2025-2026 ERAC Elections

New members will be added each year, serving three year terms, by the following process:

• By campus nomination and popular vote
• The number of available exempt and non-exempt positions will be determined based on the current committee makeup and how many members are cycling off after the current year ends.

2025 VACANT POSITIONS

Five (5) Exempt and six (6) nonexempt  are available to be filled and will be elected by popular vote

Exempt Candidates

Kyle Brett

1. Since returning to Lehigh, I have had the chance to get a clearer sense of the larger communication structures in place in DAR and at Lehigh more broadly. This has opened up pathways for me to ensure that people remain connected to both our marketing efforts and our internal operations. As the associate director, strategic messaging, the majority of my role is devoted to taking what others say (or what they want to say) and helping them communicate those ideas clearly and persuasively to their target audience. This requires a delicate balance of guidance and attentive listening that turns a nascent idea into an actionable goal with strategic targets. I would bring these skills to ERAC and ensure that more people find a way to understand and engage with the mission.

2. With so much happening on campus and at the federal level, I know that clear and frequent communication will be essential to our community's success. This is less of an issue and more of an ongoing need. We must continue being transparent and clear where and when we can. As a communicator by training and passion, I would bring the talents I have as a teacher and discussion leader to hone messaging, making sure we account for the various audiences in our peer group.

    

Tara Moughan

1. I will listen to the concerns of colleagues and bring them to the attention of the ERAC team and work to promote ERAC events to all staff members.

2. Bring back a version of the SOAR program, an onboarding program for new administrative staff. I've been at Lehigh for 11 years as both a non-exempt and exempt employee. I feel like I can share my institutional knowledge with new staff.

    

Shannon Smith

1. I believe my expertise in project management, networking, business planning, and event development and coordination will be a valuable asset to ERAC.I have a strong passion for driving projects forward and facilitating collaboration, I am committed to leveraging my skills to assist in delivering successful programming. I feel my experience in building relationships and engaging stakeholders will contribute to ERAC initiatives. My extensive work with event development, planning and execution will contribute to ERACs mission to provide impactful, well-organized opportunities for staff involvement. I am eager to bring these strengths to ERAC and contribute to advancing its mission.

2. One area I believe we could focus on is bridging the understanding across campus about the interconnectedness of research, teaching, and the essential support roles that contribute to Lehigh's success. It’s important to recognize that every individual, regardless of their role, plays a critical part in making the university function as a cohesive, thriving institution. Too often, staff and faculty work in silos, unaware of the work happening in other departments or colleges, which can limit collaboration and mutual understanding. By fostering a deeper appreciation of each person’s contribution, we can strengthen the university's collective mission.

    

Leo Qu

1. If elected, I will contribute to ERAC’s mission by advocating for clear, accessible, and user-friendly communication across university systems and resources. As a usability librarian, I am committed to improving the digital and physical work environment for staff by promoting best practices in information accessibility, streamlining workflows, and enhancing the user experience of internal tools and services. I will actively engage with staff to identify pain points in workplace processes and advocate for improvements that align with their needs. Additionally, I will support initiatives that foster professional development, encourage collaboration, and ensure that all employees feel heard and valued within the university community. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen ERAC’s role in making Lehigh University a more inclusive and effective workplace.
2. As a usability librarian, I specialize in evaluating user experiences and identifying ways to enhance clarity, efficiency, and accessibility. I would leverage my skills in user research, usability testing, and information design to gather staff feedback, analyze pain points, and advocate for system improvements.

Jenn Freemont

1. As a younger member of the Lehigh Staff Community, I will contribute to the mission of ERAC through active engagement, advocacy, and new perspectives. If nominated, I am excited to lead various initiatives within the current structure of ERAC. Previously, I have attended various events such as Knowledge@Noon and Staff Development Day. I would like to be able to facilitate these sorts of workshops for staff, bringing in new and in-demand opportunities to continue professional and personal growth. I also will be an active participant in meetings, providing in-depth updates, curious questions, and support where needed. I will advocate for the work that ERAC does, sharing with colleagues the importance of the work that we do, upcoming opportunities where they can participate, and areas where we are asking for staff insight and support. Additionally, I want to engage with staff members I have not met yet, to foster an inclusive environment and address concerns or challenges. I hope to be a strong liaison between the communities that I work with and ERAC to improve the work life of employees. Finally, I bring an optimistic attitude and positive energy that can motivate a team to improve current processes within the organization or bring new ideas that can help all staff engage with the university and the greater Lehigh community. I am eager to support Lehigh staff in any capacity I can to make all staff feel proud to be a member of the Lehigh Community.

