At-Large Delegate Candidate: Charlie Birkner

“Students come first.” That phrase I first heard long ago and still tell myself over, and over. It’s true; students are the reason we all do what we do. Every day, they keep us going and learning, as we help them build their own stories.
It’s humbling to be even a small part of that journey. This may mean stepping outside our comfort zone, thinking creatively, or simply listening. It may mean asking tough questions, or admitting we don’t have all the answers, while empowering them to learn, grow, and be themselves. Whether we interact directly with students or support those who do, our work requires reflection and care. Ultimately, we are their advocates, and I am continually amazed at what they can teach us.
If we want to show up to support our students well, we must first show up to support ourselves. That means questioning the status quo, asking more tough questions, and working to see the bigger picture as self-advocates. We need to feel empowered to find answers, remain connected to one another, and speak up when necessary.
This empowerment is why I am excited about the opportunity to serve the Staff Assembly as an At-Large Delegate. This role requires listening to and learning from the perspectives all UNC System schools can offer. We must be diligent and maintain a clear, consistent message while honoring the unique environments and situations each campus brings to the table. It is that very uniqueness that will allow us to grow and learn together.
My name is Charlie Birkner, and I am honored to be a part of the UNC System Staff Assembly. After studying religion, philosophy, music, and theater at High Point University, I continued this journey with graduate school at Duke. I’ve spent most of my career working with young people — as an educator, counselor, coach, and facilitator — with a few side quests into technology, small business ownership, and the world of radio, stage, and screen. Those experiences eventually led me to work within higher education. I spent a few years with Wake Forest University before arriving at UNC Greensboro, where I currently reside within University Libraries.
Lately, I’ve been finding accessibility and advocacy opportunities within the UNC System, and I was recently blessed to be asked to join the board of directors for an independent area nonprofit, providing multiple services to residents across two cities. I am entering into my second full year as a member of the UNCG Staff Senate. I recently became a voting delegate to our Staff Assembly, and am grateful to have been selected as Co-Chair of our Staff Senate Outreach committee.
I am in an almost constant state of awe and gratitude for every opportunity that I have experienced thus far. I draw from each one, so much to form my world view and try to lead with authenticity, empathy, and accountability. This may include a lot of questions, but it is only because I value finding new ways for us to think about our work and how we can support each other. I am not afraid to meet people where they are. I don’t believe in perfect or static solutions; I strive for patience, persistence, and sometimes, a little humor when things get tough. I would be honored to serve as one of your At-Large Delegates.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Dana Boyer

I have proudly been employed at Western Carolina University for nearly two decades, building a career that combines financial expertise, leadership, and service to the WCU community. I currently serve as the Business Officer for Hunter Library, where I oversee budgets, policies, and operations, and I also share my passion for leadership and management as an adjunct instructor in the College of Business. Over the years, my roles at WCU have included positions in the Controller’s Office and the College of Health and Human Sciences, and my background in the private accounting sector has further strengthened my expertise in finance, compliance, and organizational leadership.

Staff Senate has been a central part of my WCU journey. Having served multiple terms (2016–2019; 2021–present), I understand the importance of ensuring staff voices are heard and valued. I have chaired the Staff Senate Scholarship Committee for three terms, served as treasurer for two terms, and contributed through service on the University Budget Advisory Committee and the Catamount Club Board of Directors.

As a proud graduate of UNC Asheville (’05) and Western Carolina University (’16, MBA), I am committed to representing staff with integrity, transparency, and collaboration at the system level.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Andy Eaker

I am a proud graduate of Appalachian State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. My career in higher education spans over 13 years, with experience at both UNC Chapel Hill and Appalachian State University. As a lifelong resident of North Carolina, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the educational landscape of our state.

Professional Experience

My diverse professional background has equipped me with a wide range of skills. While at UNC Chapel Hill, I served in several key IT roles, including as an IT Technician for the Kenan-Flagler School of Business, an Analyst for Information Technology Services, and an IT Specialist for the School of Medicine Pediatrics. During this time, I also had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Education and Career Development Committee on the UNC Chapel Hill Employee Forum. In this capacity, I actively advocated for staff and spearheaded the development of a Staff Excellence Program to encourage collaboration, teamwork, and mentorship.
Upon returning to Appalachian State, I took on the role of Systems Administrator for the University Bookstore. I successfully managed the transition of their Point of Sale (POS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems from a local server environment to a cloud-based solution. Currently, I serve as an Enterprise Applications Administrator for Appalachian State’s Information Technology Services department. In this role, I provide technical oversight and manage key POS, ERP, and e-commerce systems for the Campus Store Enterprise and Campus Dining.

Why I Want to Serve

I am deeply passionate about the culture of higher education, which inspires us to grow and learn from one another. I believe in the power of building bridges and fostering collaborative efforts to evolve and build a brighter future for the entire UNC System. I’ve always been committed to advocating for staff, and I am excited by the opportunity to continue this work as a delegate. I look forward to collaborating with UNC System Administration toward our common goals and ensuring the voices of staff across our campuses are heard.

