Candidate Information

George Banks

Academic Advisor, University College

"My name is George Banks, and I am excited to submit my nomination to serve on the Staff Council. For more than a decade, Illinois State has been a place I am proud to call home. From my early beginnings as an undergraduate student, the University's commitment to fostering relationships and collaboration has consistently stood out to me.

Since 2017, I have served as an academic advisor in University College. During this time, I've had the privilege of supporting students as they pursue their academic and professional goals. This work, however, relies on strong relationships across campus, and I believe the restructuring of Staff Council presents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen those connections and advocate for our campus staff and the important work that we do.

I would welcome the opportunity to serve and to help elevate staff voices, build collaboration, and support the continued success of our Redbird community."

Amke De Boes

Coordinator, Office of International Engagement

"I have served on AP Council for almost 3 years and greatly enjoyed partaking in shared governance to ensure staff voices and needs across campus are being heard. Starting in Fall of 2025, I have been serving as Treasurer on the executive board, while continuing to support our council merger, programming, parking, staff awards, and student scholarship sub-committees. I believe my experience will be an asset to the staff council as we transition into our future as a merged council. My professional lens is that of a staff member with an immigration background and working with international students, whilst having been an undergraduate student, graduate student, and faculty member in past roles at ISU."

Daniel Freburg

Director of School of Information Technology Learning Center, School of School of Information Technology

"I joined the AP council in 2024 and have enjoyed every meeting, discussion, vote, etc.  Being part of ISU and being privileged to serve on the AP council are the reasons I seek election to the new staff council.  As Director of the IT Learning Center, School of IT, I'm involved daily in promoting student success while also supervising the graduate assistants.  Every day of work is enjoyable, and the interactions I have with colleagues are another enjoyable aspect of being an ISU staff member.  As a member of the AP council during the past 2 years, I've experienced the importance of shared governance, and I hope to continue contributing to our voice."

Stuart Palmer

Senior Honors Advising Specialist, Honors Program

"I previously served on the Civil Service Council and currently serve as an ex officio on the A/P Council, serving as the A/P Representative on the Academic Senate. I would love the opportunity to serve on this newly merged Staff Council and with the support of the other Council members, to continue to act as a Council Representative on the Academic Senate. The Staff Council is an important part of our shared governance structure, and I believe it is more important now than it has ever been. Staff voices need to be heard, and represented at all levels of the University."

Amy Secretan

Academic Advisor, Honors Program

"I have worked at Illinois State University since 2010 and have seen the university survive and thrive throughout many changes. I am very active in the university community, serving on various committees and working groups across campus. I served on the Administrative/Professional Council for six years (serving two years as chair) and was part of the working group coordinating the formation of the new Staff Council. I really appreciate the role that shared governance plays at ISU, and I believe being part of a merged Staff Council will strengthen that shared governance. If elected, I intend to listen and advocate for my colleagues and try to address concerns that affect all ISU employees regardless of classification so that we are all stronger together."

Rebecca Brown

Associate Director for Partnerships and International Visitors/CS Program Coordinator, Office of International Engagement (OIE)

"As a community member, civil service employee, and ISU alumna, I am committed to actively participating in shared governance and serving the campus community. I value the opportunity to represent staff voices, contribute to thoughtful decision-making, and support initiatives that strengthen both our people and our institution. I believe in fostering collaboration, transparency, and a positive workplace culture that allows Illinois State University to thrive."

Lawson Cassels

Network Engineer, Technology Solutions - Infrastructure Operations and Networking (TS-ION)

"Illinois State has been an important part of my professional life for nearly two decades, and I would be honored to help support the continued strength of our staff community for years to come. I am interested in serving on the Staff Council because I value the positive culture we have built together, and want to help sustain it. I believe in contributing constructively, and reinforcing the supportive, collaborative working environment that benefits both staff and the broader university community."

Monica Elkin

Building Service Supervisor, Maintenance and Operations

"I would like to continue serving on the Civil Service Council because I truly enjoy being part of a group that supports and advocates for our civil service employees. It has been a pleasure working alongside others who care so deeply about our campus community.
My time working with the Foundation and the Ewing Board has also been incredibly rewarding, and those experiences have strengthened my commitment to service and collaboration. I value the connections I've made and the projects we've been able to support together.
I'd be grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing, helping keep communication strong, and representing the needs and voices of our civil service staff in a positive and supportive way."

Becky Franz

Director of Design Services, Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction

"I have been on campus for nearly 12 years and have participated in many hiring committees, planning teams related to my position, and leadership experiences, but I have not gotten involved in the council.  I have been honored to work with many people across campus on Facilities related projects and have enjoyed becoming very familiar with campus as a built environment.  I enjoy creating space solutions for the students, faculty, and staff that work and learn on campus.  I am interested in the opportunity to be more involved in supporting ISU staff, my coworkers, and the chance to get to know others from outside my office and regular work responsibilities."

