Staff Council
Mission Statement
Staff Council works to further Westminster’s mission by advocating for and fostering an environment that promotes an engaged and empowered staff community; diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Westminster; and transparent communication among staff and leadership.
Vision Statement
Staff Council advocates on behalf of the staff community, supports the growth of emerging staff leaders, and creates a space for fellowship and connection with others. Staff Council aims to support personal and professional development of staff, engage staff members in the community at multiple levels, and cultivate an inclusive environment that aligns with Westminster’s diversity, equity, and inclusion standards.
Values
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Community and Fellowship
- Transparency and Openness
- Compassion and Empathy
- Support, Leadership, and Mentorship
- Professional and Personal Growth
Staff Council holds meetings once a month. Each meeting has two parts: The first hour is spent discussing council business and the second hour is an open forum style where guest speakers from across the university present on important topics. Westminster staff are invited to attend and to submit topics for discussion.
-
February 11, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
-
February 12, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Programming
Staff Council recognizes the hard work and dedication of staff members in several ways:
- Staff of the Month: Each month, Staff Council recognizes a Staff of the Month, selecting a winner from staff who are nominated by members of the campus community.
- Staff Emeritus: The Staff Emeritus Program recognizes long-time staff contributions to Westminster and strives to maintain a connection with staff who have retired.
- Staff Community Awards: Awards are given out each year at the Staff Retreat to winners who were nominated by their peers. A variety of categories recognize work over the past year.
- Virtual Applause Cards: Send a virtual applause card to give recognition for why another staff member is great.
Staff Council is dedicated to supporting the professional development of Westminster staff and hosts periodic professional development events on campus.
Each summer, the council hosts the Staff Retreat, which includes workshops, the announcement of new Staff Council members, staff recognition and awards, and more.
Get to know your peers—attend one of the council’s periodic social events, including tailgates, paint nights, and more, or bond with other staff members by joining or creating a staff group.
Brynlie (Binnie) Green
Staff Council Chair
Prospect Development Researcher/Gift Processor
Anna Renzetti
Staff Council Vice Chair
Director, Alumni Relations
Alexandra Friedemann
Staff Council Communication Coordinator
Coordinator, Graduate Enrollment
Meghan Taylor
Staff Council Treasurer
Administrative Assistant
Maddie Hayes
Staff Council Recognition and Professional Development Committee Chair
Enrollment Communications Coordinator
Andrea Cornett
Staff Council Social Engagement Committee Co-Chair
Undergraduate Programs Coordinator, School of Nursing Health Sci.
Lizz Larson
Staff Council Social Engagement Committee Co-Chair
Instructional Design Librarian
Bella Barraco
Staff Council Wellness Committee Chair
Human Resources Generalist
Christine Chapman
Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Chris Drew
Director of Residence Life & Student Dining
Alejandro Fierro Morales
Academic Advisor
Chanté Jiménez
Director of Student Care and Special Projects
Crystal Lantz
Director, Student Services Global Engagement
Michael Lee
Coordinator, Enrollment Communications
Sabi Lowder
Marketing Project Manager
Karla Motta
McNair Director
Virginia Oelkers
System Integration Manager
Lesila Tuitavuki
Assistant Director, Admissions
The Recognition and Professional Development Committee aims to provide informal and formal recognition of staff and to encourage supervisors to implement department recognition. Members manage the process and selection of Staff of the Month, create a selection process for Staff Community Awards, and assist Human Resources in recognizing staff milestones as part of the annual Staff Retreat. Finally, the committee supports the staff emeritus program at the university, including reviewing nominations for staff emeriti, planning the annual staff emeritus reception, and other social events for emeriti.
Committee Chair: Maddie Hayes
Maddie Hayes
Enrollment Communications Coordinator
The Social Engagement Committee brings staff together by planning fun, inclusive events that foster connection and build community across campus. From seasonal celebrations to casual gatherings, the committee creates opportunities for staff to unwind, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company.
Committee Co-Chairs: Andrea Cornett and Lizz Larson
Andrea Cornett
Undergraduate Programs Coordinator
Lizz Larson, MS
Instructional Design Librarian
The Wellness Committee is dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all university staff. Members plan and coordinate a variety of wellness initiatives, including a twice-yearly wellness event and monthly cooking challenges. The committee supports and promotes programs that encourage employees to prioritize their personal well-being and maintain a healthy lifestyle while collaborating with campus partners to expand access to wellness resources and services for staff.
Committee Chair: Bella Barraco
Bella Barraco
Human Resources Generalist
Contact
Did you know that Staff Council leadership meets with the president and HR director every month? Sharing your ideas, concerns, and accomplishments with Staff Council will be shared directly with institutional leadership to help influence positive staff experiences. Submit the form below to contact Staff Council with any questions, concerns, or ideas about staff support and involvement at Westminster. You can submit this form anonymously by leaving identifying fields blank.
Submit a Comment to Staff Council