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Join the Staff Advisory Council
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Staff Advisory Council
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About 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
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
Join us on Oct. 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for "AI Tools 101: For Staff & Faculty", hosted by Kimberly Ryan and Jason Griggs. This popular session will be offered both in person and virtually and will showcase practical ways AI can help streamline your work, boost productivity, and simplify everyday tasks. Registration details will be shared soon!
In other campus news, the Sourcing team has launched a new dedicated buyer model to provide departments with a primary procurement contact and more personalized support. For purchasing assistance, please contact your assigned buyer:
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John Cady: COES, IT, Dining Services, Library, Provost, Registrar, COPLA, UEP, and Vertex/Panther Works, Housing, Psychology
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David Hirsch: Facilities, Capital Projects, Auxiliary Services, Finance & Budget, Security, COA, and Aviation
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Brian Kilcommons: Athletics, Student Affairs, Marketing, Advancement, WeVenture, President's Office, WFIT, Research, Career Services, Legal Affairs, and Enrollment
As always, SAC welcomes your feedback and suggestions as we work to support faculty and staff across campus.
Minutes
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.
Minutes Archive Button
Current Members and Subcommittees
Members
| Name | Department | Term of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Applewhite (Chair) | Admissions | 2023 |
| Jason Griggs (Vice Chair + Membership Subcommittee Chair) | Academic Technologies | 2023 |
| Ann Marie Kousari | Office of the President | 2022 |
| Sonny Cherrito (Safety & Security Subcommittee Chair) | Environmental Health & Safety | 2024 |
| Rebecca Cobb | On Campus Advising | 2024 |
| Norm Cole | Residence Life | 2024 |
| Kyler Denk | Registrar | 2024 |
| Angel Pesula | Student Accounting | 2024 |
| Kimberly Ryan (People of Excellence Subcommittee Chair) | Career Services | 2024 |
| Stephen Van Brunt | Office of the Controller | 2024 |
| Erin Alvarado (Communications Subcommittee Chair) | Office of Advancement/Alumni Affairs | 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 Psychology and Liberal Arts | 2025 |
| Cynthia Alonzi | Aviation Business Operations | 2026 |
| Brian Bement | Marketing | 2026 |
| Christina Bristol | Enrollment Management | 2026 |
| CJ Colley | Institutional Research & Strategic Analytics | 2026 |
| Steven Concis | University Dining | 2026 |
| Johnny Johnson | Financial Aid | 2026 |
| Ronelle Mook | Office of Legal and Compliance | 2026 |
| Harshitha Penukuntla | Architectural Design | 2026 |
| Dory Sigman (Outreach Subcommittee Chair) | College of Business | 2026 |
| Lee Storey | Technology Support | 2026 |
| Shannon Zuzek | Human Resources | 2026 |
Previous Staff Advisory Council Chairs:
Donna Gaynor - Director of Career Services
Evan Olsen - Director of Campus Dining
Donna Cassario - Office of Advancement (former)
Sarah Irizarry - Assistant Athletic Director of Facility Services
Jeffrey Richardson - Manager of Gleason Performing Arts Center
SAC Subcommittees
People of Excellence Subcommittee:
Chair: Kimberly Ryan
Members: Brian Bement, CJ Colley, Kyler Denk, David Hirsch, Cheryl LeBlanc, Ronelle Mook, and Lee Storey
Communications Subcommittee:
Chair: Erin Alvarado
Members: Cynthia Alonzi, Christina Bristol, Sonny Cherrito, Christina Hardman, Monika Parker, Stephen Van Brunt, and Claudia Velasquez
Outreach Subcommittee:
Chair: Dory Sigman
Members: Erin Alvarado, Brian Bement, Christina Bristol, Steven Concis, Kyler Denk, Christina Hardman, Johnny Johnson, Cheryl LeBlanc, Monika Parker, Angel Pesula, Harshitha Renukuntla, and Claudia Velasquez
Membership Subcommittee:
Chair: Jason Griggs
Members: Rebecca Cobb, Norm Cole, David Hirsch, Ronelle Mook, Angel Pesula, Kawanda Rembert, Dory Sigman, and Shannon Zuzek
Safety & Security Subcommittee:
Chair: Sonny Cherrito
Members: Cynthia Alonzi, Rebecca Cobb, Norm Cole, CJ Colley, Steven Concis, Johnny Johnson, Kawanda Rembert, Harshitha Renukuntla, Kimberly Ryan, Lee Storey, Stephen Van Brunt, and Shannon Zuzek
Accomplishments
We have made recommendations regarding:
- Increased vacation accrual rate for non-exempt hourly employees beginning 10 years of service
- Updated parking fee from flat rate to tiered salary rate
- Campus Safety
- Faculty/Staff discounts for campus dining venues
- Employee sick leave "Bank"
- On-campus communications of new hires and promotions
- Professional Development programs
- Championed the purchase of a smaller meal plan
- Staff Ombuds
"As representatives of the campus community, the Staff Advisory Council, provided suggestions and recommendations to the Office of the President which resulted in the wonderful cross-walk markings and caution lights we now enjoy when crossing over University Blvd."
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.
SAC Group Photo
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.
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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.