Terry Jackson

Data & Placement Coordinator, Lauby Teacher Education Center

"I hope to use my experience serving on both councils to set the foundation for the new staff council and continue representing and advocating for staff members all over campus."

Holly Johnson

Data Communications Coordinator, Planning, Research, and Policy Analysis (PRPA)

"I am seeking an elected position on the Staff Service Council because I am committed to supporting and elevating the work of civil service employees across Illinois State University. Serving as an Ex-Officio member and Co‑Vice Chair for Marketing has given me a meaningful understanding of the Council's impact, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing through clear communication, collaboration, and strategic outreach. I value the chance to represent my colleagues, amplify their voices, and help strengthen the initiatives that make ISU a supportive and connected campus community."

Zubayer Khaled

Award Manager, Grants and Contracts Associate, Research and Sponsored Program

"I am seeking election to the Staff Council because I am committed to supporting a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent workplace at Illinois State University. In my role as a Grants and Contracts Associate, I work closely with colleagues across departments, which has given me a strong appreciation for the diverse needs and voices within our staff community.
Serving on the Staff Council would allow me to advocate for those voices, contribute to meaningful shared governance, and help strengthen communication between staff and administration. I am dedicated to promoting fairness, professional growth, and a positive work environment for all ISU employees."

Alicia Lage 

Protection of Minors Program Coordinator

"I am honored to be nominated and to have the opportunity to pursue election to Staff Council. As both an alumna and an employee, Illinois State holds very personal meaning to me. This University has shaped my professional path, and I care deeply about the people who make this campus such a supportive and meaningful place to work.

Through my role, I have the privilege of collaborating with colleagues across many areas of the University, and I am continually inspired by the dedication, expertise, and care that staff bring to their work. I believe Staff Council plays an important role in ensuring those voices are heard, valued, and supported.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve, to listen, and to contribute in ways that help strengthen our campus community. I am especially committed to supporting open communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and efforts that help staff feel connected, respected, and empowered in their work."

Lawrence Lair

Graphic Designer, University Marketing and Communications

"Previously held a full 3-year term in the Civil Service Council 2022-25 and chaired several committees within. Would love to lend a hand to the new merged council."

Dillon Maher 

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communication, Office of Admissions

"Dillon Maher has been part of the Illinois State University community since beginning his undergraduate studies in 2013. After graduating with a degree from the School of Communication in 2017, he began working in the Office of Admissions while earning a master's degree from the Department of Technology and graduate certificate in business analytics.

As an Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications in the Office of Admissions, Dillon collaborates with faculty and staff across the University to support undergraduate recruitment and enrollment. This cross campus work has given him an understanding of the needs, perspectives, and priorities of departments throughout the institution.

Additionally, Dillon has connected with colleagues from across campus through work on committees and initiatives including the Digital Accessibility Committee, Emergency Management's Situation Unit Team, HR's Leadership Certificate Program, Enrollment Management EDI Committee, and Civic Engagement Ambassadors, among others.

Most recently, he volunteered as an ex officio member of the Civil Service Council, where he stepped into a leadership role guiding the Council's marketing and communications efforts. This work has prepared him to support the mission of the newly merged Staff Council.
In addition to his full time role, Dillon teaches COM 268: Public Relations Writing and Production. Teaching allows him to stay connected to the University's academic mission.

Dillon looks forward to the opportunity to serve and advocate for staff across the University through thoughtful communication, campus engagement, and a strong commitment to shared governance."

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Miller 

Front End Web Developer, College of Arts and Sciences Information Technology

"I view this as a great opportunity to become more involved in the campus community and would be honored to help represent Civil Service employees on this council.  I am passionate about accessibility and want to do my best to engage with both faculty and staff to address needs across campus."

Derek O'Connell

Assistant Director for Curriculum Services, University College

"I have been an ISU employee for ten years, formerly in the Philosophy Department and now at University College. Last fall I transitioned from Administrative/Professional to Civil Service. In my time at ISU I've engaged in a wide range of university service, including two terms on the Administrative/Professional Council and a brief period as A/P Council Chair. I have been a core member of the Staff Council merger working group since 2022, working with members of the Civil Service Council to develop and implement the Staff Council merger proposal. On that working group, my tasks included writing the news articles explaining the merger and drafting the new Staff Council Constitution and Bylaws.

I would like to join the Staff Council to help support it as it shifts from proposal to reality. I have years of experience with the shared governance processes in which the Staff Council will be involved. I know the new Constitution and Bylaws extremely well, and would like to be there as they go from proposal to implementation. I believe the Staff Council will represent a stronger, more unified voice for staff in ISU's shared governance, and hope to help it cement that status."