Fun Facts

I’m an avid fan of both Star Trek and football.

While an undergraduate, I was active in a number of campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, the App State Rugby team, and the Sociology Club. I also performed as the lead antagonist in a campus play, “A Grave Digger’s Eulogy.”

I enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

In a surprising twist, I’ve even had the chance to play in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

I am a strong believer in honesty, so I’ll also admit that despite my years of service at UNC Chapel Hill, I grew up a Duke fan. I hope my friends in Chapel Hill can forgive me!

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Audra Esposito

I am excited to be nominated for one of the Staff Assembly’s At-Large Delegate positions. I appreciate this opportunity to share a little about myself with members.

I feel like I got a late start in higher education, but have amassed 25 years of experience with a variety of schools and settings. At this point, I have spent 20 years in the state systems. Eight in the community college system, and twelve in the university system. The other five with a private university.

Leadership has always been part of my character. It started in high school when I was class president for three of the four years. Then during college, I was engaged with the student leadership organization. There was a natural bleed into my employment. In college I, like many other college students, defaulted to retail settings to work around school schedules. And I always found myself in a managerial position taking on the extra responsibility of: staff management and training, inventory control, customer service, managing financials, and store appearance and maintenance.
When I finally achieved the goal of a career in higher education, I again found a natural gravitation to leadership responsibilities among my peers. And as I grew as a professional it wasn’t always about my role in supporting and assisting students. Some of my attention and interest was learning to lead and the desire to help support my colleagues. As well as trying to create a culture where people would want to work. I gravitated to learning about leadership styles and how to best support personnel. This is where I learned that I did not need a “title” to be considered a leader.

It wasn’t until I returned to UNC Charlotte as an employee the second time, that I found our Staff Council (Senate). I engaged and learned a ton as an Area Representative (Senator) for three years. I took a break just as the pandemic hit. During my time I was able to help the organization with some significant accomplishments. One of them was being part of the team that researched and drafted a proposal requesting a Staff Ombuds. While this took two years, this proposal was approved and funded by senior leadership. I was also part of the staff team included in the interview process for our current Chancellor.

After taking a break, in 2023 the organization nominated me to serve as the Interim Chair for a year. I was finally at a point with my campus role that allowed the flexibility to commit to the position. We did some great things in that one year; developed and implemented consistent communication to all staff across campus, created a professional development committee that is active and partnering with HR to provide PD options for all staff across campus, updated our by-laws, and added a new board position to help support our efforts to better use technology. While I could have run again, I decided it was best to recruit others to help build on the foundation that was laid out.

During the last three years getting engaged with Assembly exposed me to another level of engagement I did not know even existed. Being connected at the state level opened my eyes to see how impactful the Assembly can be, and how there are many issues, challenges, as well as accomplishments, that are shared through this engagement. I appreciated being part of the Governance Committee that updated the Assembly By-Laws. It was great representing Charlotte at two of the last three golf tournaments.

I would be interested now in engaging further with Assembly and feel the At-Large Delegate is a good fit. I am in a position to be able to commit to the organization and be a voice for my colleagues. I don’t believe Charlotte has had representation at the Assembly level for quite some time, and there would be strong support if I was chosen to serve.

Thank you for the opportunity to potentially serve and support staff system wide.

Audra Esposito
UNC Charlotte

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Kyle Glover

Kyle Glover, the Coordinator for Campus Activities & Programs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), is a dedicated advocate for student and staff engagement. In his role, Kyle manages a wide array of student-focused initiatives, including Union Programs, UNCWeekends, and several of UNCW’s signature campus events. He also curates the Ann Flack Boseman Gallery, overseeing its yearly exhibits and the popular All-Student Show. Leading a dynamic team of undergraduate and graduate student employees, Kyle successfully executes over 100 events annually, fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community.

A proud UNCW alumnus with a B.A. in Political Science, Kyle is deeply invested in the university’s success. His commitment to service is evident through his active participation in various professional capacities. He currently serves as the UNCW Staff Senate Parliamentarian, Student Affairs Staff Senator, and Chair of the Bylaws Committee. His leadership extends to his work as a certified CliftonStrengths Coach, where he empowers students and staff to recognize and leverage their unique talents. Kyle’s own strengths—Relator, Communication, Deliberative, Analytical, and Belief—guide his thoughtful and intentional approach to leadership and collaboration.

Kyle’s professional involvement includes memberships in the National Association for Student Professional Administrators (NASPA) and the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). He has contributed to the Student Affairs Strategic Planning Workgroup and the Belonging and Connections Committee, consistently working to enhance the university environment. As a candidate for the UNC Staff Assembly, Kyle is passionate about advocating for staff across the entire UNC System. He believes in the power of a connected and empowered university community and aims to be a proactive voice for his colleagues. His goal is to enhance communication and collaboration between all system institutions, ensuring that staff perspectives from every campus are integral to the system’s decision-making processes. With his proven dedication to service, leadership, and the UNCW community, Kyle is well-prepared to represent his colleagues as an At-large Delegate for the UNC Staff Assembly.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Nathan Hodge

I was born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina. When it came time for college, I chose to attend Isothermal Community College in my home area, where I earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. From there, I continued my education and became the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, graduating from UNCW with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. While attending UNCW, I worked part-time as a security guard with the university’s police department. After graduation, I was hired as a full-time officer, and I have spent my career working my way up through the ranks at the UNCW Police Department.

