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Cornell University

Employee Assembly Candidate Profiles: Spring 2025

Terms Ending Spring 2025:

Graduate School and Law School Representative

  • Victoria Bell
Victoria Bell head shot
In my college career, I have held many positions as a student leader and professional across my campus. I completed two terms within the First National Black Student Union, one as the President. I assisted in creating the first dance team at my campus and held employment under Associated Students Inc., the California State University System's standardized student government. The experiences from this time of my life are invaluable to me and created the leader I am today as the Coordinator of the Big Red Barn. Aside from my qualifications, I want to join the Employee Assembly because of my passion for service. The best part of my day is seeing the connections made in the barn between students, staff, and faculty alike. I am fulfilled knowing my work positively impacts the lives around me, and I am confident I can continue that critical work alongside my fellow staff.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative

  • Jennifer Best
Jennifer Best head shot
My name is Jennifer Best, and I’m the ILR Operations Administrator on the ILR School Human Resources Team. I’ve been at Cornell for over 13 years and joined the ILR School a little over a year ago. I’m running for the ILR School Employee Assembly seat to ensure our school is effectively represented and to contribute to meaningful, positive change.
   
In my role, I focus on building relationships within the ILR community to identify strengths and areas for growth. The Employee Assembly would provide a great platform to connect with others and share ideas on successful initiatives across the university.
   
I’ve worked at the College of Veterinary Medicine, CALS, Alumni Affairs and Development, and now the ILR School, gaining diverse skills and insights I’m eager to bring to the table. I’ve led projects, solved challenges, and contributed to committees. Outside Cornell, I served on the Tompkins Connect Young Professionals board for four years, two of which I co-chaired. I’m currently on the Hospicare Women Swimmin’ board, managing the Food and Minimal Waste Committee.
   
I’m excited about this opportunity to represent the ILR School and my colleagues. 

Terms Ending Spring 2027:

College of Arts and Sciences Representative

  • Bethany Dixon
Bethany Dixon head shot
I currently serve on the EA as the "Less Than 5 Years of Service Representative at Large," and with my current term ending, I am interested in continuing to serve in the capacity of the College of Arts and Sciences Representative. The Employee Assembly has been an integral part of deepening my understanding of Cornell and its people, and especially in such a chaotic and uncertain time, I feel strongly about contributing to strengthening our community and care.
   
I am an Academic HR Business Partner in the College of Arts and Sciences, and am truly passionate about the "human" aspect of Human Resources. Employee Assembly provides a collective platform to explore and foster the curiosity and connection needed to allow people to feel authentically valued, heard, and included in a large community/institution such as Cornell.

Terms Ending Spring 2028:

Cornell AgriTech Representative

  • Alysia Ericsson
Alysia Erickson headshot
 Hi - I'm Alysia Ericsson and I'm committed to advocating for all Cornell staff, especially my team on the AgriTech campus. 
   
I am a Business Development Specialist for the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, working across many teams on both campuses to strive for economic development in New York State. 
   
I'm eager to connect with staff across all locations and tackle the complicated issues we face. 
   
I'm also a board game enthusiast, dog lover, and terrible ceramicist.
   
I strive to create a workplace culture of respect and community, where everyone feels valued and heard. I understand the Employee Assembly's vital role in giving staff a voice in university governance, and I'm prepared to dedicate the necessary time to serve effectively.

Less Than Five Years Service Representative At-Large

  • Matthew Snyder
Matthew Snyder head shot
I am an academic advisor at the Nolan School and recently celebrated my two-year anniversary in this role. Having gained experience and confidence, I now feel prepared to take on new responsibilities and projects. Supporting Nolan School students is a priority for me, but I also value the opportunity to mentor and assist new colleagues. This position allows me to explore ways to help new employees understand the opportunities available to them and to identify programs that can enhance their workplace experience. With two years at Cornell and the 'Less than 5 Years of Service' position requiring a three-year commitment, the timing aligns well for me
  • Nickey Williams
Nickey Williams head shot
As I navigate my second year at Cornell, I understand the challenges of being a new addition, adapting to a new environment, building connections, and finding opportunities for growth. I am running for the Employee Assembly as a Member-at-Large (Less than 5 Years) to advocate for those experiencing similar transitions.
   
I want to help newer employees navigate Cornell by strengthening support networks, improving access to resources, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace. By sharing my experiences and listening to others, I aim to bridge gaps and create a more connected employee community.
   
I would be honored to represent and support my colleagues as we grow and succeed together. Thank you for your consideration and support!

LGBTQ+ Representative At-Large

  • Carl Cornell
Carl Cornell head shot
Since joining the Employee Assembly in 2022, I have been dedicated to amplifying the voices of my colleagues and ensuring that LGBTQIA+ staff are heard, valued, and supported. As a longtime member of the LGBTQ+ Colleague Network Group—serving on its board since 2022—I remain committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for our community. 
   
I take pride in connecting with and advocating for the whole of our diverse community, ensuring that staff concerns are addressed at every level. These are uncertain times, and now more than ever, we need strong, experienced representation to champion staff needs and push for meaningful change. I am eager to continue this important work and make a lasting difference for my colleagues.
   
I would be honored to have your support in continuing to serve as your LGBTQ+ At-Large Representative.

Non-Exempt Employees Representative At-Large

  • Danialle Hill
Danialle Hill head shot
My name is Danialle Hill, and I am honored to be a candidate for the Non-Exempt Employee Representative At-Large on the Cornell University Employee Assembly. I currently serve as the Events Coordinator for the School of Integrative Plant Science in CALS, where I have had the privilege of coordinating and organizing special seminars, workshops, field days, conferences, and other events across the school.
   
I am known for my dedication, and teamwork, and I am committed to bringing these values to the Employee Assembly. My approach to representing the needs and interest of non-exempt employees is thoughtful and empathetic which I believe is essential for fostering a collaborative environment.
   
If elected, my primary goal is to be a voice for the unique needs of non-exempt employees. I believe that by focusing on the important issues of job security, benefits, and barriers to career progression we can continue to thrive as a community.
   
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to serve. I look forward to the possibility of contributing my skills and passion to our shared success. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Research and Technology Transfer Representative 

  • Ellie Krumm-Powers
Ellie Krumm-Powers head shot
For the past four years, I have been honored to serve as your Research and Technology Transfer Representative At-Large. During this time, I have tirelessly advocated for our community and navigated extraordinary challenges, but none as significant as those we face today. Research, Technology Transfer, and Information Technology fields are evolving unprecedentedly, making it crucial to have a dedicated representative for these areas.
   
As a Grant and Contract Officer with dual MBAs in Business Administration and Information Technology, I understand the fears and concerns many of us encounter daily. Together, we can reach even greater heights. I humbly ask for your support and your vote to continue serving as your Research and Technology Transfer Representative At-Large. Thank you for your trust and confidence.

SC Johnson College of Business Representative

  • Pia Mengers
Pia Mengers head shot
I was elected to the Employee Assembly to be the SC Johnson College of Business Representative right before the last year of a four-year term and have served for one year. I would love to continue the work I am doing in this role. I am a member of the Johnson Faculty Support team, where I collaborate closely with the Marketing and Management Communications Area. During my leisure time, I find joy in spending quality moments with my family, reading novels, tending to my garden, and engaging in creative projects. I am committed to enhancing staff pride at the SC Johnson College of Business. I aim to achieve this by actively participating in professional development opportunities, promoting wellbeing activities that foster camaraderie, and demonstrating respect and support for my colleagues by valuing their perspectives and contributions.