CUIMC Administrative Staff Election 2024

Please see the University Senate Elections Code for detailed information.

• The following are prohibited with regard to electronic communications conveying electioneering statements: vulgar, obscene, or abusive language or images; unsupported accusations, defamation, or threats of any kind; offensive terms targeted at persons or groups of persons in a way intended to be disparaging; advertisements or language focused primarily on promoting commercial interests or services; spam, or communications containing subject matter wholly unrelated to elections. (University Senate Elections Code Section 2.f.ii)
• In this election, candidates may print up to 50 posters or flyers (letter size (8.5 x11 inches), color, regular paper, one-sided) at Village Copier (118th and Amsterdam) at no cost to themselves. To do this:
  • Email [email protected] with the poster or flyer file in pdf format only
  • Specify in subject line: "University Senate Election and first and last name."
• Candidates may create their own website for campaign purposes.

All members of the constituency hired before October 9, 2024, have a vote in this election.

• Constituency: full-time and regular part-time CUIMC Administrative and Support Staff, in the following grades, hired before October 9, 2024:
  • Administrative officers in grades 103 to 108
  • Supporting Staff in grades 5 and above (clerical, technical, or libraries), which include:
    • Clerical 5
    • Clerical 6
    • Library 5
    • Library 6
    • Technical 5
    • Technical 6
    • Technical 7
    • Technical 8
    • Technical 8a
    • Technical 8b

  • Please note that higher-ranking officers are not included in this constituency

• Voting will begin on November 1, 2024
• Constituents will will receive individual electronic ballots via email.
• The voting system is preferential voting.

Candidates' Statements

Lyndsey Adams

Senior Integration Coordinator

Office of the Vice Dean For Education

A California native, I moved to New York to pursue my dream of working at Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. As a current graduate student in Columbia’s School of Professional Studies, I am studying nonprofit management with a focus on workers’ rights in the sector. Through my work at VP&S, I’ve built lasting relationships and deepened my commitment to advocating for a more equitable Columbia. If elected, I will work tirelessly to support my colleagues and create a more inclusive environment for all.

Stephanie Blaney

Department Administrator/COO

Department of Orthopedic Surgery

I would like to express my interest and candidacy for the University Senate. As an Officer of Administration in VP&S, I would bring critical issues that accurately represent the needs of the staff of the Medical Center to the forefront. I started at Columbia in 2013 as Senior Practice Administrator for Pediatrics and Ob/Gyn in Women’s and Children’s Health and have been in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery since 2015, currently as the Department Administrator/COO. Having worked in three clinical departments in the Medical Center and serving on various committees and advisory groups, I believe I have my finger on the pulse of what issues would best represent the concerns of staff and what policies and benefits would be beneficial to the employees of Columbia. I look forward to the possibility of working with other staff, faculty and alumni across the University on policies and procedures on a broad spectrum of topics and concerns that affect us all and being an advocate for institutional changes that will be of benefit to everyone.

Mindy Feldman Hecht

Program Manager

Department of Neurology Stroke

I am privileged to be a member of the Columbia community for nearly two decades, starting with my time as an undergraduate at Columbia College. I also completed an MPH at the Mailman School of Public Health and an EdD at Teachers College. I am currently Program Manager in the Office of Community Health in CUIMC’s Office of Academic and Community Partnerships. In my current role, I design and implement the research strategy to support the office’s mission of increasing diversity in clinical trials at CUIMC. As part of the strategy, I coordinate efforts between various team members and engage both internal and external stakeholders to achieve our aims. I am passionate about utilizing research to promote health equity for all. I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the University Senate and participate in the Senate’s important work. I feel that I have much to contribute as a long-time member of the larger Columbia community, with many different experiences on both the Morningside and Medical Center campuses as an undergraduate student, graduate student and Officer of Administration. I welcome this opportunity to serve the Columbia community and help create a more inclusive, supportive space for everyone.