As my career progressed, I chose to join UNCW Staff Senate because I wanted to give back to the university community, help guide the institution, and show others what a great place UNCW is to work. Through this involvement, I learned about the UNC Staff Assembly, which inspired me to set my sights even higher. My goal is to contribute not only to UNCW, but also to the UNC System as a whole—making it stronger and an even better place for staff across all campuses.

Although my background is in law enforcement, my 17 years of experience have allowed me to work closely with staff members in many different areas of the university. While I remain passionate about the unique role of campus police departments, I am equally committed to understanding and supporting the needs of staff across all departments.

I am proud to be from North Carolina, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with the UNC Staff Assembly to highlight the many opportunities and rewards of working within the UNC System.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Janet McKinley

Biography:

Janet McKinley, born in Ohio and raised in Indiana, earned her degree from the University of Dayton, where she majored in International Studies and minored in Political Science. Throughout her career, Janet has held various positions in municipal, county, and state government agencies. She began her career in higher education in the Registrar’s Office at the University of Notre Dame, eventually returning to her alma mater to take a position in the Office of Legal Affairs at the University of Dayton, where she worked on immigration, affirmative action, university policies, and contract management systems. Janet transferred to the University of Dayton Research Institute, working in the Vice Presidents Office on the Employee Experience team, in event management and employee recognition, as well as providing executive-level support to three vice presidents. Janet joined Appalachian State University in July 2024 as a Program Specialist in the Office of University Events. She has been an active member of Appalachian State University’s Staff Senate since August 2024.

Interest Statement:

My passion has always been helping others and serving as an advocate. Through my experience in municipal, county, and state government, I’ve developed
a strong understanding of constituents’ needs and effective strategies for addressing challenges and driving positive change. I am eager to bring that same commitment to advocating for staff members of the 17 schools in the UNC System, ensuring their voices are heard.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Erin McKinney

Erin McKinney currently serves as an IT Analyst/Programmer on the Enterprise Applications team at Appalachian State University. In this role, which she has held for two and a half years, Erin supports the web application needs of key campus departments, including Human Resources, Payroll, the Budget Office, and Facilities. Before joining the UNC system, Erin built a diverse professional background through military service and work in customer service, marketing and fundraising. These experiences shaped her disciplined, service-oriented approach and strengthened her ability to communicate effectively and advocate with empathy.

Erin is currently serving a two-year term as a Staff Senator and is in her second term on the executive team as Appalachian State’s delegate to the UNC Staff Assembly. She is passionate about being a meaningful and impactful voice for staff, with a focus on listening, advocating, and helping to remove roadblocks that hinder staff success and engagement. She also leads the Staff Senate Events Committee, where she is spearheading initiatives to foster a stronger sense of community among staff members.
Guided by the values of integrity, transparency, empathy, and understanding, Erin is committed to building trust and fostering respectful collaboration across the university.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Kimberly Mozingo

I currently serve as the department administrator for Anthropology and Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies at UNCG, overseeing over 400 students and 20 faculty members. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History, summa cum laude, and a Master of Arts in History with a Concentration in Museum Studies from UNCG. I am the President of the CAS Staff Council, Past Chair of the Staff Senate, and participate in various committees across campus. My dedication to service has been constant throughout my career, starting from my military days.

I am eager to serve as an At-Large Delegate to represent the UNC Staff Assembly and contribute to the organization’s success. My skills as a public speaker, event coordinator, and experience working with groups on planning and implementation of goals will make my participation as an At-Large Delegate successful. My goal is to connect with others and make a meaningful impact, even through small actions.

In my free time, I enjoy Revolutionary War reenactments, antique and thrift shopping, caring for my pets, and indulging in science fiction.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Katie Musgrove

