Candidate Biographies & Interest Statements


 

Delegate At Large Candidate: Alexandra (Alex) Fields

I am honored to serve as the Director of the Department of Student Community Ethics at Western Carolina University (WCU). I have worked at WCU since June 2017, serving first as an Area Coordinator and then Associate Director of Residence Life before being named the Interim Director of the Department of Student Community Ethics in October 2022 and then accepted the permanent role in March 2023. Outside of my role in Student Affairs, I have served as a delegate of WCU Staff Senate since July 2021 and will complete my current term in July 2024. While serving in this role, I have served as the Chair of the Staff Engagement Committee (2021-22), Chair of the Governance Committee (2022-23) and was recently named as a delegate representing WCU on the UNC System Staff Assembly (2023-24). During my first Assembly meeting, I was selected by fellow WCU delegates to serve on an ad-hoc Governance committee to review proposed changes to the UNC System Staff Assembly bylaws.

Outside of work, I am student at UNC Wilmington in the Educational Leadership EdD program focusing on Higher Education. My areas of interest include sense of belonging and how sense of belonging impacts retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students, and the resilience of underserved and underrepresented students. I also serve as the advisor of the Upsilon Zeta undergraduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. at WCU and am a proud member of the Gamma Upsilon Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. My partner, Travis, and I live in Franklin, NC and love exploring all that is offered in the great state of North Carolina.

I hold degrees from Valencia Community College (AA General Studies), the University of Central Florida (BS Psychology), and the University of Kentucky (MSW Clinical Social Work). Prior to working at Western Carolina University, I served as a Residence Hall Director at the University of Cincinnati. Other than my professional experience in education, I have also had a career in the hospitality industry at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, and have worked as a crisis counselor and advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the central Kentucky region.

I am thrilled to run for the Delegate-At-Large role within the UNC System Staff Assembly. I identify with the principles of Servant Leadership and see this opportunity as a chance to serve my fellow staff members throughout the UNC system and give back in recognition of the invaluable opportunities I have been granted as a staff member within the University of North Carolina system. Further, I am eager to serve as a member of the executive committee of the UNC System Staff Assembly in an effort to do more, listen more, and be more for those who we are serving. My experiences on Staff Senate and within my sorority have given me insight and knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order, event planning, philanthropy, and representing others by ensuring that all voices are heard to the greatest extent possible. I am a compassionate, empathetic listener and supporter – and a strong administrator who is highly organized and can manage multiple priorities with integrity and dedication. If my fellow delegates see it fit to elect me for this position, I will focus on assisting in moving the Assembly further through collaboration, service, and commitment.

Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this role.

In Service,

Alex

Alexandra M. Fields, MSW
Director, Department of Student Community Ethics
Senator, WCU Staff Senate
Delegate, UNC System Staff Assembly

Delegate At Large Candidate: Darren Gainey

Darren Gainey is a dedicated professional who has been a valued member of the Winston-Salem State University community since 2019. He previously served as the Program Coordinator for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and now serves as the Business Coordinator for Business & Auxiliary Services. With a professional career spanning several years, Darren is a seasoned expert who possesses an unwavering passion for student success and achievement. His commitment to the university’s mission is evident through his extensive involvement, having served as a prominent member of the Staff Senate for three years.

Darren’s dedication to Winston-Salem State University extends beyond the campus, as he aspires to represent the institution in both the local and state arenas. His enthusiasm for enhancing the university’s brand and image aligns seamlessly with his candidacy for the UNC Staff Assembly At-Large Delegate position. Darren’s deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and his commitment to advancing the university’s goals make him an ideal candidate to advocate for the interests of Winston-Salem State University within the UNC system.

In his role as UNC Staff Assembly At-Large Delegate, Darren Gainey’s vision and determination will undoubtedly contribute to the university’s continued growth and success, further solidifying its reputation as a beacon of excellence in education.

Delegate At Large Candidate: Jordan Perry

Hi friends,

My name is Jordan Perry (they/she) and I work at Appalachian State University. I have worked in the field of public health for 17 years, including 14 years in higher education. I currently serve as a Delegate At Large for the Staff Assembly and stepped in to fill a 2022-2023 vacancy. I would like to continue serving in this capacity for 2023-2025. Currently, I chair the Janet B. Royster Scholarship Committee and am thrilled to be able to support our incredible staff in pursuing education and professional development.

