic buildings and 6 dorms to over 12 buildings and dozens upon dozens of dorms. I started working for AETS doing Academic and Event Support for the campus since 2000 during my freshmen year and have never left. Over the last 11 years I have truly grown with this university and it has made me a much better person. • Due to my position I am all over campus and learn a lot about the working of the university from a spectator stand point. I have accepted the nomination for SAC because I would like to move from a spectator to participant, and help further the mission of the university and help to give other the same help and support I have received over the years.

8. Amber Pacheco Support Personnel • I relocated to the Bonita Springs/Estero area in 2003. Originally from Maine, I became part of the FGCU family when I began pursuing my bachelor’s degree in 2005. I started as an OPS staff member at Alico Arena in the fall of 2005 and moved into my current position as an event planner in June of 2006. Having earned my degree this semester, I am looking forward to celebrating another milestone at FGCU: my 5th year of service in the Campus Reservations department. I hope to expand my professional knowledge by serving on the Staff Advisory Council and assisting others the way SAC has assisted me, such as supporting my educational goals by ensuring the Grant-In-Aid award remained available to qualifying staff members and responding to questions I’ve had in years past. • As a representative, I hope to continue to develop communication between the SAC and FGCU employees. It is important to have passionate people with whom to share your ideas and concerns, who can then thoughtfully advocate on your behalf. I’d like to serve as a liaison between the two professional groups, relaying suggestions for improvement from staff members as well as their positive feedback. I’m proud to be a part of FGCU in its continued growth, and I hope to have the opportunity and privilege of being a SAC member. • In regards to my favorite things about FGCU, I think it is great that it’s such a new institution. We are helping develop history as the days go by! In 20 years, I’m sure I’ll be blown away by what this university has accomplished and how much of an impact it has on this area; I already am! I love, too, that we strive to be environmentally sustainable. Many of you know that sustainability is a personal interest of mine as well. Give back - GO GREEN!

9. Trish Smith Support Personnel • I am a true-life Floridian, born in Fort Myers, many years ago!   I have no plans or desires to leave and is in total agreement, “There’s no place like home.”  • I started working for  FGCU in 1999 on two separate OPS occurrences as Office Assistant with Athletics and later in the year, Library Services.  On June 2, 2000, I became a permanent employee as Executive Secretary for CHP/Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.  I have remained in the College of Health Professions since that time and am presently the Accountant in the Office of the Dean.   I have extensive experience working with the State of Florida under the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.   I am attending Life Christian University pursuing my degree in Theology.  • I am honored to be nominated and considered to represent USPS Staff and to be a part of the growth process and changes of FGCU.    I bring a desire to be a part of a persistent team.  I would like to be involved in supporting any role or task considered necessary into feasible resolutions.  If given the opportunity, I can and will make a positive contribution as a SAC member.  • I enjoy seeing so many students on campus.  When I first arrived on campus, you could go to lunch and not worry about parking.  Now, it is best to bring a lunch or drive around a half hour searching for a parking space.  I enjoy and love being a part of the FGCU family! • The fun thing about me is to make a person smile.  I love talking with people and responding with joyful statements to keep them laughing! 

10. Karen Volpe Support Personnel • I retired from the NJ School System September, 2005 and moved to Estero, December 2005. I guess my retirement was short-lived because I applied for an OPS position at FGCU – January, 2006 – Human Resource Dept. After 5 months, I decided to accept a position in the General Counsel’s office. In January, 2008, I accepted a full-time position as a USPS employee working for the Lutgert College of Business-Academic Advising. I now work for academic services in the Lutgert College of Business as a support staff for the faculty. I am so happy to be working for such a professional group of people. • I am truly interested and concerned at which direction FGCU is going. Being such a young university the direction is not quite written in stone and I would like to add suggestions from the staff to continue to move in a direction that would benefit all. • I feel working for FGCU, that we are making history. I would like to think that we are all part of the decisions making that will help the university move forward in a positive manner. Living in Estero, I feel I am part of the university professionally and personally. I enjoy the camaraderie that we share.

11. Sandy Zablackas Support Personnel • My name is Sandy Zablackas and I have been with employed with Florida Gulf Coast University since January 27, 2010 as a Human Resources Records Representative. Prior to joining FGCU, I worked in Human Resources and Management for a department store for the past 25 years. I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. I am married and have a 16 year old daughter attending Fort Myers High School. • I come from a Customer Service background. Working in Human Resources I consider our employee’s our customers and strive to provide outstanding customer service to the employees of the organization where I work. • I am privileged to meet each new FGCU employee, usually on their first day. I realize that the impression they receive during their first visit to Human Resources impacts their impression of the University they just joined. By being a member of SAC, I want to contribute not only to making each FGCU employee’s first day outstanding, but to an environment that is an outstanding place to work every day! • Having worked in a corporate environment and now in a university setting I bring a prospective of combining different approaches to solve issues. During the past year I have spent many hours conduct numerous audits in HR and solving problems. I am able to calmly looking at the many facets of a situation without being overwhelmed and use all resources to find the best result for all involved in the issue • The reason I want to be a SAC representative is to provide service to the employee’s of FGCU as well as work to find ways to help FGCU grow to its fullest potential. • I find that it is wonderful to work in an environment that promotes a work life balance (after spending 25 years working weekends, Christmas Eve, and 3 AM inventories). I love being a part of an organization that is new and growing. FGCU provides an environment that encourages diversity and provides opportunity for those of us lucky to work here.