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Katie Musgrove and I work at UNC Chapel Hill School of Law. I’ve been employed at UNC Chapel Hill for over 11 years now. I’ve been serving on the Employee Forum, UNC Chapel Hill’s staff senate, since 2015, serving as chair of their Community Service Committee during my first three years, then stepping into the Forum’s Vice Chair role for an additional three years before becoming Chair of the Employee Forum from 2021-2025. I am currently serving for one year as our Immediate Past Chair. I have really enjoyed serving as a delegate of the UNC System Staff Assembly during my time as Chair of the Employee Forum the past four years. I recently rolled off of Staff Assembly in July at the conclusion of my term as Chair of our staff senate given on our bylaws structure for who serves as the Staff Assembly delegates for our institution. However, I would love to continue serving in on the Staff Assembly, but would only have the ability to do so as Delegate-at-Large given UNC Chapel Hill’s Staff Assembly delegate election process. Our advocacy efforts on behalf of UNC System staff are more important now than ever before and I take that responsibility very seriously. I think our body is uniquely capable of supporting staff while maintaining a strong relationship and line of communication with UNC System Office administration. I think with some strategic changes and improvements to this body like meeting more regularly remotely and better engaging delegates through committee work, we could be much more powerful in advocating for and constructively addressing the concerns of UNC System employees as an advisory body to President Hans and the UNC System Office. In the last year, I’ve particularly heard several Staff Assembly needs enumerated that I would love to continue working on: 1) providing our voice and feedback regarding potential UNC System Office policy changes prior to their enactment, 2) continued evaluation of our governance, including our bylaws and meeting cadence, 3) advocacy around improvements to UNC System employee benefits and leave given the continued erosion of the benefits package afforded to North Carolina state employees. I hope that you will put your trust in me to serve as a Staff Assembly Delegate-at-Large and Executive Committee member leading our body forward with Alan at the helm. I have full confidence that he is going to do a fantastic job as the incoming Chair of Staff Assembly and hope to have the chance to work with him and you all again as Delegate at Large. Thank you!

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Shagail Reed

My name is Shagail Reed, and I have proudly served as a member of the Winston-Salem State University Staff Senate since becoming a permanent employee in February 2015. Currently, I serve as Chair of Staff Senate, and prior to this role, I served as Vice Chair for two years. The first and only committee I initially served on and chaired was the Employee Recognition Committee, which immediately captured my interest because it was centered on boosting morale and recognizing employees for their outstanding accomplishments.
My passion has always been helping people. Before joining Winston-Salem State University; after 29 years of service, I retired from the Housing Authority of the City of Winston-Salem where I served as the chair of the Hospitality and Employee Appreciation Committees. I find true joy in seeing the satisfaction and positive impact that comes from lending a hand. Through my years of Staff Senate service, I have worked to create opportunities that bring people together, strengthen our community, and celebrate the many contributions of staff.
I am seeking the opportunity to serve as an At-Large Delegate for the UNC System Staff Assembly because I believe strongly in the power of shared governance and collaboration across all 17 institutions. My leadership experience as Chair and Vice-Chair along with my service on the Employee Recognition Committee, has prepared me to represent the staff across the UNC System with dedication and purpose. As someone deeply committed to advocacy and service, I am excited about the chance to represent the voices of staff members system-wide, ensuring that their perspectives and concerns are heard at the highest level.
As an At-Large Delegate, I will bring accountability, dedication and a strong work ethic to the Executive Committee. I am prepared to actively participate in meetings, chair and serve on committees, and support awards and scholarship initiatives with integrity. Most importantly, I am committed to working alongside colleagues from across the system to advance policies, initiatives, and programs that empower staff and strengthen the UNC System as a whole.
I would like to end with a motto that I live by “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the Service of Others” – Gandhi

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Lisa Sellers

Lisa Sellers is an experienced professional working in higher education, financial and legal industries. Lisa graduated summa cum laude earning a B.S. degree in Computer Science as well as awarded University Research Scholar and Tackett Outstanding Computer Science Student Awards from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. A leader among peers for 48 years, Lisa served in many governance positions as a student and staff member: Commuter Senator in SGA, Student Delegate to ASG, Staff Council Member and Chair-Elect, Staff Assembly Delegate and a Delegate at-Large. For the first 12 years on staff, she was the Administrative Assistant for the Faculty Senate where some of her chairs had her accompany UNCA’s delegation to the Faculty Assembly providing on the spot research. Currently, she is the Program Associate for the University Honors and the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Programs at UNC Asheville.

Having served as Delegate at-Large from 2022-2024, Lisa enjoyed her work chairing the Staff Engagement Committee as well as serving as a committee member on various task forces and committees that do a variety of tasks like the bylaws and procedures committees, staff engagement, Erskine B. Bowles Award (2 years), and other committees as called. These commitments required reading hundreds of pages of documents as well as listening and discerning in committee to offer thoughtful feedback as asked. If elected, Lisa Sellers would commit to continue the hard work representing all staff across the UNC System as a Delegate at-Large. She believes in the work of Staff Assembly and would be honored to further serve on the Executive Committee as a Delegate at-Large.

