Who We Are
Staff Council is composed of elected representatives who work closely with university administration to address issues and develop best solutions for staff and the university community. Representatives are elected to a two-year term of service and are expected to actively engage their constituents and participate in Staff Council initiatives. Staff Council ensures that all schools and campus units are represented.
2025–2026 Staff Council Leadership
Ryan Freytag J.D.Staff Council Chair
CMU Position: Director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement,
University Engagement
Staff Council Committees and Chairs
The Staff Council general body is composed of a set of sub-committees that are open to any staff member of the CMU community to join.
Benefits Committee
The Benefits Committee researches and discusses issues related to the staff benefits package and helps to educate staff on the range of benefits and services available to them.
The committee hears concerns or calls-to-action from staff members and may partner with Human Resources and Faculty Senate to address issues or proposals related to employee benefits.
OPEN
Staff Council Benefits Co-Chair
Matt Mroz
Communications Co-Chair
CMU Position: Technical Writer and Content Strategist, Office of Human Resources
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee provides vehicles and venues to communicate the activities and goals of Staff Council.
The committee advises on message and engagement strategies to build and strengthen relationships, to connect staff with important information and resources, and to provide channels by which Staff Council gathers questions, concerns, and great ideas from its constituents.
Kaycee Palko
Communications Co-Chair
CMU Position: Academic Advisor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ryan McKelvey
DEI&B Co-Chair
CMU Position: Academinc Coordinator, Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology
DEI + B Committee
This *new* committee aims to amplify and expand upon the DEI-related work already happening at CMU with special attention given to the issue of belonging. By working collaboratively with other units on campus, we aim to identify and develop initiatives that create an equitable work environment where diverse individuals are not only included but feel that they belong.
Jaime Rzepecki
DEI&B Co-Chair
CMU Position: Assistant Director, Conference and Events Services
Carole Panno
Food Drive Chair
CMU Position: Associate Director, Development
Food Drive Committee
The Food Drive Committee is responsible for planning, organizing, marketing and implementing the university's Annual Food Drive. The Food Drive usually begins in late October or early November, lasts for two weeks and is open to participation by all staff, faculty and students. The committee members begin meeting in early September to plan and strategize for the drive. Tasks that need to be completed to make the drive successful include planning the One Can/One Day event at the annual Benefits & Fitness Fair, organizing Cans Across the Cut, advertising the drive and the corresponding events, and planning the logistics of the drive. All proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
CMU Position: Temporary Employment Service Manager
Mary Ganska
Staff Council Past Chair 2024-2025 and Governance, Election & Membership Co-Chair
CMU Position: Assistant Director of Academic Services, Heinz College
Governance, Election & Membership Committee
The Governance, Election and Membership Committee is designed to oversee matters related to the internal operations of Staff Council. The committee supports Staff elections and membership activities, advises on the Staff Council Constitution [pdf], and implements strategies and guidelines to achieve operational efficiency within the organization.
Sgt. Mark Villasenor
Staff Council Vice-Chair and Governance, Election & Membership Co-Chair
CMU Position: Sergeant, University Police
Desirée Chronick
Kennywood and Entertainment Perks & Discounts Chair
CMU Position: Administrative Assistant, Student Academic Success Center
Kennywood & Entertainment Discounts Committee
The Kennywood & Entertainment Discounts Committee plans and organizes the annual employee day at Kennywood Park. The committee is also responsible for setting the date in June, making arrangements for prizes, raffles and ice cream at the pavilion. View the FAQs page for details.
The committee also coordinates seasonal discounted tickets that can be purchased by CMU staff and faculty for venues such as Hershey Park, Idlewild, SandCastle, as well as discounts at various vendors and local organizations.
Relations Guidance Advisory Committee
The mission of the Staff Council Relations Guidance Advisory Committee (RGAC) is to serve as a confidential and objective peer resource to university staff experiencing a workplace issue(s) to help ensure fair staff relations and to support the university's commitment to equality, ethical behavior and respect for others.
Jen Weidenhof
Staff Council Secretary and Rewards & Recognition Chair
CMU Position: Business Administrator, Operations Coordinator, Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development
Rewards & Recognition Committee
The Rewards & Recognition (R&R) Committee manages the years of service awards that are presented at the annual Andy Awards in the fall semester. The R&R Committee also plans an annual end-of-the-year appreciation lunch for Staff Council members, donates a book to Hunt Library commemorating staff who have passed away in the previous year, and works closely with the Staff Council Communications Committee in highlighting staff achievements.
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee was formed in 2010 in order to develop a more comprehensive waste reduction and energy conservation program specifically for staff members working in coordination with CMU's Green Practices Committee. A representative from the Sustainability Committee is typically designated as a liaison to participate on the Green Practices Committee.
Staff Council can lobby to change university policies as they affect staff and the entire campus community. These 'green initiatives' include working to increase CMU's recycling rate, helping facilitate Zero Waste events with Catering / Dining and other campus vendors, and educating staff about alternative commuting and Green purchasing opportunities.
Jennifer Bett
Take our Children to Work Co-Chair
CMU Position: Senior Business Continuity Program Specialist, Enterprise Risk Management
Take Our Children to Work Committee
Based upon the national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work (TODASTW) program (started in 1993), the campus Take Our Children to Work started in 2002. The committee meets several times throughout the year to plan the event, which takes place on the fourth Thursday of April. But the bulk of the work begins in January and culminates on the day of the event, which can be quite busy, but lots of fun!
Tina Marino
Staff Council Wellness Co-Chair
CMU Position: Senior Development Associate, Development
Wellness Committee
The Wellness Committee is committed to educating CMU employees about making healthy choices and decisions regarding their personal wellness that will enhance their work experience. Employees are encouraged to take an active part in their own personal well-being and take advantage of the resources on campus, such as the free Group Exercise program for staff and faculty, the Walking Club on various routes on or near campus and a variety of initiatives and interactive programs.
OPEN
Staff Council Wellness Co-Chair
University Committees and SC Liaisons
The Chair of Staff Council, in agreement with university administration, is responsible for the appointment of representatives to University Councils, Committees, and Task Forces. The liaisons are responsible for maintaining communications between the respective body and staff council.
Staff Council representatives are encouraged to explore open University Committee appointments and be the Staff Council advocate. Interested in making an impact & want to be involved? Please email Staff Council.