I am a proud product of North Carolina and the UNC System. I was born and raised in Iredell County, attended UNC Asheville for my bachelor’s degree, UNC Chapel Hill for my master’s degree, and I am working to complete my doctorate in educational leadership at Appalachian State University. I study burnout and feel passionately about advocating for our staff. I have worked at UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Asheville (and served as Staff Council Chair while there), and now at Appalachian State University. I believe that making a place or institution more better and more just is an act of love.

I am a mediocre roller derby player, I grew way too much lettuce in my garden this year, and I have a mischievous little black cat named Olive. I am the person who says what many of us are thinking and I deeply believe in the power of people working together towards shared goals.

Thank you for your consideration.

Delegate At Large Candidate: Lisa Petersen

My name is Lisa Petersen. I serve as an Operations Coordinator/Regulatory Manager at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have my master’s degree in social work and have a extensive background in the social work field since 2003. I have worked with several backgrounds of individuals throughout my employment including children, domestic violence victims, mental health, medical, hospice and most recently children in research studies. I have always had a passion in working with those who cannot advocate for themselves. Along with this, I have a passion for compliance and regulatory; creating policies and assuring that policies are followed has always been something that I am passionate about.

With a social work background, I am able to work well with others, while standing up for those who I represent, all while being respectful and making sure that everyone if being heard and feeling that they are being heard.

I look forward to working with our UNC System to assure that we can all feel we are making this system a great place to work for and with!

Delegate At Large Candidate: Jill Phipps

My name is Jill Phipps, and I have been an active member with the NC State Staff Senate since 2012. I am running for the position of At Large Delegate, and based on my experience, I am confident that if chosen, you will find that my loyalty and integrity would be to put the concerns and needs of our staff members first. I have held many roles within the NC Staff Senate which include being the Subcommittee Chair of the Computer Loan Program and Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. I have also served as an Executive Officer as Parliamentarian, Vice-Chair and Chair of our NC State Staff Senate. I am currently serving as the NC State Representative with the Cooperative Raleigh Colleges which plans conferences for staff members to attend that will enhance their professional career growth. Other committees that I serve on within our University are the Group Insurance and Benefits committee and NC State University Collaborative committee on Diversity and Inclusivity.

I am honored to announce that I am a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and I recently received certification to teach QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer).

I have been serving as a delegate to the UNC Staff Assembly since July 2022.
My dedication, loyalty and “can-do” attitude pushes me to go the “extra mile”. Case in point, in July 2022 Chair Crystal Woods tasked me and two others to work on researching “bereavement” opportunities that could be granted to our Staff. A three-person committee became a two-person committee that consisted of myself and Keith Hines. Keith and I presented to the UNC Staff Assembly in April 2022 an update of research and recommendations for a “bereavement” benefit for our staff. I am proud to say that I continued working on this project and submitted a resolution to our UNC Staff Assembly Executive Board in September. With the assistance of our now Chair, Shayna Hill, the resolution is in the process to be discussed with our UNC Staff Assembly and will go to the next level.

I recently served as a member of the Ad Hoc Governance committee led by our Parliamentarian, Garrett Killian in which each of the members on this committee were tasked review the proposed bylaw changes that were provided to our UNC Staff Assembly in July. We were tasked to provide recommendations to the Executive Board, and this was completed in a timely manner.

My motto is “Passion and Positivity can make the Impossible Happen” and you can count on me to share my passion for what will make our UNC System Schools to be the best place to work, and with “great positivity”, you will never see me discouraged as we all strive for the betterment of our staff. I truly believe that “we are never in the dark, if we are willing to ignite the spark”.

I often say to others that “work is my hobby” however, when I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I love the work that I do for the University, and I love working with the UNC Staff Assembly as a delegate. I believe in hope and continued progress for all.

Delegate At Large Candidate: Penny Smith

My name is Penelope “Penny” Smith and I am a dedicated HR professional at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where I am entering my 22nd year. Currently, I am the senior member of the Talent Solutions team where my main focus is on student & temporary employment, with working knowledge of Foreign National employment. I have served on the Staff Senate at NCAT since 2015. I am the Chair of the Community Service Committee and I am the recent Past Chair of the Staff Senate and have served on the Assembly since 2021.

