Staff Council is led by an executive board of staff. These roles are voted on and selected by Staff Council.
Crystal Hamon, Chair, Kent
Megan Smeznik, Vice Chair, Kent
Craig Berger, Secretary, Kent
Kara Barnett, At-Large, Kent
Jen Villanueva, At-Large, Kent
The following university staff, representing unclassified and classified staff, have been selected to serve as Staff Council members.
*Denotes alternates to Staff Council
Advocacy Committee Responsibilities
The Advocacy Committee plays a vital role in supporting and representing the interests of Kent State University’s professional staff. Its responsibilities include educating and guiding professional staff on appropriate procedures for expressing concerns, ensuring clarity and access to established resolution channels. The committee reviews staff concerns that have not been resolved through standard departmental procedures, offering an additional level of support and advocacy. We partner with the Division of People, Culture, and Belonging (PCB) and operate in alignment with the University Policy Register to support fair and effective problem resolution. We monitor the application of university policies that impact staff—such as telecommuting, parking, and others—to ensure equitable and consistent implementation. Keep staff informed about professional development opportunities and available resources to support their ongoing growth and career advancement.
Working collaboratively with Employee Resource Groups, including KEEP, to support initiatives related to professional development and staff engagement. Ensuring that the voices of regional campus staff are represented in university-wide decision-making. Advocate for equitable resources, support, and inclusion of regional staff in central university initiatives.
Chair/Vice-Chair: Stephanie Evans – Chair, Erin Beseda – Vice Chair
Communications Committee Responsibilities
The Communications Committee is responsible for ensuring clear, consistent, and inclusive communication between the Staff Council and the broader Kent State University community. Its key responsibilities include maintaining the Staff Council website to ensure timely and accurate information is accessible to all staff. Disseminating communications on behalf of Staff Council, including announcements, updates, and event information. Creating and maintaining a communications archive in collaboration with the Staff Council Secretary and the University Archivist to preserve council communications and historical records. Communicating election results to Staff Council members in a timely and transparent manner. Sharing recruitment and application information with all university staff, ensuring inclusive outreach to regional campuses.
Chair/Vice-Chair: Madison Massey – Chair, Melissa Halozen – Vice Chair,
Elections & Bylaws Committee Responsibilities
The Governance & Elections Committee is responsible for overseeing the integrity, fairness, and transparency of Staff Council elections and governance processes. Key responsibilities include initiating, conducting, and tabulating results of nominations and elections for Staff Council on an annual basis. Provides election results to the Executive Board and Communications Committee for appropriate dissemination. Maintains election eligibility records and voting documentation to ensure accuracy and accountability. Supervising all regular and special elections conducted by Staff Council, upholding fair and transparent procedures. Annually reviewing and updating the Staff Council Bylaws to ensure they remain relevant, clear, and aligned with university policies and strategic goals.
Chair: Shaunte Rouse – Chair
Membership Committee Responsibilities
The Membership Committee is responsible for managing membership processes, fostering engagement within Staff Council, and ensuring inclusive representation across all campuses. Key responsibilities include ensuring representation by including at least one committee member from a Regional Campus. Reviewing the Staff Council application process annually and proposing updates or changes as needed to enhance accessibility and clarity. Collaborating with the Communications Committee to effectively distribute recruitment, engagement, and general information to staff. Providing updates to the Executive Board—through the committee's designated Executive Board Representative—regarding areas of the university that lack staff representation. Maintaining the official list of Staff Council members and committee assignments to support accurate records and coordination. Organizing social events and volunteer opportunities to promote relationship-building, morale, and engagement among Staff Council members.
Chair/Vice-Chair: Nikki Mills – Chair, Aimee Johnson – Vice Chair
Finance Committee Responsibilities
The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for Staff Council activities. Its core responsibilities include assisting in the development and review of the Staff Council budget, ensuring funds are allocated effectively and in support of strategic priorities. Evaluating and prioritizing funding requests from Staff Council committees, ensuring alignment with the Council’s mission and goals. Providing regular financial reports to Staff Council, including updates on expenditure, remaining funds, and overall budget status. Making informed recommendations for the allocation of resources to support staff events, professional development opportunities, and other staff-focused initiatives. Monitoring expenditures related to Staff Council programs and initiatives to ensure they remain within budget and are fiscally responsible.
Chair/Vice-Chair: Nikki Mills – Chair