Marshall Heck

Practice Operations Manager II

Department of Obstetrics/Gyn Admin

I am excited to run for the position of CUIMC University Senator. With a strong commitment to advocacy, fairness, and equity, I bring a background shaped by my experience on DEI committees at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. As a manager in the OBGYN Department at Columbia Doctors, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by staff and patients alike, and I am committed to supporting the needs of our administrative staff. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Chestnut Hill College and a Certificate in Leadership from Wharton, and I am a firm believer in using education and leadership as tools for positive change. Raised by a single mother who instilled in me the value of education, I strive to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a strong advocate for women’s rights. As your Senator, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the interests of our administrative staff are represented, particularly in areas such as healthcare benefits and professional development. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

David A. Huggins

Major Gift Officer

Mailman School of Public Health

What an honor to be part of this community, to join with you in supporting the very heart and soul of this university. You, who dedicate your time and resources, who understand that this university deserves our very best. And what is the best? It’s not just brilliance and groundbreaking research, though we’re renowned for those. It’s also about fostering a sense of belonging. It’s also about fostering a community where all voices matter, ideas clash and converge, and respect and empathy guide all our interactions. In my experience within alumni and development, the most powerful tool isn’t a megaphone. It was an open ear. Listening where others can feel heard and understood transforms simple dialogue into a meaningful connection. I’d like to continue and add that to the University Senate. We face both challenges and opportunities and to navigate them successfully, we must listen deeply to every voice. We need empathy, civility, and a culture of respect where diverse voices feel valued. We need a space for curiosity and exploration, where active listening leads to true understanding. This is my commitment to you. This is how we ensure that this university thrives. Thank you.

Ana Jacobo

Accounting Manager

College of Dental Medicine

As a dedicated member of Columbia University, I have continuously sought ways to enhance collaboration and advocate for the needs of our administrative staff. With years of experience in administration, I have gained a deep understanding of the concerns and challenges we face, particularly in areas like healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. In addition to advocating for employee benefits, I am passionate about fostering collaboration between the University and the surrounding community. I believe our elected officials can help facilitate access to various community programs that support our employees and their families, including food justice, after-school childcare, and housing assistance. By strengthening this partnership, we can create a more supportive environment that benefits both the University and its employees. My goal as your representative in the University Senate would be to ensure that the voices of CUIMC staff are heard and that policies are shaped to reflect our interests. I am committed to working closely with other senators across Columbia’s 17 schools to foster a collaborative environment where the concerns of administrative staff are actively prioritized. I would be honored to represent you and work toward continuing improvements to support our professional growth and well-being at Columbia

Charmagne Jones

Associate Director, Academic Programs

Department of Sociomedical Sciences

Hello CUIMC Community. I'm running for the CUIMC Admin. Staff seat on the University Senate to ensure non-teaching/administrative staff concerns and recommendations are amplified and implemented. A highlight of my time in the SMS department at Mailman, I've championed DEIB efforts for students, staff, and faculty at Mailman in both the SMS department, and school-wide. I lead with transparency and accountability first and foremost and am an empathetic leader able to hear from all perspectives and building consensus. I hope to represent the staff with humility and respect for all administrators across CUIMC.

Shivani Kaw

Research Coordinator

Nursing Scholarship & Research

In past years, my ties to Columbia have grown stronger each day. I began as a master’s student in the School of Public Health, studying epidemiology to gain a deeper understanding of outbreak investigations and clinical research. I quickly began working part-time for the College of Nursing on federally funded studies in HIV research, and soon became a teaching assistant for a graduate-level infectious disease epidemiology course. When I graduated, I knew there would be no better place to find work than with my phenomenal peers at Columbia, and rejoined Dr. Schnall’s team within the School of Nursing. I am thankful for all that this university has taught me and have found a community here beyond the classroom. I am impressed by the day-to-day operations and long-term goals carried out by Columbia’s administrative staff. The work they do is integral to bettering the health and wellbeing of the surrounding community and populations across the globe. Special consideration is always necessary when considering the role of staff within a university, which tends to prioritize student life, and as a former student and current administrative officer, I would love nothing more than to take on an active role in the University Senate.

Rebecca Kennison

Digital Content Editor

CUMC Library

Across departments as diverse as billing and communications, facilities and IT, finance and HR, sponsored projects and the Health Sciences Library, and myriad labs and research centers, we administrative and support staff — union and non-union alike — are the backbone of CUIMC. We play a vital role at Columbia in creating a thriving academic environment, yet our voices frequently go unheard in the most important decisions affecting our work and community. Whether it’s ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities, supporting faculty and students, or contributing to our vibrant campus culture, our contributions are often as invisible as they are invaluable. I believe it is time for our perspectives to be acknowledged and prioritized in the University Senate. As your representative, I will argue for transparent communication between administration and staff, for fair compensation and benefits, and for workplace well-being. Most of all I will advocate for inclusive decisionmaking, ensuring that our perspectives are included in discussions about policies and practices that affect our work lives. Together, we can strengthen our community and ensure that our contributions are recognized and appreciated.