At-Large Delegate Candidate: Annetta Streater

Annetta is a graduate of the University of NC at Chapel Hill where she studied Dental Hygiene (B.S.) and Dental Hygiene Education (M.S.) and was initiated into the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Professionally, she has had a 38-year career in Dental Hygiene which included educator, board licensure examiner, private practice clinician, public health dental hygienist and community outreach coordinator.
Since 2013, she has been supporting patients and dental students at the Adams School of Dentistry. As the Director of Patient Relations, she ensures a positive patient experience by investigating and analyzing patient care and responding to patient grievances. Process management and regulatory compliance are integral to her daily responsibilities to patient care. She also serves as risk manager and liaison for the school’s professional liability insurance policy. Previously, she advised dental students on patient management as a Patient Care Coordinator.
She has served as a Delegate to the UNC-CH Employee Forum since 2022, supporting the annual blood drives, community garden, Habitat build projects, and personnel advocacy. As Treasurer of the Employee Forum, she brings her skills and attention to detail along with a staunch belief in fiscal responsibility. This year the Employee Forum recognized Annetta as the Kay Wijnberg Hovious Delegate of the Year. As the new Alternate Delegate to the UNC Staff Assembly, she has already supported her delegation by attending the 2025 Summer Staff Assembly meeting. Staying abreast of policy developments and staff concerns aligns with her goal of being an advocate for staff across the system. Serving on the Staff Assembly will allow her to continue her efforts in support of equitable opportunities for staff to grow professionally, to maintain work/life balance, and to thrive in a safe work environment.
Outside of her work responsibilities, Annetta is a mother and grandmother who enjoys travel, murder mystery shows, jazz music and playing tennis. Volunteering in the community with her high school alumni association and raising funds for college scholarships keeps her engaged with students. She has been a member of the Carolina Black Caucus since 2015 and previously served as its Membership Co-Chair. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.

Parliamentarian Candidate: Andy Eaker

I am a proud graduate of Appalachian State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. My career in higher education spans over 13 years, with experience at both UNC Chapel Hill and Appalachian State University. As a lifelong resident of North Carolina, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the educational landscape of our state.

Professional Experience
My diverse professional background has equipped me with a wide range of skills. While at UNC Chapel Hill, I served in several key IT roles, including as an IT Technician for the Kenan-Flagler School of Business, an Analyst for Information Technology Services, and an IT Specialist for the School of Medicine Pediatrics. During this time, I also had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Education and Career Development Committee on the UNC Chapel Hill Employee Forum. In this capacity, I actively advocated for staff and spearheaded the development of a Staff Excellence Program to encourage collaboration, teamwork, and mentorship.
Upon returning to Appalachian State, I took on the role of Systems Administrator for the University Bookstore. I successfully managed the transition of their Point of Sale (POS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems from a local server environment to a cloud-based solution. Currently, I serve as an Enterprise Applications Administrator for Appalachian State’s Information Technology Services department. In this role, I provide technical oversight and manage key POS, ERP, and e-commerce systems for the Campus Store Enterprise and Campus Dining.

Why I Want to Serve
I am deeply passionate about the culture of higher education, which inspires us to grow and learn from one another. I believe in the power of building bridges and fostering collaborative efforts to evolve and build a brighter future for the entire UNC System. I’ve always been committed to advocating for staff, and I am excited by the opportunity to continue this work as a delegate. I look forward to collaborating with UNC System Administration toward our common goals and ensuring the voices of staff across our campuses are heard.

Fun Facts
I’m an avid fan of both Star Trek and football.
While an undergraduate, I was active in a number of campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, the App State Rugby team, and the Sociology Club. I also performed as the lead antagonist in a campus play, “A Grave Digger’s Eulogy.”
I enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.
In a surprising twist, I’ve even had the chance to play in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
I am a strong believer in honesty, so I’ll also admit that despite my years of service at UNC Chapel Hill, I grew up a Duke fan. I hope my friends in Chapel Hill can forgive me!

Parliamentarian Candidate: Jameco McKenzie

Bio & Statement – Dr. Jameco McKenzie

I have dedicated my career to higher education as both a leader and a scholar-practitioner, focusing on student success, organizational leadership, and staff advocacy. I have worked in the UNC System and at NC State University since 2019, bringing more than six years of experience navigating the complexities of higher education and advocating for the people who make our institutions thrive. Currently, I serve as Director of Multicultural Student Affairs and as Chair of the NC State Staff Senate, representing more than 7,100 staff members. Since joining the Staff Senate in 2020, I have been fortunate to serve in several leadership roles, including Chair of the Access & Belonging Committee, 2023–24 Parliamentarian, and Chair-Elect. Each of these roles has given me the opportunity to listen, collaborate, and help elevate staff voices across the university.

My academic background, including a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a master’s degree in Higher Education–Student Affairs, has prepared me to understand the needs of staff while working within the complexities of higher education systems. I hope to continue this service as Parliamentarian of the UNC Staff Assembly, supporting staff across the entire UNC System. Having previously served as Parliamentarian for NC State’s Staff Senate, I bring experience with Robert’s Rules of Order and a commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect in governance. Most importantly, I believe in creating space where every staff voice is valued and where we can work together to strengthen our campuses and our system as a whole.

Parliamentarian Candidate: Brian Wayne

Brian hails from Kinston, North Carolina, and currently holds the position of Graduate Programs Recruiter at Elizabeth City State University, his alma mater located in Elizabeth City, NC. With a rich background as a military veteran and a former law enforcement officer, he is deeply committed to establishing effective communication channels among students, faculty, and staff, ensuring that everyone feels supported and well-informed throughout their academic experiences. Brian has set a clear trajectory for his future, aiming to obtain his Doctorate of Education by May 2026, with aspirations to secure a senior cabinet role within academic affairs at the university level. His unwavering dedication to education and staff engagement underscores his commitment to enhancing the academic experience and contributing to the institution’s growth and development. Should he be elected as the UNC Staff Assembly Parliamentarian, Brian intends to channel this same dedication and innovative mindset into serving the broader staff community, focusing on fostering staff success, developing impactful programs, and implementing creative strategies to enhance staff involvement and retention.

