Nominations for Executive Board and Trustees - Bios

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Executive Board of HFCC-SSA Nominees

Here are the nominees and their qualifications running for the offices of Executive Board of HFCC-SSA. The election of officers will take place Friday, November 4, 2011 from 7am – 7pm in the Rosenau Conference room C of the ASCC building at Henry Ford Community College.

President: Running unopposed.

Joe ZitnikI have been an employee at Henry Ford Community College in some fashion since 1998. I started as a co-op, went to temporary part time, and was eventually hired full time as a Computer Tech Specialist. I have Associate’s Degrees in Computer Information Systems, and one in General Arts. This process was started to right an injustice. It was not about pay or benefits; it was about fair treatment of the support staff employees at HFCC. Everyone deserves a voice, and for too long college employees had none. I am honored to have been put in a position where I can make that voice heard. I want to thank everyone for the trust they have shown in me, and I promise to do my best to represent everyone.

Vice President: Running unopposed.

Darren RinaldiI have been working at the college for 11 years in many different roles. Over the years, I have gotten to know our members very well, as I have worked alongside of many people here. I have two Associate Degrees from HFCC, Computer Information Systems and Business, which will benefit our members. In attaining my Business degree, I am familiar with "good business" strategies, being fair and understanding, and know that at times compromises will have to be made. I am going to do my best to represent all support staff employees here at HFCC and will keep your best interests in mind when I do have to face certain decisions and will fight for our rights as employees. As webmaster for our web site, I will also make sure that information is made available for our members in a timely manner. Information is power and I will put that power in your hands!"

Treasurer: Running unopposed.

Barbara CorpI have 24+ years in the system working in several departments. I currently am a computer technician at Administrative Data and Voice Department. I have an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from HFCC. I also have worked as an accounting technician at The College Store and a Secretary in the Foundation Office. I have worked on Instructional Technology Committee and Staff Council at HFCC. Since 1996, I have been running a small accounting/tax business with several clients being non-profit organizations. Prior to my employment here, I was a legal secretary for a large legal firm in Detroit. I will do my best to represent all members of the HFCC-SSA and look forward to this new, historical adventure with all of you.

Secretary (vote for not more than one):

Denise OaksMy name is Denise K. Oaks, and I am a thirteen year veteran of the HFCC/P-12, working as the Secretary IV of the Technology Division. I am an alumnus of HFCC, having earned two Associate of Art degrees with honors. I have a firm belief that with perseverance, all things are possible. By working in numerous departments, locations and divisions on campus, I have dedicated myself to learning college policies, procedures, and protocol to better assist students and staff. I am a self-motivated worker, who thrives in situations requiring great attention to detail, multitasking, time management, and confidentiality. I have vast experience working with all types of labor affiliations, classifications, personalities, and differences of priorities. I strongly believe that I will be an unwavering leader, focused on the importance of all membership opinions and concerns. Support Staff are in the business of helping others build their futures, and now it is time for us to build ours. We are the foundation in which Henry Ford Community College is built on, and it is time for us to strengthen our foundation. This is the time to forge a new path, with new leadership. With your vote, I will be an integral part of the creation of a strong bargaining unit that represents all members equally, while dedicated to the beneficial future that we all have earned.Patricia SellersClassification: Secretary IVCurrent Assignment: Office of Corporate TrainingYears in the System: 21 ½ yearsOffices Held: Financial Secretary (DFSE); Recording Secretary (DFSE); Chair Staff Council (HFCC)Committee Participation: Constitution (DFSE-2 years); Budget (DFSE-4 years); Sick Bank (DFSE-12 years); Strategic Planning (HFCC-2years); Fiscal Resource (HFCC-2 years)

Trustees (vote for not more than three):