Lucia P. Li

Assistant Director of Academic Programs

Department of Biostatistics

I want to participate in the University Senate to share ideas and initiatives that can improve the experience of our students, faculty members, and staff. I think it is crucial to embrace our multicultural student population and practitioners who are steering and bringing innovation to our different professional fields. I believe that Columbia University is an amazing community that can develop and grow into a successful and thriving organization that embraces both differences and similarities. We should continue to enhance our policies, regulations and programs to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students. The University Senate has the responsibility to revolutionize and bring changes that will create a more inclusive culture. As a Senate member, I would strive to implement new ideas to improve our goals, practices, and policies so we can continue to build an environment of collaboration and fairness for our continuing students, newly admitted students, and future generations.

Fernando Luque

Project Coordinator II

Department of Environmental Health Sciences

As a University Senate candidate, I aim to work with University leadership to enhance access to benefits while taking proactive measures to strategically prioritize our healthcare and retirement. In my seven years at Columbia, I’ve supported faculty research, promotions, and lab management under former Chair Dr. Andrea Baccarelli. I’ve supported faculty in the advancement of their research, oversaw cases for tenured promotions, improved operations for facilities management critical to the wet and dry lab research of our department, and helped secure funding for faculty recruitments of scholars from underrepresented groups to support the School’s diversity plans. Currently, I coordinate an NIHfunded training grant supporting biomedical investigators. As a Senator, I will champion interdisciplinary research, advocate for increased funding, and support programs that empower faculty and students. Finally, I will aim to safeguard our institution’s future by prioritizing healthcare and retirement benefits. With equitable and strategic planning, we can ensure our University will maintain a competitive edge by securing the needs of our talented staff and faculty while balancing budget measures and operational costs. I am confident that my experience and dedication will support our institution and employees.

Susann W. Miles

Procurement & Payable Analyst

CUMC Facilities

I am a community development professional with a blend of business and creative acumen, an effective relationship builder with over twenty-five years of management experience. My role in the Finance Administration department includes managing the Minority- and/or Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) policy for the construction projects at CUIMC. I assist with approving firms bidding on projects and reviewing minority-, women- and locally owned (MWL) participation. I attend meet-and-greet presentations from firms that want to work with Columbia University, and I sit on a universitywide task force to assess the current policy. However, the best part of this role is working as a mentor with the CU Grow Program, which provides MWL firms engagement with a business mentor, the opportunity to strategize with University experts, engage in capacity-building, network with purchasing leaders, and plan their business growth. Beyond my meticulous work ensuring compliance with university policies, I serve as Deacon at the Abyssinian Baptist Church. My one word to describe myself would be resilient, overcoming many challenges and obstacles, to be a role model in the community. I believe that I could be an effective representative of the CU senate for all constituencies and look forward to the opportunity.

Elise Minto

Software Developer

Department of Biomedical Informatics

I have been a software developer in Karthik Natarajan’s lab at Columbia’s Department of Biomedical Informatics for nearly three years. Recently, I took on an additional role as a part-time student in the department, working toward my Master’s in Biomedical Informatics. During this time, I’ve come to realize how critical Columbia’s tuition benefits are for employees. However, after starting classes, I encountered unexpected fees that were not clearly explained. Despite reaching out to multiple departments, I still lacked clarity on what these fees were for or how they supported my education. As both an employee and student, I believe in increasing transparency around tuition-related costs and reducing unnecessary fees. My goal is to ensure that tuition exemption is truly a benefit that Columbia employees can rely on, without hidden costs. If elected to the University Senate, I will advocate for greater clarity in the way benefits are communicated and implemented, especially for staff who are balancing work and education

Christy A. O'Keefe

Division Administrator

Department of Pediatrics

I am honored to be both an employee at Columbia University (since 2019) and an alumna (M.A. ’97). With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and higher education, I have cultivated a diverse skill set that uniquely positions me to contribute to the institution as a member of the Senate. For the past eight years, I have specialized in finance and operations, leveraging my MBA to enhance financial strategies and operational efficiencies of pediatric divisions. Prior to working in administration, I held positions in development and as a child life specialist. This broad experience has allowed me to gain insight into the intricate financial and operational dynamics of organizations like Columbia. In my previous positions at NYUMC, Montefiore, and Fordham University, I collaborated with faculty, researchers, clinical staff, and administrative teams. I take pride in advocating for faculty, my direct reports and institutional leadership. The recent challenges Columbia has faced have deepened my interest in contributing more actively to our community. I am eager for the opportunity to engage further and help shape a positive future for our institution. Thank you for considering my application.