Secretary Candidate: Crystal Hildenbrand

Crystal Hildenbrand has been a dedicated member of ECU’s Staff Senate since 2022. Over the years, Crystal has served in several key roles, including Secretary of the Scholarship Committee, Chair Elect of the Staff Senate, Chair of the Staff Senate and Chair of the Community Service Committee, where she currently leads with enthusiasm and commitment. As a proud ECU graduate, Crystal joined the university staff more than 14 years ago, following a successful career in real estate and mortgages.

Crystal’s passion for service extends beyond the university. She taught Sunday School at her church for five years and contributed to the tech ministry for eight years. In the Greenville community, Crystal is an active member of the Greenville Women’s League, where she served as Race Director for the Run for a Reason 5k for three years. She also volunteers with FiA (Females in Action), a local women’s workout group.

Crystal is deeply committed to supporting ECU staff. In a large public university system, she recognizes that faculty and students often take priority, and she advocates to ensure staff needs are addressed. Currently, Crystal is running for Secretary of the Staff Assembly. While she may not be the most outspoken delegate, she is determined to ensure ECU always has a strong presence and a voice at the table.

Secretary Candidate: Brynne Pulver

I am Brynne Pulver, and I serve as the executive assistant to the vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I bring over twelve years of administrative experience across various fields, including higher education, law, and the arts. I am the vice chair of the UNC Greensboro Staff Senate, assuming the role of chair in the next academic year, and a delegate to the UNC System Staff Assembly. In addition to my roles at UNCG, I am also active in the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education, serving on the Board, as the chair of the communications committee, and as a member of the conference planning committee for the third consecutive year. Prior to my time at UNCG, I worked as a paralegal and executive assistant at Kara Law offices in Boston, MA, and served as the director of operations and administration for MassOpera. I am an alumna of the UNC System, having earned my bachelor’s degrees in voice performance and music education from Appalachian State University, and I am also a current student in the UNC System, pursuing my MBA at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I hold a master’s degree and a graduate performance diploma from The Boston Conservatory and a paralegal certificate from Boston University. In my free time, I actively perform in operas and musicals, and enjoy hip-hop dancing, reading, and spending time with my husband and my golden retriever. 

I am running for the Secretary position on the UNC System Staff Assembly’s Executive Committee because I believe in the work of the Staff Assembly, and I would like to contribute my talents to support this body’s goals.  I am confident that with my strong communication, writing, and organizational abilities, and my extensive administrative background, I can deliver accurate and timely minutes and streamline records and communications to allow the assembly to effectively serve and advocate for our staff. I truly believe that staff are the heart of our collective universities, and I am deeply committed to improving the staff experience.  My hope is to have the opportunity to serve in this role and lend my skills and expertise to help the Staff Assembly foster growth and positive change within the UNC System.  

Secretary Candidate: Samantha Williams

Samantha Williams has been a proud member of Appalachian State University’s staff since 2007. Known for her dedication, collaborative spirit, and student-centered approach, she currently serves as the department administrator in the Department of Computer Information Systems at the Walker College of Business — a role she has held since 2016. Her earlier work in the Office of Student Financial Aid as the default prevention coordinator laid the foundation for her commitment to student success and support.

Beyond her administrative role, Samantha is deeply involved in mentoring and advocacy. She advises the Women in Technology student organization and supports Appalachian Information Technology Professionals, helping students build confidence and community in the tech field. She also co-created the App State Cyber Summit, a one-day professional development event that has grown to include over 300 attendees and nearly 100 companies, with all proceeds going directly to student scholarships. Her ability to bring people together for a shared purpose is one of her greatest strengths.

Colleagues describe Samantha as someone who leads with heart and purpose. “Her collaborative spirit and ability to bring diverse parties together for a common cause underscore her commitment to fostering positive relationships and achieving shared goals,” shared one nominator.

Since joining App State’s Staff Senate in 2019, Samantha has continued to advocate for the voices and well-being of staff. She brings her experience, warmth, and organizational skills to the table. Her nomination for Secretary reflects not only her leadership but also her genuine care for the UNC community.

Vice Chair Candidate: Jordan Perry

I was born and raised in Iredell County, educated at three UNC System institutions, and have worked at three UNC System institutions. I currently work at Appalachian State University as the Director of Wellness and Prevention Services and teach Introduction to Public Health as an adjunct lecturer. I am a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education; my research focus is poststructural policy analysis.

As of 2025, I have 19 years of experience in the field of public health, including 15 years working to promote health among college students. While working at UNC Asheville, I served on Staff Council for four years and spent one year as Chair. Through that role, I began to work with Staff Assembly and learned of the important role we play in advocating for staff at the state and system level. I believe deeply in investing in staff and have served Staff Assembly as a delegate at large from 2022-2025. During that time, I chaired the Janet B. Royster Scholarship committee and advocated to reduce the application burden and increase the amount of funds awarded. These changes yielded significant increases in scholarship applications: 100 in 2023 and 143 in 2024.