12. Neela Chevli Administrative & Professional • I have worked at FGCU for 11 years in technical positions ranging from System Administrator to Telecommunications Coordinator (current position). I am running for another term on the Staff Advisory Council because I was nominated, and because it can take more than two years to see SAC initiatives through to completion. • One unfinished project is getting the Leave Donation Policy amended and approved so that donated leave can be used to care for a family member who has a prolonged illness. In another area, while we have also made a good start in examining the current smoking on campus situation, this effort needs to be continued so momentum is not lost and the campus environment can be improved for everyone. • Two things that are special to me about this organization are the people, and the natural beauty that surrounds us. If there’s anything I can do make things better either for staff, or for the milieu in which we work, I will do my best to improve things for everyone.

13. Waner Del Rosario Administrative & Professional • Born in New York, raised in Miami, and graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee, I am now a proud Southwest Floridian. I started my career with FGCU in June of 2008 as a Computer Applications Coordinator. • I wish to be a representative for the hard workers of the University, to be a voice for those that want to be heard. As a SAC member, I would love to improve morale by increasing staff participation in decisions that affect you in order to make Florida Gulf Coast University a place where everyone truly loves to work. • A few of my many favorite things about FGCU is that we’re not afraid to say hello to each other, even if we don’t remember your name. The sense of pride that everyone, staff and students, have towards FGCU is simply exciting; you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t smile when greeted with a hearty “GO EAGLES!”

14. Tia Freiburger Administrative & Professional • I have been with FGCU for 7 years. During that time, I have worked both at the Aquatics Center and the Recreation Center. Currently, I am responsible for Informal Recreation and Special Events for Campus Recreation. I am originally from the state of Iowa and completed my master’s degree at the University of Tennessee. • I am running for SAC for a second term because I don’t feel like my time is quite done. There are areas where I have made some improvements such as the newsletter and the website and I would like to continue being part of those changes. I also believe that with my marketing and programming background, I can work to bring SAC some more recognition both to the staff at FGCU and to the administration. • I love that FGCU is such a young campus. As a young professional it has been interesting to grow and mature right alongside my institution.

15. Jennifer Gabou Administrative & Professional • Head Women’s Tennis Coach • University Athletics

16. Andrea Davis Henry Administrative & Professional • My name Is Andrea Henry. I have served the University in the capacity of Payroll Manager since November 2002.  I have a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management from Texas A&M University-Commerce. • I chose to run for elections as a SAC Member as I believe that my passion for equity and fairness would make me a valuable addition to SAC.  I enjoy working with people and believe in an open door policy.  One of my favorite thing about working for FGCU is the feeling of working on a Big team that is actively listening, caring, understanding, and serving the University as a whole.  

17. Elizabeth Loredo Administrative & Professional • Liz Loredo is a Marketing and Events Coordinator in the Career Development Services office at FGCU. Career Services is in the area of Student Affairs, and Liz has enjoyed working with FGCU students and staff since July of 2008. While at FGCU, Liz has advised student organizations, participated in numerous university events, and partnered with other university departments to create new programming. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a BA Degree in Arts and Letters with a Major in Speech Communication. Liz is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at FGCU. • As a member of the Staff Advisory Council, I would like to promote a spirited, positive, and unified working environment for all FGCU staff. In order to achieve that goal, I would advocate for a universal “new hire” orientation program, employee spirit initiatives, and a mentorship program. • Two of my favorite things about FGCU are the guiding principles of service and sustainability. I believe that these goals are unique among institutions of higher education, and set FGCU apart as an organization with a clear vision for the future. I like the way our staff is empowered to contribute to sustainability every day, and hope to see more opportunities for staff to contribute to the university mission through service in the future. 

18. Elspeth McCulloch Administrative & Professional • I am an e-Learning designer with over a decade of experience in distance and distributed education. I have worked at FGCU for two and a half years and have served on the Student Orientation Advisory Committee and the Student Conduct Committee. I was named A&P Employee of the Year for 2010-11. I have a Bachelors of Arts in English from University of Waterloo and am currently pursuing a Masters of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Technology at FGCU. • SAC has many challenges and responsibilities, so I am willing to help out where help is needed and do not mind pitching in to get things done. I am interested in technology and education, so making sure that staff have access to growth in these areas is an important focus. We have many outstanding OPS employees at FGCU and I would like to support efforts to get increased benefits like fitness membership and tuition waivers for these wonderful colleagues. • The campus trails are wonderful. There is another world just steps away from us. I also love the people at FGCU—staff, faculty and students. FGCU has a great spirit and community. It is a joy and a privilege to be part of it.