Dennis Scott-Torbet

Director, Campus Services

CUIMC Facilities

My name is Dennis Scott-Torbet (he/him/) and I am seeking your support to serve as the CUIMC Administrative and Support Staff Senator representing CUIMC on the Columbia University Senate. I’ve been at Columbia since 2019, and I have had the pleasure of working on the CUIMC campus for the past two years within the School of Nursing and now in Student and Campus Services. I am looking forward to giving back in a different way to the Columbia University community representing our campus and advocating for the unique needs of staff on the CUIMC campus. In my previous work experience, I was elected as a Staff Senator while I worked at The New School and enjoyed advocating for fellow staff and representing them to senior leadership as we made changes to leave policy, benefits, and staff workspaces. I look forward to continuing this work on this larger University Senate here at Columbia University and enhancing the workplace for all administrative and support staff as we further the university’s mission and ensure staff are not forgotten in the service of our students, teaching, and research. Thank you for your consideration.

Jonathan C. Touson

Associate Vice Dean of Organization Strategy & Development

Office of the Vice Dean Administration

My name is Jonathan C. Touson (he/his), and I am honored to run for University Senate representing the Irving Medical Center Administrative Staff. As Associate Vice Dean of Organization Strategy & Development, I lead a team of extraordinary professionals that live and breathe our internal mission of executing strategic priorities to increase efficiency and efficacy at the people, process, and technology levels within our organization and that, ultimately, translate into an increased well-being of our workforce. I joined Columbia 5 years ago and, since then, I think I brought a fresh set of eyes to propose new and innovative ways to address the needs of our employees. My background is in clinical psychology, and I specialize in organization development and human capital management. This background provides me with the technical knowledge on how, as an organization, we can evolve in supporting our workforce. In addition, my well-being background provides me with the empathy needed to understand your needs and always advocate to support our collective well-being. We are all going through difficult and uncertain times. I commit to continuing our mission of providing a safe and positive environment to bring our true self to work. Thank you for your consideration.

Janie Weiss

Manager

Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center Core

I have served as IT manager of the Comprehensive Cancer Center for over 30 years. In this capacity I have assisted faculty and staff, helping to advance the research enterprise. In the University Senate, I am passionate about recognizing the contribution of administrative staff and ardent in representing their interests. I have spearheaded efforts to hold the current election for the officers of administration Senate seat, which has been vacant for over 3 years. I am also advocating for the inclusion of an officer of administration Senator to be appointed to the Executive Committee of the Senate, as I do not feel that the Committee has given adequate voice to the 8000+ officers of administration at the University. I hope to continue being a voice of reason, seeking common sense solutions to important issues. With your support, I look forward to continuing my activism on anti-bullying and women’s issues as well.

Yenthl Wheeler-Monestime

Senior Program Manager

Department of Radiology

Yenthl (she/her) is a high performing, dedicated and focused healthcare ninja, lauded for her unique ability to mobilize and empower healthcare teams in delivering exceptional and consistent quality of care for diverse patient populations. She is Senior Program Manager for the Center for Innovation in Imaging Biomarkers and Integrated Diagnostics (CIMBID) and the Computational Biomarker Imaging Group (CBIG) within the Department of Radiology at CUIMC. Yenthl is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, but spent most of her young adult years in Norman, Oklahoma. She obtained an undergraduate degree in health service administration from Lehman College and Hillsdale University, where she holds the title of a 2X Women’s Basketball National Champion and is a recent graduate from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Executive MPH program. Yenthl is relentlessly committed to excellence and innovation and is the perfect fit to join forces with the University Senate. She is driven by seeing her work come to life in a way that impacts and improves the experiences of others that will transform the evolving healthcare landscape.