I am very active in the Greensboro community, where I was born and raised. I serve on various boards, Habitat For Humanity of Great Greensboro, Partnership Homes Inc, and volunteer with various organizations. I serve our campus community with love and enthusiasm daily and welcome the opportunity to listen to help my institution be a better place to work while boosting morale.

I am proud to have been nominated as a Delegate At Large, and if elected, I will work to grow in my knowledge about the UNC System, learn how to help other University employees understand information that is disseminated as I serve on committees.

Thank you for your consideration.

Delegate At Large Candidate: Brian Wayne

Hailing from a small-town Kinston, NC, I knew that there was better out there for me. Raised by a single mother, whose life calling was to be an educator, I sometimes had no choice but to excel, and excel I did. After completion of high school in 2008, I left Kinston with the intention of attending North Carolina Central University. That was until I attended the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) summer bridge program at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and learned of their aviation science program. I was instantly hooked and made what I believe was one of the best decisions ever, to attend ECSU. Four years later, I graduated and began a career in law enforcement on the state and county levels. Knowing that education beyond a bachelor’s degree was necessary to progress in any field, I enrolled at Grantham University (now University of Arkansas at Grantham) and completed my Master of Science in Information Technology degree in 2021. In December of 2021, I began my current role as the Graduate Programs Recruiter “back home” at my alma mater, ECSU. In any position that I’ve had, my number one goal is to make a positive impact in someone’s life. If elected as a Delegate At-Large, I will continue to serve those that I will have a direct and indirect impact on. For it is not about me, but what I can do for others.

Parliamentarian Candidate: Pat Gaddy

Greetings,

I am Pat Gaddy, Assistant to Assistant Vice Chancellor in Office of Information Technology at NC State University. I have served for many years on the NC State University Staff Senate as the voice for my constituents and the university staff. I am also humbled that in 1995 I was instrumental in helping to build the foundation of what currently stands today. I am past chair of the Staff Senate where I served 2020-2021. I served as chair of the Governance Committee, where I assisted in two revisions of our bylaws. I also chaired our Human Resources committee and I have been on various boards and other committees within the university community.

I have been a delegate in the Staff Assembly for 6 years and a delegate at Large on the Executive Committee for the past two years. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained in this position as it relates to the entire body has been invaluable. – from assisting with the planning of the Chancellor’s Cup Golf Tournament to meeting agendas, it has all been so rewarding. That is why I am honored to accept the nomination for Parliamentarian.

As your Parliamentarian, I will assist in the drafting and interpretation of the bylaws and Roberts Rules of Order and the planning and conduct of meetings as appropriate. I am knowledgeable, experienced, with parliamentary procedures—and I am committed to being honest, reliable and transparent in making decisions that are in the best interests of our assembly.

My involvement in meetings on our campus as well as in my local community has enabled me to be well familiar with Roberts Rule of Order. I’m happy to say that as chair of the Nominations Committee for the past two years I am equally knowledgeable of the bylaws of this great assembly. If elected, my goal will be to ensure that the business of the Staff Assembly be handled properly and smoothly for everyone on both sides of an issue. My experience as a Lecturer, Public Speaker and Facilitator supports my ability to communicate clearly and effectively, which I believe is important in the role of Parliamentarian.

Your parliamentarian should be someone reliable and trusted to provide accurate advice to protect the rights of the minority, while maintaining the rule of the majority thereby promoting the most efficient proceedings possible-THAT’S ME!
From the informal training on parliamentary procedures that I was privileged to participate in given by the Chief of Staff for the System’s Office- to my formal training from my association with the outside community—and the working relationship that I have had with the incoming chair over the past several years makes me the right one for the job.

Please consider electing me, Pat Gaddy for your next Parliamentarian!

Thank you.

Parliamentarian Candidate: Garrett Killian

It is an honor to accept the nomination for UNC System Staff Assembly Parliamentarian. As current parliamentarian and past chair (2019-2021) I bring a great deal of experience and historical perspective to the Assembly.