19. Juanita Mottley Administrative & Professional • Hello my name is Juanita Mottley; I have been employed at FGCU for almost eight years. I received my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach and my RN from Edison State College. Currently I am taking classes towards a Masters in Health Administration here at FGCU. My career here started as an OPS, LPN/ HIV Counselor. Today, I serve in the capacity of Assistant Director of Student Health Services. • If I were given the opportunity I would be keen to participate in activities where you could see my enthusiasm and positive energy to make a difference and assisting in any area of need. I feel it will be a favorable juncture that will be immensely rewarding and can offer me the connection to give back as well move forward with our FGCU community. • Two of my favorite things about FGCU are the opportunities for growth both personal and professionally, and the compassion shown to our students especially students with special needs.

20. David Nichols Administrative & Professional • Head Women’s Volleyball Coach • University Athletics

21. Emma Reeners Administrative & Professional • I was born and raised in New York and moved to Florida right after I graduated from The College of Brockport with a Masters in Recreation and Leisure Services Management. I am currently the Aquatics Programming Coordinator within Campus Recreation and have been in this position at FGCU for two years now. • I would like to be elected to SAC because as a young professional on campus I feel it is my duty to get involved. SAC is a great way to get to know other professionals in other departments, and work together. As a SAC member, I hope to work collaboratively with other staff members on various issues pertaining to the University.  I also hope to bring a young person’s perspective to those topics and issues. • One of my favorite things about FGCU is it’s youthfulness.  I love that things are always changing and that I get to be part of that change. I have only been here for 2 years and have already seen so many changes on campus and have seen things grow.

22. Colleen Sorem Administrative & Professional • I have worked at FGCU since July 2008 in the athletic department as Assistant Athletic Director of Business Operations. I am in charge of the daily financial operations of the athletic department, including budget development and management as well as payroll, pcards etc. • I am running for SAC because I am looking to get more involved across campus at FGCU. After working at FGCU for 3 years, I feel I can now offer opinions and ideas that could possibly make a difference for staff at FGCU. • I love that everyone at FGCU understands what it means to be at a growing university, although it brings many challenges there is also great excitement that comes with that and I think most of the employees take that to heart on a day to day basis. • I love the waterfront, hands down one of the best attractions on campus

23. Suzanne Specht Administrative & Professional • Suzanne Specht is the Assistant Director, professional development coordinator, and full-time certified business analyst for the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has been with Florida Gulf Coast University since 1997. Suzanne has counseled over 2000 small business owners in the past 13.5 yrs. She has spent over 12,600 counseling hours with clients assisting them with business plans, financial statements, and loan applications resulting in 140 business start-ups and capital formation over $15 million dollars. • The SBDC has always been off campus and just moved to the Lutgert College of Business 2 years ago. Since I’ve only had exposure to the FGCU campus for 2 years, I thought running for SAC would be a great way to meet other FGCU employees and to assist in any way I can. My goal is to help!! I’ve been impressed with what SAC does and feel we can enhance those accomplishments. My nickname is “Resource Queen”—since living in SW Florida for over 30 years, I can offer all of my contacts, expertise and experience to create a better environment for FGCU employees. I hope to accomplish being the go-to person for creatively offering solutions to any issue here at FGCU—to be your voice—to be on your side!!! • Love the fun events that we do , i.e. Cinco de Mayo • Love the energy from the students and staff—it’s invigorating to see excitement and passion !!!

24. Carl Steinberg Administrative & Professional • My name is Carl Steinberg and I am currently a Coordinator in the Business Operations Office supporting three contracts; the Bookstore contract, the Vending contract and the IKON copier contract. I also supervise the Eagle ID office. I began my employment the same day as President Bradshaw, November 13, 2007, so I have been with the University for 3 ½ years. • There are two primary reasons for my interest in running for SAC: • First, I believe that some organizational enhancements would add greatly to employee satisfaction and respond to many of the comments reflected in the climate survey. I believe that throughout the survey employees were often asking for a way to be heard as it relates to issues that are of great interest to them. The enhancement that I see that could be implemented is what I call an expanded governance structure. By that I mean that I believe that if the university used a series of committees, like SAC, to gain input from faculty and staff on a variety of topics there would a benefit in terms of increased staff participation which I believe is a prime underlying theme in the climate survey. In addition I think that leadership would benefit from that staff perspective. A key consideration of this idea is that the committees must be clearly articulated in terms of their membership, roles and responsibilities. • Secondly, I have an interest in the physical development of the university and would like to somehow be involved. In some ways this relates to my first area of interest in that I would like to be part of the physical planning process. I believe that the University is at a point where it can take one of two paths. The first is to develop in a “traditional” manner, with the vehicle as the core around which the campus is developed OR, to develop in a non-traditional pattern, with the pedestrian as the core and the vehicle outside the core. I would like to look for ways to proceed along the second path. • In the three plus years that I have been at FGCU, I have truly enjoyed the positive atmosphere and learning environment. Watching the new students coming through the Eagle ID office every semester- with all of their enthusiasm-is addicting. I would like to do my best to add to the experience. I am certain that my years of supervisory and leadership experience will allow me to be a positive influence in SAC and FGCU.