The APA Nominations and Elections Committee is appointed each year in January as required by the Constitution and Bylaws. The committee will determine the timeline and dates of the election and communicate information to the membership including how many positions and what type are open and explain the nominations and elections process.
Since the APA is part of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association, there are duties associated with these affiliates which include evening and weekend events including the Representative Assemblies and other appropriate meetings to keep the APA informed of actions by these bodies.
Nominations are open until 5pm February 20, 2023 for the APA Election being held March 21 through March 30, 2023 4:00 p.m.
The 2023 election will include:
APA Executive Board
Five (5) three-year positions on APA Executive Board serving 9/1/2023-8/31/2026
MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Delegate/Region Council Delegate
Four (4) three-year positions serving 9/1/2023-8/31/2026
Individuals must be APA members in good standing to nominate or be nominated for office.
Candidate Biographies
Five (5) Executive Board Positions – serving 9/1/2023 – 8/31/2026
An (I) next to candidate name designates an incumbent
Sally Gatlin, MA
MSU Department: Division of Student Life & Engagement Senior Vice President’s Office – Lean Enterprise & Assessment
Job Title: Lean Enterprise Manager
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 15 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 6 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I received my bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and my master’s degree from the MSU College of Education. My focus is continually working toward Enterprise Excellence through problem identification and resolution utilizing Lean, systems thinking, structured assessment programs, and business analytics. I am committed to doing the heart and hard work to create an inclusive campus ecosystem that centers around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Michigan State University for students, faculty, and staff. My Ikigai is to live purposefully through facing my fears; constantly challenging the status quo and to push beyond the limits of what I thought possible. I strongly believe that those that work across the MSU Campus deserve impactful representation in our union and that having a dedicated servant leader for them is a move toward a better tomorrow for both themselves and this impressive institution.
Patricia Hampton (I)
MSU Department: Human Resources
Job Title: Research Administrator II
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 39 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 13 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I have had the pleasure of being an Executive Board Member for MSU APA for 9 years. My passion to help people in the workplace and in the community is why I became involved in the union.
I have been the Vice President responsible for the Area Representative Program for the last 3 years. I created and developed the Area Representative training program which equips the representatives with the tools they need to address employee questions and concerns. In addition to the training program, I hosted several community engagement events to increase union visibility such as the Ring of Silence Film which educates on human trafficking, assisted in organizing and recruiting members for the fall celebration at Horticulture Gardens and MSU Football Tailgate event. I also assisted in a member appreciation event at the Lansing Lugnuts baseball game.
Please re-elect me as an Executive Board Member so I can continue to make a difference with the union and the community. If I am re-elected, I will continue to be that voice and advocate for all APA members.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
In unity,
Pat
Elbony Hawkins
MSU Department: College of Agricultural and Natural Resources
Job Title: Administrative Business Manager
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 16 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 10 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
Hello my name is Elbony Hawkins I’m an Administrative Business Manager for CANR and have been at MSU for 16 years. I’ve been involved with the union as an Area Representative for approximately 5 years throughout my MSU career and currently chair for the APA DEI Committee.
I would like to seek nomination on the APA Board because I feel the union is important, it provides me with support, representation, and protection to sustain a comfortable work environment. This brings value to the MSU Community and helps support a diverse work bringing awareness to all people that represent MSU. I strongly encourage others to join the union and take advantage of the resources provided by local AR’s and Union Board members. This is a great way to learn about MSU and the policies, benefits, and upcoming events.
It has been most fulfilling to support the APA union by taking advantage of membership on the various committees and enhance the opportunity to support the MSU community and contribute to improving work environments. I’m a MSU graduate and have a great appreciation for the MSU. I would be honored to continue my work as a member of the APA board.
Nicole Proctor-Kanyama (I)
MSU Department: University Advancement
Job Title: Development Officer II, Associate Director of Development
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 17 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 15 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I am originally from South Haven, MI. I graduated from MSU in 2000 with a degree in International Relations and am a proud Spartan. I am a divorced- single mom of two amazing young men. I am running for reelection to the board to continue to support members, increase benefits, and keep the amazing benefits we have. Together we can do amazing things!
Gerlind Kiupel (I)
MSU Department:Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB)
Job Title: Project Controls Engineer
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 13.5 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 13.5 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I grew up in East Germany and while studying to become an electrical engineer, I experienced how month-long protests by the people brought down the wall that divided East and West Germany. As an engineer I worked for different companies in the unified Germany and later in the United States before taking a position at MSU. Through my career I gained firsthand knowledge of relations between employees and employers and the role that unions play in this relationship in both the private and public sector and in different countries. My experiences taught me that people, regardless of their background and differences, when unified by a common goal can achieve great change. This has strengthened my belief that only a strong APA can ensure that we keep and expand our benefits. I want to serve our members by listening to their voice and help the APA to become even stronger by growing our membership.
Shannon McGaughey
MSU Department: Student Life and Engagement
Job Title: Human Resources Coordinator
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 16 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 12 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
My name is Shannon McGaughey, and I have been at MSU since 2006, working in the same Division of Student Life and Engagement. I was a live on Community Director here for six years and handled many student issues that arose. One in particular, I handled, roommates had hung a very large Confederate flag in their room and it could be seen by everyone if they kept their door open. I utilized Restorative Justice to address the issue with the roommates and those affected by seeing the flag, it was very successful. As well, I am a person with a disability and am not supposed to be where I am today, however, with perseverance I made it. The APA Union has been an amazing resource for me during my membership and I am looking forward to helping it grow more if allowed.
