UMCES Staff Council

The UMCES Staff Council was formed to be the voice of staff members in the spirit of shared governance and a partnership between UMCES staff and the president and administration of UMCES. Each of the individual labs nominated and voted on members to serve on the UMCES Staff Council.

Interested in staff council or want to know more? Read our helpful FAQs or email us with a question!

2024-2025 Executive Board

• Kurt Florez - Chair
• Jennifer Harrington - Vice Chair
• Brittany Andrew - Secretary

2024-2025 Representatives: 

• Kevin Bruce (UMCES representative for CUSS)
• Jeannette Connors
• Julie Halick
• Heather Johnson
• Katie Ross
• Courtney Smith

*Also serves on Council of University System Staff (CUSS)

Standing Committees:

Communications Committee: The communications committee maintains the Staff Council website, generates a newsletter on a regular basis, communicates information from the Council of University of System Staff (CUSS) to UMCES staff, posts meeting agendas, and archives previous meeting agendas. 

Staff Awards Committee: This committee is charged with coordinating the submission process for both the UMCES Staff Excellence Award and the Board of Regents Award. The Staff Excellence Award is presented to an individual staff member who consistently demonstrates a high level of commitment and dedication to UMCES, has a positive impact on their work environment, is flexible and demonstrates cooperation and collaboration among their peers and supervisor while carrying out their job duties. The winner is presented with a plaque of recognition and a $500 stipend at Staff Appreciation Day. The USM Board of Regents Staff Award represents the highest honor bestowed by the Board of Regents for achievements of Exempt and Nonexempt Staff employees from institutions within the University System of Maryland. The awards are presented to individual Staff employees who have demonstrated excellence.

Staff Appreciation Day: All staff members from all units, who are able and willing to participate, meet in an informal setting where members of the administration can show appreciation for their efforts throughout the year. The event is held at a location central to all units in September, and all staff members and administrators, including the President, Vice Presidents, and Directors, are encouraged to attend. 

UMCES Staff Council is governed by a set of policies and by-laws, outlined by the UMCES administration and the staff council itself. Please see the appropriate webpages for information on policies and by-laws related to the Staff Council.