Calvin Ross

Foreman, Facilities - Plumbing Shop

"I am interested in gaining a broader understanding of the challenges and priorities outside our department so I can better support colleagues across Illinois State University. As the Foreman of the Plumbing Shop, I strongly believe in ISU's Core Values-strategy, excellence, accountability, and service. My role reflects each of these principles, and I view clear, consistent communication as essential to achieving them. I am committed to contributing to ISU's continued success by helping foster effective communication among staff, the Academic Senate, the Board of Trustees, the Student Government Association, and other appropriate campus constituencies."

Shawna Walsh

Office Administrator for Compliance and Admissions, Mennonite College of Nursing

"I am wanting to get more involved with university wide."

Rachel Waring-Sparks

Assistant Director of Assessment, Center for Civic Engagement

"Throughout my career at Illinois State University, I have been deeply committed to shared governance, equitable representation, and elevating the voices of those who often go unheard in institutional decision-making. I am seeking election to Staff Council because I believe that staff perspectives are essential to a thriving university community, and I want to help ensure those perspectives are heard at every level of administration.

My background has prepared me well for this role. As Assistant Director of Assessment at the Center for Civic Engagement, I work daily at the intersection of institutional accountability and community impact, translating data into actionable recommendations that improve programs and policies. Throughout my time in higher education, I have built extensive experience bridging communication across diverse stakeholders in both academic and practical settings, skills that directly align with Staff Council's mission to facilitate effective dialogue between shared governance bodies.

I also bring experience in governance and service leadership. As a graduate student at ISU and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I served on departmental and university committees and held office in national scholarly organizations. In my current role, I serve on the Student Affairs Assessment Team and Assessment Advisory Council, giving me firsthand insight into how assessment and policy decisions are made across both divisions. I also recently led our successful institutional re-application for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, which required coordination and shared decision-making with stakeholders across campus to create a comprehensive narrative of ISU's community engagement. These experiences have taught me how institutions make decisions and, more importantly, how staff members can meaningfully shape those decisions when given a seat at the table.

Finally, my desire to serve is rooted in my personal values of integrity, connection, learning, and dignity. These ideals shape how I approach my work every day. I believe staff deserve honest representation, meaningful relationships with decision-makers, policies informed by evidence and continuous improvement, and a workplace where every person is treated with respect. Staff Council is the vehicle through which I can bring those values to life on behalf of my colleagues, and I would be honored to serve in this role."

Wendi Whitman

Director of Advising, Enrollment Management & Academic Services

"Please accept my nomination for the Illinois State University Staff Council. During my tenure at Illinois State, I regularly connect with colleagues across the university to deliver efficient academic support for our Redbirds. I often collaborate across departments/schools and strive to strengthen communication whenever possible. These duties align with the Council's mission to represent staff in shared governance and advise on staff welfare and employment conditions. 

My work is connected to the needs and perspectives of colleagues across campus. From front-line employees to administrative roles, I believe most people want to do their work well and need clear, fundamental details to accomplish this. This position will allow me to contribute effectively to the Council's advisory role, working with the Academic Senate, Board of Trustees, Human Resources, and campus leadership. When challenges arise, I'm committed to working toward a solution-approaching difficult situations with balanced perspectives, creativity, and a focus on continuous progress.

I welcome the opportunity to guide the new staff council during this time of change by harnessing the work that's built this reimagined group. I work to be an inclusive voice for all staff members. I value clear expectations, effective training and development opportunities, transparent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving. I would be honored to advocate for the success and well-being of ISU staff while learning a new way to serve this valuable community."

Heather Winfrey-Richman

Contracts Manager, Research and Sponsored Programs

"Hello, my name is Heather Winfrey-Richman, and I am seeking your vote for a seat of the new ISU Staff Council.
As a proud Redbird alumna, I deeply believe in the mission and vision of Illinois State University. Since 2013, I've had the honor of serving ISU in several roles-first as the Academics Special Projects Manager and Assistant to the Associate Dean for Academics and Program Directors at Mennonite College of Nursing, and currently as the Contracts Manager for Research and Sponsored Programs.
My commitment to being a service-driven leader shines through in my work as a Civil Service Council member, a search advocate, registered student organization advisor, and member of numerous college and university committees. I am a dedicated problem solver who strives to find equitable, thoughtful solutions to the challenges we face. I believe deeply in transparency, inclusion, and collaboration, and I will bring these values to the Council if elected.
I am passionate about fostering a campus environment where all voices are heard and respected. If given the opportunity, I will work hard to ensure that your concerns are acknowledged, your ideas are brought forth, and your contributions are recognized.
I would be honored to represent and serve you on the Council, and I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
Thank you for your time and consideration."