2. I would like to see additional ways that staff can be supported as they try to grow within the Lehigh community. Our Lehigh community has many opportunities to get promoted within departments, and move to departments that align with their growing skill sets and career goals. Sometimes it can be challenging to seek help from your immediate community when multiple staff members are going for the same role, and it would be nice to have a neutral place for support, advice, and practice within the staff. While there are other workshop series to work on technical skills through LTS or LVAIC, I would like to see more that can help staff think through transferable skills, marketing themselves, and success stories from more experienced staff being able to grow within the community. I envision potential solutions to be increasing attendance and engagement at Staff Development Day, hosting 1-2 additional hybrid workshops that focus on personal and professional growth, potentially through Knowledge@Noon Sessions, and potential volunteer mentors from different areas of campus, allowing for a non-bias support person who can help navigate the challenges of being promoted or changing departments within the institution.

   Coming from the Career Center and a strength in growing other’s potential, I have facilitated workshops for student leaders or student leaders with a certain identity that has allowed them to hone in on their current experiences and skills, identify their goals, and help market these elements in different parts of their career journey. Additionally, my collaboration and event planning skills can help recruit colleagues from various departments to focus on elements of personal and professional growth such as owning your identity, creating a supportive environment, and marketing your experiences. My career background, my interest in keeping strong staff talent at Lehigh, and workshop creations and presentation skills can effectively support this initiative, with the collaboration and input of others within ERAC.

Linnan Tartaglia

1. If elected, I will work to make our workplace at Lehigh University more inclusive and globally engaged. As an International Student Advisor in the Office of International Students and Scholars, I work closely with students, faculty, and staff from many cultural backgrounds. I plan to bring this perspective to ERAC by promoting initiatives that build cross-cultural understanding. For example, I have overseen the Global Lehigh Family Friendship Program and the Thanksgiving Host Program, which connect Lehigh faculty and staff with our international students and scholars for meaningful cultural exchanges. I am committed to improving support systems for international employees and creating a more welcoming, globally connected campus community.

2. I’d focus on improving support for staff who work with international students, scholars, and staff. Many staff interact with this group daily but might not have enough training on understanding cultural differences, visa rules, or the challenges international community members face. With my experience in immigration advising and cross-cultural communication, I’d work with ERAC to create workshops designed specifically for staff, easy-to-use guides, and ways for staff to share their feedback. I’d organize a cultural exchange workshop where international staff could share their experiences and challenges. I’d also hold regular discussion sessions each semester to encourage open conversations between diverse teams. These steps would help Lehigh staff feel more prepared to support international students and colleagues, while building a stronger, more inclusive campus community.

    

Mourica Sentine-George

1. If elected, I will leverage my experience and dedication to fostering a positive work environment to actively support ERAC’s mission. I plan to:
   1. Enhance Communication- Facilitate open dialogue between staff and management to ensure that the concerns and ideas of all employees are heard.
   2. Improve the Work Environment- Advocate for initiatives that promote a healthier, more efficient workplace, ultimately enhancing work-life balance.
   3. Strengthen University Mission- Collaborate with stakeholders to implement policies and practices that reinforce Lehigh University’s core values and long-term objectives.
   4. Foster Staff Involvement- Organize regular forums and feedback sessions that encourage staff participation in university matters, ensuring a collaborative decision-making process.

Focusing on these areas allows me to contribute to a more effective managerial process and a supportive work culture that benefits both the university and its employees.

2. One key staff issue I believe ERAC should address is the siloing of departments at Lehigh University. This separation often hinders effective communication and collaboration, preventing us from fully leveraging the diverse skills and experiences of our workforce. I bring strong communication and facilitation skills, which I plan to use to create opportunities for cross-departmental engagement. For example, I envision organizing regular inter-departmental forums and collaborative projects that encourage staff from different areas to share ideas and best practices. By bridging these gaps, we can foster a more cohesive and integrated work environment that aligns with ERAC’s mission of enhancing the work life of all employees.

    

Jackie Tornabene

1. I would contribute to ERAC's mission by thinking of it differently. I would like to assist the university and support the managerial process, not the other way around. As Grace Hopper would say "You manage things; you lead people"
2. I would like to see staff members who hold the same position collaborate and communicate with regularity. For example, Business Managers in different colleges don't know each other and sadly our quarterly Zoom meetings have been discontinued. We do the same tasks but don't have a platform to ask simple or complex questions to one another. It's important that people who hold the same position have access to the same information. There is no centralized way to find out the processes for supporting Department Chairs and PhD students. All the knowledge is institutional, all the documents and policies needed are not accessible to all Business Managers or housed in the same place. My superpower is willingness. I have a willingness to remove my ego and support those who support me. It has been my personal mission over the last year to speak to staff members in different departments who support me on a daily basis i.e. ORSP, purchasing, payroll, and accounts payable to name a few. If I find myself with a lot of procedural questions I request a one on one meeting and have them explain the process in detail. I end every meeting the same way, by asking "what can I do to make the process easier, faster, and error free?" Often the improvement is as easy as adding a note on a page or highlighting the most relevant information. I find my willingness to do some extra work improves the overall end product. I receive quicker email responses and have less returned documents. Plus it's a terrific way for me to "meet" other employees. Did I mention it feels terrific to help reduce someone else's workload?