I began as ECU Staff Senate chair in 2013 and have been engaged in the Staff Assembly ever since. My passion is advocating for the 35,000 plus staff that we represent. I have done this as an at-large delegate, parliamentarian, immediate past chair, and with heavy involvement with the Chancellors’ Cup Golf Tournament and Janet B. Royster Scholarship. I have led bylaws revisions and most recently spearheaded our latest update in 2020. I also have experience writing resolutions and led a full procedure manual re-write in 2021. Leading the ECU Staff senate, this group, and being parliamentarian have allowed me to become very familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order. This is our guiding document for conducting meetings, so it’s of the utmost importance an effective parliamentarian understands Robert’s Rules. I have a great understanding of how these rules apply to our body.

Most recently, I have been appointed to lead the current ad-hoc governance committee where we are evaluating and making recommendations to some proposed bylaws changes introduced at our July meeting. We are taking a very methodical approach to our review, ensuring we are not rushed and thoroughly evaluating the proposed changes so we can make the best possible recommendation to the Assembly.

As your parliamentarian, I will work closely with the chair and entire executive committee. Shayna Hill, our incoming chair, and I have worked together for several years and have a great relationship. I am all about inclusivity and being transparent. My leadership style is to serve the best interest of the Assembly, not my best interests. I want what is best for our group and the staff we represent.

I would be honored to have your vote as parliamentarian and continue to serve the UNC System staff and the Assembly.

Parliamentarian Candidate: Zachary Williams

I have been employed at Western Carolina University since January of 2014 where I started as a Resident Director in the Department of Residential Living. After transitioning to the role of Area Coordinator I changed divisions into Academic Affairs in the summer of 2017 where I served as the Pre-Professional Academic Advisor through Fall of 2021. In the Fall of 2021 I returned to the Division of Student Affairs as the Assistant Director for the Department of Student Community Ethics. As of Spring 2023 I am serving as the University Investigator in the Office of Legal Counsel and Institutional Integrity.

I have served on the WCU Staff Senate since Summer of 2019. During my first term on senate I had the privilege to serve as the Co-Chair (’20-’21) and Chair (’21-’22) of the Governance Committee. During my second term I served as the Staff Senate Chair Elect for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and am currently serving as the Chair for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

I am interested in serving as the Parliamentarian because I have a healthy respect for rules, guidelines, and doing things in an established manner to limit discourse among interacting individuals. From a Staff Assembly, and Staff Senate perspective I can best serve the members and organization by ensuring the appropriate decorum is being followed and enforced. Additionally, during my time on the WCU Staff Senate I have assisted in the review and revision of our Bylaws while serving as Chair for the Governance Committee and I feel the skills and experience I gained from that process can benefit the Staff Assembly as we begin reviewing our Bylaws for potential revision and amendment. I believe there is more we can be doing as an Assembly currently to make being a member in the future more welcoming, understandable, and turmoil free. The first steps of this process are bringing our Bylaws into alignment with our current practices and expectations, as well as establishing or incorporating a code of conduct to help new members understand what is expected of them. Further, I hope to bring about a more thorough approach in how the Assembly follows Roberts Rules of Order so as to minimize tangents in our Assembly meetings and ensure our time is utilized as efficiently as possible. I recognize that our Bylaws should be structured to protect all of our members and hope to assist in bringing forth a set of Bylaws which are balanced and ensure all members of the Assembly will be able to have their voices heard.

Thank you for your consideration,
– Zachary Williams, WCU 2023-2024 Staff Senate Chair

Secretary Candidate: Janice Sitzes

I am delighted and honored to accept the nomination to run for secretary of the UNC System Staff Assembly for 2023-2025. I have had the privilege of serving in that capacity for the past two years. During that this time I have strived to serve the Assembly and fulfill my duties by providing timely, accurate transcriptions of our full body meetings as well as the monthly executive committee meetings. My experience in the role and passion for serving the interests of UNC System staff fuel my strong desire to continue serving in this capacity.