Tony BitontiI was hired by HFCC in 1994 as an Instructional Technician. I successfully applied for a Media Technician opening approximately 10 years ago. I am still in this position working under the supervision of Barb Lukasiewiez. I have a B.A. degree from Western Michigan University and I am a resident of Dearborn (with a daughter attending HFCC and Fordson High School). My only concrete involvement with union activities at HFCC was my input and support of my co-workers in the Instructional Technology during a prolonged struggle with our supervisor at that time.This experience re-enforced my belief that the DFSE leadership did not understand our concerns enough to present our case. I think we are better off relying on our HFCC co-workers to protect our interests and I would like to help by serving as a Trustee. Anthony BitontiSusan BozzerI have been with the college for approximately 10 years, having transferred from the school side after 2 years of service. I have been in the Financial Aid office since I transferred here, and have several years’ experience in Customer Service and working with Administration as an Executive Secretary. I’m honest, willing to listen, easy to talk to, and will treat everyone fairly. I believe that I have the experience it takes to be a Trustee. I am excited about the new Union, and hope you will give me the opportunity to represent you.Reuben BrukleyI first came to the college in 1997. I've been a custodian on the afternoon, midnight, and swing shifts at Main Campus, and I'm currently the Building Operations Specialist at East Campus. I have degrees in liberal arts and in business, and I reside in Dearborn with my wife, Lori, and our daughter, Olivia. I believe the function of our executive board should be to accurately and honestly inform the membership and represent their decisions accordingly. If elected to the position of trustee, I will ensure open lines of communication between the board and all of HFCC-SSA's classifications, campuses, and shifts. I will neither support nor tolerate scare tactics or rumor mongering as means to achieving political ends and my vote will always represent the will of the membership.Lori FracassaHi, my name is Lori and I have been nominated for Trustee to the HFCC/SSA. Something about me... I started working as a secretarial sub for both P-12 and HFCC in 1990. In 1994 I was hired at Henry Ford Community College as a part-time Sec. II in The College Store at the Dearborn Height Campus. I was then hired full-time at The College Store as a Sec III in 1995. I have also worked in the Cashiers Office and the Registrar’s Office. I currently work as Secretary to the Director of the Eshleman Library at HFCC. I have been in my current position since August of 2006. I have worked in four major departments here at the college and I have gained much knowledge form all of these areas. I was on Staff Council for many years and I volunteer for the Women’s Recognition Luncheon and the Adray Golf Outing. I am honored to have been nominated as Trustee to the SSA because this has been my passion for many years. This is such a wonderful opportunity for support staff at the college. I will do my best to support all equally and together we will stand united and strong.Harold KellyI have work for the Dearborn schools for 26 years now I came over to H.F.C.C. when the schools closed there warehouse. I have served on the D.F.S.E. Executive Board for 12 years as Sgt.-at-arms and 8 years as vice president. I have been on the constitutional, budget, safety, grievance and negotiation committees and been on four negotiation teams. I have always try hard to represent every member fairly through the years and if elected I will continually do so. I have a lot of union experience and I think that is what is needed when forming a new union. That is why I hope to be elected as a H.F.C.C.-S.S.A trustee.Sharon MaitlandI have been working in the system for 11 years. I currently am working as an Enrollment Technician in the Registration Office at HFCC. I have also held positions as Food Service, Teller, and Custodian and recognize the need for servicing all departments equally. As a Trustee I will support all classifications and am honored to have been nominated as Trustee.Mary SzymanskiI am an Accounting Technician working in Financial Services in Accounts Payable. Prior to working in Accounts Payable I worked in the Cashier’s Office and worked directly with students. I listened to their problems involving their student accounts and tried to help them resolve them if they were any type of sponsored student. I am a member of Staff Council and part of the Innovation Committee through the College. I feel very strongly about our Union and helped put together two fund raisers, Trivia Nights, to help raise monies to pay our bills. I am interested in running for Trustee for the HFCC-SSA union. The Trustee position is a liaison between the Executive Board and the main body of the Union. I feel the experience I have had with the students, listening and helping them, would carry over to this position. I will listen to any concerns you have and bring forth any questions or any of those concerns you have to the Executive Board on your behalf.