Annual Staff Assembly May 2, 2011 2011 Elections Biographies of
Nominees
Slide 2
2011 Available Seats A&P SeatsSupport Personnel Seats
2010-2012 Filled 2011-2013 Available Total2010-2012 Filled
2011-2013 Available Total President/Advancement/Athl etics 112011
Administrative Services213224 Student Affairs112101 Academic
Affairs Non- College 112112 Academic Affairs College011112
At-Large112112 Total661266
Slide 3
Guy Cicinelli 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. Support
Personnel
Slide 4
Susan Fohs 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! Support Personnel
Slide 5
Kim Hobart 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. Support Personnel
Slide 6
Kathy McElroy 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 Support
Personnel
Slide 7
CJ McFarland 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. Support Personnel
Slide 8
Amber Pacheco 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 bachelors 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 5 th 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 Ive 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. Id like to serve as
a liaison between the two professional groups, relaying suggestions
for improvement from staff members as well as their positive
feedback. Im 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 its such a new institution. We are helping develop
history as the days go by! In 20 years, Im sure Ill 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! Support Personnel
Slide 9
Trish Smith 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, Theres 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! Support
Personnel
Slide 10
Karen Volpe 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 Counsels 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. Support Personnel
Slide 11
Sandy Zablackas 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 employees 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 employees 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 employees 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. Support Personnel
Slide 12
Neela Chevli 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 theres
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. Administrative & Professional
Slide 13
Waner Del Rosario 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 were not afraid to say
hello to each other, even if we dont remember your name. The sense
of pride that everyone, staff and students, have towards FGCU is
simply exciting; youd be hard pressed to find someone who wouldnt
smile when greeted with a hearty GO EAGLES! Administrative &
Professional
Slide 14
Tia Freiburger 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 masters degree at the University of
Tennessee. I am running for SAC for a second term because I dont
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. Administrative & Professional
Slide 15
Jennifer Gabou Head Womens Tennis Coach University Athletics
Administrative & Professional
Slide 16
Andrea Davis Henry 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. Administrative & Professional
Slide 17
Elizabeth Loredo 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. Administrative & Professional
Slide 18
Elspeth McCulloch 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 FGCUstaff, faculty and students. FGCU has a
great spirit and community. It is a joy and a privilege to be part
of it. Administrative & Professional
Slide 19
Juanita Mottley Hello my name is Juanita Mottley; I have been
employed at FGCU for almost eight years. I received my bachelors
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. Administrative & Professional
Slide 20
David Nichols Head Womens Volleyball Coach University Athletics
Administrative & Professional
Slide 21
Emma Reeners 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 persons
perspective to those topics and issues. One of my favorite things
about FGCU is its 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. Administrative & Professional
Slide 22
Colleen Sorem 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 Administrative
& Professional
Slide 23
Suzanne Specht 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 Ive 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!! Ive been impressed with what SAC does and feel we
can enhance those accomplishments. My nickname is Resource
Queensince 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
FGCUto be your voiceto be on your side!!! Love the fun events that
we do, i.e. Cinco de Mayo Love the energy from the students and
staffits invigorating to see excitement and passion !!!
Administrative & Professional
Slide 24
Carl Steinberg 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 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. Administrative &
Professional