I deeply believe in student-centered practice, and also that our institutions are nothing without the people that comprise them, our stellar staff and faculty. As someone who occupies multiple roles within the institution (staff, student, and faculty), I know how important all our contributions are to student success and institutional sustainability. I am concerned that staff, in particular, are at risk in an increasingly difficult political and fiscal environment. I say the hard parts out loud and ask the questions most folks in the room are thinking but may not be willing to ask. I’m a skilled facilitator, organizer, and I am committed to building community within Staff Assembly. I know that working collaboratively toward shared goals represents our best chance at improving the staff experience.

Vice Chair Candidate: Timothy Sampson

BIO:

Timothy Sampson serves as the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he brings more than 15 years of experience in the financial aid profession. A proud UNCP alumnus, Tim finds the greatest reward in his work by simply looking out his office window and seeing the students his department has supported thrive across campus.

For the past three years, Tim has also served as Chair of the UNCP Staff Senate, where he has led and contributed to numerous initiatives, including professional development for mid-level managers, the creation of a transition plan policy, advocacy for on-campus childcare, “Sit Down with Staff Senate” engagement events, flexible work scheduling, parking and collaboration with Facilities to address facilities staff concerns. He resides in Pembroke, North Carolina, with his wife, Troaria, who works with the Public Schools of Robeson County, and their three children Ethan, Zariah, and Kyndall. In recognition of his dedication and service, Tim was awarded the UNC System’s prestigious Erskine Bowles Staff Service Award.

Interest Statement:

I am interested in serving as Vice Chair of the Staff Assembly because I deeply believe in this organization and the passion we share for supporting staff across the UNC System. As Vice Chair, my goal is to ensure that all voices are heard and to proactively assist Chairs who may be facing challenges at their institutions. In my role as Chair of the Chairs Committee, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that our campus Chairs are supported at all levels. I will continue to foster open and robust conversations with campus leaders when needed to help move the needle forward for our institutions. I believe that just because something has worked in the past does not mean it will continue to work in the future, innovation and adaptability are key to progress.

As Vice Chair, I would also welcome the opportunity to visit campuses, meet with leadership, and help advance the goals and agenda of the Chair and the Assembly. I am committed to supporting Alan in his role as Chair and stepping in whenever needed to ensure the continued success of the Staff Assembly. I strongly believe in the mission of the Staff Assembly and the thousands of staff we represent and support across the UNC System. If elected as Vice Chair, I look forward to working with all of you to move the Assembly forward together.

Vice Chair Candidate: Lisa Sellers

Lisa Sellers is an experienced professional working in higher education, financial and legal industries. Lisa graduated summa cum laude earning a B.S. degree in Computer Science as well as awarded University Research Scholar and Tackett Outstanding Computer Science Student Awards from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. A leader among peers for 48 years, Lisa served in many governance positions as a student and staff member: Commuter Senator in SGA, Student Delegate to ASG, Staff Council Member and Chair-Elect, Staff Assembly Delegate and a Delegate at-Large.

For the first 12 years on staff, she was the Administrative Assistant for the Faculty Senate where some of her chairs had her accompany UNCA’s delegation to the Faculty Assembly providing on the spot research. Currently, Lisa Sellers is the Program Associate for the University Honors and the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Programs at UNC Asheville.

Although Chair Elect this year of UNCA Staff Council, circumstances gave her the opportunity to begin the year as temporary acting chair accelerating her knowledge to get a start on the learning curve to the position. She was told that she has done a great job stepping up in the role leading meetings, delegating tasks and attending meetings, and reporting before the Board of Trustees. She is known to be a relationship-oriented leader who prioritizes supporting and empowering team members’ work. She tends to focus on communication, collaboration, and respect as means to successful accomplishments and positive work environments. If elected as Vice Chair of Staff Assembly, Lisa would bring her experience and knowledge to aid her representation of staff colleagues and serving the chairs of Staff Councils across the UNC System.

Vice Chair Candidate: Janice Sitzes

My name is Janice Sitzes, and I am honored to be a candidate for vice chair of the UNC System Staff Assembly. I have proudly served at NC State University for over 22 years and have been an active member of the Staff Assembly since 2018. My service began as a delegate representing NC State—during which I held the roles of chair-elect, chair, and past chair of the NC State Staff Senate—and continued through two consecutive terms as Staff Assembly secretary.

Throughout my time with the Assembly, I have contributed to a range of committees and had the privilege of directing the 2022 Chancellors’ Cup Golf Tournament. My passion for service is rooted in a deep commitment to giving back and ensuring positive, inclusive experiences for all involved.

With over two decades as a state employee, I’ve witnessed both significant change and persistent challenges across our institutions. Today, staff are facing unprecedented levels of stress and uncertainty. As vice chair, I will collaborate closely with the executive committee, campus chairs, and the full Assembly to identify opportunities for meaningful change that benefits all staff across the UNC System.

