Staff Advisory Council
The mission of the Staff Advisory Council is to enhance employee morale and improve the overall work environment by identifying current workplace issues and challenges. The Council serves as a representative voice for staff, providing thoughtful input and constructive recommendations to the president. Through open communication and collaboration, the Council supports positive organizational change that benefits both employees and the university as a whole.
Latest News & Minutes
Staff Advisory Council meets every month during the academic year. Following each meeting we will use this page to share highlights of our most exciting agenda items. Complete meeting minutes will be published after they are approved in the following meeting.
Council Corner
As we wrap up another successful academic year, the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) thanks the campus community for your hard work and collaboration, which continue to make Florida Tech a great place to work and learn. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the SAC members rolling off after three years of service for their leadership and dedication to representing staff voices across campus.
Don’t forget—staff are encouraged to share feedback, ideas, and concerns at any time through the SAC Online Suggestion Form. Your input helps guide our discussions and initiatives on behalf of the campus community.
Minutes
Staff Advisory Council meets every month during the academic year. Complete meeting minutes will be published after they are approved in the following meeting.
Current Members and Subcommittees
| Name | Department | Term of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Richardson (Chair + Outreach Subcommittee Chair) | University Events and Protocol | 2021 |
| Jessica Applewhite (Vice-Chair) | Undergraduate Admissions | 2023 |
| Ann Marie Kousari | Office of the President | 2022 |
| Pat Francois | Human Resources | 2023 |
| Grace Gamage | General Council | 2023 |
| Jason Griggs (Benefits Subcommittee Chair) | Academic Technologies | 2023 |
| Jennifer McKillip (Membership Subcommittee Chair) | Financial Aid | 2023 |
| Yesenia Nahl | Admissions | 2023 |
| Adam Palumbo | Creative Services | 2023 |
| Kevin Boodoosingh | University Marketing | 2024 |
| Sonny Cherrito (Safety & Security Subcommittee Chair) | Environmental Health & Safety | 2024 |
| Rebecca Cobb | On Campus Advising | 2024 |
| Kyler Denk | Registrar | 2024 |
| Angel Pesula | Student Accounting | 2024 |
| Kimberly Ryan | Career Services | 2024 |
| Stephen Van Brunt | Office of the Controller | 2024 |
| Erin Alvarado (Communications Subcommittee Chair) | Office of Advancement/Alumni Affairs | 2025 |
| Xori Deans | Registrar | 2025 |
| Christina Hardman | Athletics | 2025 |
| David Hirsch | Strategic Sourcing | 2025 |
| Cheryl LeBlanc | Facilities | 2025 |
| Monika Parker | Evans Library | 2025 |
| Kawanda Rembert | Student Support Services | 2025 |
| Claudia Velasquez | College of Engineering & Science | 2025 |
| Steven Concis | University Dining | 2026 |
| Joel Hoover | Student Affairs |
Previous Staff Advisory Council Chairs:
Donna Gaynor - Director of Career Services
Evan Olsen - Director of Campus Dining
Donna Cassario - Major Gift Officer - Former
Sarah Irizarry - Assistant Athletic Director of Facility Services
People of Excellence:
Chair: Jason Griggs
Members: Sonny Cherrito, Rebecca Cobb, Xori Deans, Kyler Denk, Pat Francois, Christina Hardman, Kimberly Ryan, Stephen Van Brunt
Communications Subcommittee:
Chair: Erin Alvarado
Members: Kevin Boodoosingh, Christina Hardman, Jennifer McKillip, Yesenia Nahl, Monika Parker, Adam Palumbo, Stephen Van Brunt, Claudia Velasquez
Outreach Subcommittee:
Chair: Jeffrey Richardson
Members: Erin Alvarado, Steven Concis, Kyler Denk, Xori Deans, Grace Gamage, Jason Griggs, Monika Parker, Claudia Velasquez
Membership Subcommittee:
Chair: Jennifer McKillip
Members: Kevin Boodoosingh, Pat Francois, Grace Gamage, David Hirsch, Yesenia Nahl, Angel Pesula, Kawanda Rembert
Safety & Security Subcommittee:
Chair: Sonny Cherrito
Members: Rebecca Cobb, Steven Concis, David Hirsch, Adam Palumbo, Angel Pesula, Kawanda Rembert, Kimberly Ryan
Input and perspectives from all units and roles at Florida Tech contribute to the effectiveness of the Council’s work. Your insight and experience can help advance our mission and ensure that staff concerns and opportunities are carefully considered. If you are interested in serving both the university and your colleagues, we invite you to apply to join the Staff Advisory Council.

Congrats to Our Recent Most Valuable Panthers
Hank Hughes Spirit of Florida Tech Award

The Hank Hughes Spirit of Florida Tech Award recognizes a Florida Tech staff member who exemplifies camaraderie, collaboration, empowerment, and goes above and beyond in their contributions to the university. This award celebrates an individual who embodies the spirit and character of Hank Hughes, a longtime groundskeeper known for his friendliness, can-do attitude, and ever-present commitment to making Florida Tech a better place for all.
Contact Staff Advisory Council
Email: sac@fit.edu
Phone: (321) 674-8424
Staff Ombudspeople
The Ombuds Office is a confidential, impartial, informal and independent resource for the Florida Tech community to discuss questions or concerns related to the university and review possible options for resolution. Staff may contact the ombudspeople via their individual email addresses below.
- Mary Bonhomme - bonhomme@fit.edu
- Muzaffar Shaikh - mshaikh@fit.edu
- Kathy Turner - kturner@fit.edu
Online Suggestion Box
To submit a comment, question, or suggestion, fill out the Suggestion Form. It’s a quick and easy way to share your insights with the leadership team. The submission is completely confidential, unless you choose to provide contact information.

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