Nonexempt Candidates

Linda Hamel

1. I would find ways to bridge the expectations in the role of the individuals I am advocating for by encouraging open/productive conversations of all that may be involved to reach a positive and forward moving balance of life/work.

2. This may be a self-serving issue, but I would love to see a clear on-boarding path for new hires (especially coordinators) that brings everyone to a common starting point of knowledge and know-how. Currently, each department handles things differently, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, knowledge is difficult to acquire unless you know what to ask.

    

Rebecca Lockard

1. By fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration by organizing cross-departmental meetings and projects that align with the university's goals. This will not only enhance work efficiency but also improve the sense of community among employees. I will also intentionally support and advocate for programs that offer staff opportunities to grow, learn, and advance their careers.

2. Nurturing a culture where everyone has a sense of belonging.

    

Dimitra Panagopoulos

1. If elected to ERAC, I would contribute by supporting programs already in place to engage Lehigh University staff. ERAC already does great things for staff members and I would like to see those endeavors continue to flourish. I learned so much by attending just one open meeting! I would also be willing to broaden and deepen collaborations across campus, creating more opportunities for staff to connect. Having been at Lehigh for only 2 years, I have found ERAC events to be a great fit. There is an underlying element of comfort and support, and you can participate as much or as little as you wish. Making these connections with staff members at ERAC events has given me a greater sense of belonging at Lehigh, not just with my own team at Zoellner. Thank you for your consideration.

2. Being a newer staff member to Lehigh, I've learned that there is so much offered on a daily basis here on campus! Too many times I have figured out after the fact, that there was a fantastic event or activity happening that day that I missed or couldn't attend because I didn't even know about it. University Announcements, although concise, only lists events happening that day (many of which would have needed prior registration). It would be great to have some sort of "Week at a Glance" of upcoming events and activities for staff members. For example, on a Thursday or Friday each week, we could receive upcoming events/announcements for the next week. This would help staff members plan and participate accordingly. It could be as simple as allowing departments to post events on a calendar that we would approve weekly before it went out (maybe up to 5 for the week for any given group or department?). I would be glad to explore ways to do something like this.

    

Michelle Beaty

1. I plan to contribute by working together with ERAC and the campus community to create connections and experiences that engage and inspire.

2. Staff Development and Recognition - helps employees see that Lehigh values them and their contributions to the success of the campus and Lehigh overall. This is key as the campus embarks on a new Strategic Plan and Lehigh undergoes change. I can help employees build a sense of security in their value to Lehigh, motivating them to continue their great work.

    

Katie Trembler

1. If elected, I would consistently participate in ERAC meetings and contribute my time and efforts to the working committee that I would be a part of. Additionally, I would act as a liaison between ERAC and the counseling center's staff. I would be willing and able to advocate for any staff issues that my coworkers may be experiencing.

2. I would like to see Lehigh staff build stronger connections with Southside Bethlehem. For example, we could team up with local organizations (ie: Southside Alive or the Community Action LV) and citizens to hold a cleanup of the Greenway. The Greenway is a shared space between Lehigh and community members and it would be an opportunity to create a partnership to make it safer and cleaner. I am a resident of Bethlehem (although not Southside) and a member of the Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). As a member of the EAC, I have worked with several non-profits in Southside to design and implement community events. Additionally, as an active citizen of Bethlehem, I am aware of the issues Southside residents face as well as the reputation that Lehigh has among many Southside residents. Working with Southside could be beneficial for both parties on many different levels. For Lehigh staff particularly, engaging in community events like this would help foster a sense of belonging, build connections with other staff members, and an opportunity to aid diverse populations and the environment.

    

Sara Solares

1. I would like to foster a relationship between ERAC and other on campus support communities (i.e. possible collaborations between ERAC and Faculty Senate).

2. I would like to see ERAC take on the issue of what resources are available to staff on campus. There's a lot of unknowns when it comes to this topic.

    

Rebekah Short

1. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to ERAC’s mission by bringing my strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and inquisitive mindset to the team. With a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, I aim to advocate for staff needs and enhance collaboration across the university. My background and experience equip me to offer fresh perspectives and contribute to initiatives that promote learning, growth, and a thriving workplace culture at Lehigh.
2. I am particularly passionate about enhancing the onboarding experience for new staff at Lehigh. Having recently navigated this transition myself, I relied on asking questions and informal research to determine who could help with what—but I recognize that a more structured roadmap could have made the process smoother and more efficient. I would love to help develop a 'New Staff' or 'Staff 101' CourseSite—a centralized hub of resources and guidance accessible to all staff. By providing clear answers to common logistical questions (such as how to use 25Live), this resource would allow new employees to focus on integrating into their roles with confidence. My goal is to help new staff easily find the information they need, connect with colleagues who can support them, and foster a stronger sense of community during this transition.