Aaron Richmond
MSU Department: CANR IT
Job Title: Information Technologist I
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 10 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 10 years
Email address: [email protected]
Four (4) MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Delegate/Region Council Delegate serving 9/1/2023 – 8/31/2026
An (I) next to candidate name designates an incumbent
Patricia Hampton (I)
MSU Department: Human Resources
Job Title: Research Administrator II
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 39 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 13 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I have had the pleasure of being an Executive Board Member for MSU APA for 9 years. My passion to help people in the workplace and in the community is why I became involved in the union.
I have been the Vice President responsible for the Area Representative Program for the last 3 years. I created and developed the Area Representative training program which equips the representatives with the tools they need to address employee questions and concerns. In addition to the training program, I hosted several community engagement events to increase union visibility such as the Ring of Silence Film which educates on human trafficking, assisted in organizing and recruiting members for the fall celebration at Horticulture Gardens and MSU Football Tailgate event. I also assisted in a member appreciation event at the Lansing Lugnuts baseball game.
Please re-elect me as an Executive Board Member so I can continue to make a difference with the union and the community. If I am re-elected, I will continue to be that voice and advocate for all APA members.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
In unity,
Pat
Elbony Hawkins
MSU Department: College of Agricultural and Natural Resources
Job Title: Administrative Business Manager
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 16 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 10 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
Hello my name is Elbony Hawkins I’m an Administrative Business Manager for CANR and have been at MSU for 16 years. I’ve been involved with the union as an Area Representative for approximately 5 years throughout my MSU career and currently chair for the APA DEI Committee.
I would like to seek nomination on the APA Board because I feel the union is important, it provides me with support, representation, and protection to sustain a comfortable work environment. This brings value to the MSU Community and helps support a diverse work bringing awareness to all people that represent MSU. I strongly encourage others to join the union and take advantage of the resources provided by local AR’s and Union Board members. This is a great way to learn about MSU and the policies, benefits, and upcoming events.
It has been most fulfilling to support the APA union by taking advantage of membership on the various committees and enhance the opportunity to support the MSU community and contribute to improving work environments. I’m a MSU graduate and have a great appreciation for the MSU. I would be honored to continue my work as a member of the APA board.
Nicole Proctor-Kanyama (I)
MSU Department: University Advancement
Job Title: Development Officer II, Associate Director of Development
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 17 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 15 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I am originally from South Haven, MI. I graduated from MSU in 2000 with a degree in International Relations and am a proud Spartan. I am a divorced- single mom of two amazing young men. I am running for reelection to the board to continue to support members, increase benefits, and keep the amazing benefits we have. Together we can do amazing things!
Gerlind Kiupel (I)
MSU Department:Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB)
Job Title: Project Controls Engineer
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 13.5 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 13.5 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I grew up in East Germany and while studying to become an electrical engineer, I experienced how month-long protests by the people brought down the wall that divided East and West Germany. As an engineer I worked for different companies in the unified Germany and later in the United States before taking a position at MSU. Through my career I gained firsthand knowledge of relations between employees and employers and the role that unions play in this relationship in both the private and public sector and in different countries. My experiences taught me that people, regardless of their background and differences, when unified by a common goal can achieve great change. This has strengthened my belief that only a strong APA can ensure that we keep and expand our benefits. I want to serve our members by listening to their voice and help the APA to become even stronger by growing our membership.
Jamie Lynn Marks (I)
MSU Department: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Job Title: Administrative Business Analyst
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 14 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 10 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
My name is Jamie Lynn Marks and I have been with the APA Union since 2013. I have served on the APA Executive Board since 2019 and in 2020 I was elected by the APA membership to serve as an MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Delegate/Region Council Delegate. During my time as an APA board member, I have served on the following committees: finance, membership, community based events, negotiations, elections, and constitution and by-laws. My involvement with the MEA/NEA as a delegate has been important for me to gain a better understanding of MEA/NEA business which I am able to bring back to the APA to help our local union. I’m involved and will continue to be involved as I believe I need to represent APA members whether that’s at the MEA Representative Assembly, the NEA Representative Assembly, or the Region Council. I am here to serve you, the member.
Shannon McGaughey
MSU Department: Student Life and Engagement
Job Title: Human Resources Coordinator
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 16 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 12 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
My name is Shannon McGaughey, and I have been at MSU since 2006, working in the same Division of Student Life and Engagement. I was a live on Community Director here for six years and handled many student issues that arose. One in particular, I handled, roommates had hung a very large Confederate flag in their room and it could be seen by everyone if they kept their door open. I utilized Restorative Justice to address the issue with the roommates and those affected by seeing the flag, it was very successful. As well, I am a person with a disability and am not supposed to be where I am today, however, with perseverance I made it. The APA Union has been an amazing resource for me during my membership and I am looking forward to helping it grow more if allowed.
Jeff Wilson
MSU Department: Infrastructure Planning & Facilities
Job Title: IPF Human Resources Recruitment & Hiring Coordinator
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 7 months
Number of years in the APA Union: 7 months
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
Hi All. I worked at Lansing Community College for 13 years before joining MSU. I know I am new to the University, but I am not knew to the MEA. I bring over a decade of union experience with me. I have been a member since my first day at LCC in 2009. I have been a leader since 2014. I have been President, Treasurer, Chief Negotiator, MEA/NEA RA & Region 8 delegates at the local level. At the State level, I have served on the MEA Board of Directors and ESP Caucus Board for the last 5 years. I served on the MEA Executive Committee for 2 years. I have been asked to serve as the MEA’s NEA RA Strategy Committee Minority 3-1g representative for the last 4 years, which I was happy to do. I would love an opportunity to represent MSU APA at the MEA and NEA RAs. Thank you and I look forward to getting more involved with APA.