Prior to my 2021-2023 role as secretary, I represented NC State as a delegate to the Staff Assembly from 2018-2021 during my tenure as chair-elect, chair, and past-chair of NC State’s Staff Senate. During my time with Staff Assembly, I have also served as director of the 2021 Chancellors’ Cup Golf Tournament, as a volunteer at previous years’ golf tournaments, on the Thomas Ross Award Committee, and on the Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award Committee.

I am committed to not just representing the interests of System staff, but to serving as an ally and advocate for programs, policies, and initiatives that will contribute to a safe and equitable working environment that offers personal and professional fulfillment.

I have found personal and professional fulfillment during my 20+ years as an employee of NC State University, currently as the Director of Continuing and Professional Education for the College of Natural Resources, including the opportunity to go back to school and complete a doctorate in higher education administration. My extensive years on campus and time in the classroom have provided valuable insights that have informed my service to Staff Assembly.

Over the years I have worked closely with our incoming chair, Shayna Hill, and greatly respect her leadership skills and integrity. I welcome the opportunity to continue to work with her and the other members of the executive committee in the role of your UNC System secretary.

Vice Chair Candidate: Alan Porch

Hi y’all!!

I’m Alan Porch, Department Business Manager(EHRA non-faculty) in the department of Mathematics, in the College of Sciences at NC State University.

I’m a North Carolina native and an alumnus of Appalachian State University (BS-Communication, class of 1997), an alumnus of the Tweetsie Railroad Entertainment division-sadly not as a can-can dancer-but do I have a story about that-and also an alumnus of Louisiana Tech University (Masters, class of 2001.) I have two cats, Patsy and Eddie, a partner that lives in another state and I kinda died briefly in 2021 (CPR saves lives.)

I’ve been a system employee for over 17 years, all of it at NC State University. I’ve worked under the Advancement umbrella in University Communications, and Mathematics is my second academic department. I have an understanding of what it’s like to work in both the academic and administrative sides of the university operation. Part of my time in University Communications saw me work to balance charge-back budgets, so I understand how auxiliary services work and the complexities associated with them. I feel like I’ve had a great understanding of what it’s like to work at a public university in our system. I’ve been on the NC State Staff Senate for a little over seven years, and in nearly five of those years in various leadership roles before I became Chair.

Before I was a NC State employee, I was an Equity Stage Manager-and if you’re familiar with the role-you know it’s nearly everything under the sun depending on your organization, but basically, it’s managing people and processes to bring together a director’s vision. The vision I see is one where we build a better community for all by being that better community. ” Be the community we want to be and Build the community we want to see” is the motto for this term within the NC State Staff Senate. The opportunity to serve as Vice Chair gives me an opportunity to help manage how we do that as UNC Staff Assembly. We all have different levels of support, and this role helps us come together through our Chair’s meetings and backs up-and perhaps, keeps the Chair hitting their marks and is ready if they need help with anything and everything. Being that community that is there for one another, building understanding, and using empathy will help us lead change-together.

I’d really like to have the opportunity to be a part of the Executive team as Vice Chair and see what we can do together.

Vice Chair Candidate: Susan Smith

I, after a 20+ year career in the private sector using my education in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University, began my career in higher ed 8 years ago at University of North Carolina Wilmington. I am fortunate to work within the Department of Campus Recreation as the Members Services Operations Coordinator with an amazing team of Professional and student staff members.

I joined UNCW’s Staff Senate after trying to find a way to become more involved in my campus and to be able to help serve our community. I have been involved with UNCW’s Staff Senate since 2017. I am currently serving my second term as Chair of UNCW’s Staff Senate after serving as Chair in 2020-2021. I have found that through our Staff Senate service that I have been able to become a more engaged staff member. I have had the privilege to serve on several campus wide committees through my involvement and have been able to help share the voices of staff with our leadership team. I have the honor to be currently serving as one of the co-chairs of UNCW’s Strategic Plan and Design Committee to help design UNCW next Strategic Plan. This plan is for UNCW next 10 years and is important to ensure the continued great work being done in our region for our students and community.

I have also had the opportunity to serve as a delegate on the Staff Assembly since 2017. This role has been rewarding to see what a body like the Assembly can do when all work together. We have been able to advocate and help implement changes that are positive for the staff of all campuses such as Parental Leave. I feel truly honored and grateful to work with the amazing members of this body to make a positive impact for our staff.