I am especially committed to strengthening collaboration with faculty and student assemblies—building on existing partnerships to ensure our collective voice is heard and respected. While we may not be able to change everything, we can reduce pain points and work toward a more supportive, rewarding workplace for every state employee.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Vice Chair Candidate: Jessica Waldman

My career in higher education began in 2011 as an administrative assistant and has only advanced from there! After several years in administration and student life work, I’ve settled into my career in academic advising. Currently, I work in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as an Academic Advisor and Graduate Program Coordinator UNC Charlotte.

I have served on the Staff Council at UNC Charlotte since the Spring of 2017 and am proud to have been an active member and executive board member for several years. After serving as an area representative, I took on the role of Secretary and have now been in the role as Chair of the council for one year. My work on UNC Charlotte’s Staff Council has been deeply meaningful to me. I have been involved in many initiatives including the hiring of an Ombuds for staff, a reworking of our Telework Policy pre-covid, and addressing compression issues in salary bands for staff members.

I have a passion for working with students at UNC Charlotte, and that passion extends into representing the needs of staff. I believe that our state system can empower and appreciate staff in the necessary ways to retain quality and dedicated staff members who will serve our system with longevity. This sometimes feels unattainable, but my optimism always perseveres, and I want to be an active member of our Staff Assembly to share not only my vision for staff success and retention, but my enduring optimism about the benefits of serving the students of North Carolina state institutions.
Since becoming the Chair of UNC Charlotte’s Staff Council and thus a representative of Staff Assembly, I’ve been proud to serve on several committees including the Erskin Bowles Scholarship committee last year, the Staff Assembly Procedural Handbook committee, and the Tuition Benefit ad hoc committee. This meaningful work fuels me to want to do more and be a more active participant in Staff Assembly matters.

I’m thrilled to accept my nomination for Staff Assembly Vice Chair. I have the enduring desire to serve the staff of the UNC system and make positive changes for all staff, and will work tirelessly to ensure staff are represented in a constantly changing environment!

Vice Chair Candidate: Samantha Williams

Samantha Fuentes-Williams brings nearly two decades of dedicated service to Appalachian State University and the UNC System. A native of Boone, North Carolina, she joined App State in 2007 and currently serves as Department Administrator and MOS Coordinator in the Department of Computer Information Systems within the Walker College of Business.

Her commitment to student success and staff advocacy is evident through her multifaceted leadership. Samantha has served as a program leader for the WCOB Honors Program, club advisor for the Appalachian Supply Chain Club, Transfer Faculty Mentor, and Learning Leader for Alternative Service Experiences. She has co-led multiple study abroad programs and coordinated the university’s annual Cyber Summit conferences.

Samantha’s excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2020 Walker College of Business Outstanding Staff Award, the 2024 AppState Student Success Award, and the 2025 Staff Spirit of Sywassink Award. Her earlier work as Default Prevention Coordinator earned her national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as one of the top 25 specialists in the field.

As Vice-Chair of the UNC Staff Assembly, Samantha will advocate for staff across the system, championing inclusive policies and collaborative solutions. She holds degrees in Business Administration, Office Administration, and Public Management, and is known for her diplomatic leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the university community.

Vice Chair Candidate: Carla Wilson

Carla Wilson is a passionate advocate for staff engagement and shared governance across the UNC System. She currently serves as Chair of the UNCG Staff Senate, where she leads with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and impact. Known for her thoughtful leadership and inclusive approach, Carla has built strong relationships across campus and beyond, working closely with faculty, administrators, and fellow staff leaders to elevate staff voices and strengthen institutional culture.

With a background in education and a deep commitment to service, Carla brings both strategic insight and a personal touch to her work. She has helped launch initiatives that celebrate staff contributions, improve communication, and foster professional growth. Her leadership style is grounded in listening, learning, and lifting others up — qualities that make her a trusted colleague and an effective facilitator.

I’m honored to be nominated for the Vice Chair position of the UNC Staff Assembly, and I’m excited about the opportunity to serve our system-wide staff community in a deeper way.

Over the past several years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful our collective voice can be — when we come together across campuses, share ideas, and advocate for meaningful change. As Vice Chair, I would work to strengthen those connections, support our campus chairs, and help ensure that every staff member feels seen, heard, and valued.

What I bring to this role is a blend of experience, empathy, and action. I understand the importance of balancing structure with flexibility, and I’m comfortable facilitating conversations that move us forward — even when they’re complex. I’m organized, responsive, and committed to making sure our committees are not just formed, but fully supported and empowered to do meaningful work. I also bring a strong working relationship with leadership at my home institution, which allows me to model the kind of collaboration we hope to see system-wide.

Most importantly, I care deeply about the people who make our universities run — and I believe the UNC Staff Assembly is one of the most powerful tools we have to advocate for them. I would be proud to serve as your Vice Chair and to help lead this important work with integrity, energy, and heart.