26th Annual Council of Councils
Welcome to the 2024 Council of Councils!
On its 26st annual gathering, the University of Illinois at Chicago has the great privilege of hosting this year’s Council of Councils.
From its humble beginnings as a luncheon and Civil Service Day program bringing together the NIU Civil Service senate and council members, council members from Chicago State University, and council members from Governors State University in 1996, this conference has blossomed into a large networking opportunity and professional conference with 14 separate Illinois institutions participating.
Our theme for the 26th Annual Council of Councils is "All Together Extraordinary.”
We gather with a sense of excitement to celebrate our connection. We are all together extraordinary. The work we do every day maybe ordinary. Day after day of dedication, perseverance and care of others is often thankless and tiring but the outcome of work can truly be amazing and deeply valuable to others.
In this program, you will learn how to prioritize your self care so that you can motivate those around you to give the best of themselves every day. The sessions below ranges from our opening key note, updates from SURS, SUAA. Learn about the current Illinois Employment Law, and Work and Mental Health Resources. There will also be information on healing your body through exercise and important habits to becoming your most effective self. We took the time to visit our UIC Biology Plant Research Laboratory Greenhouse. Most importantly we participated in a round table to discuss what is happening in each campus as it relates to our work supporting and guiding civil service employees.
We thank everyone for joining us for the conference and are honored to convene with our fellow State of Illinois civil service councils.
Meet & Greet Reception at National Museum of Mexican Art Heading link
The council met for a Thursday evening of fun at the National Museum of Mexican Art and dinner at 5 Rabanitos Restaurant! The museum exhibit showed the “Day of the Dead” or “Dia de Muertos, Where the Past is Present”. The art, images, murals, sculptures, displays, flowers, photography, intricate paper figures and tapestry remembers the lives of lost loved ones through the time-honored tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. As host of the Council of Councils, we wanted to share this Chicago gem, taste our local restaurant, enjoy our campus diversity and cultural resources we have in and around our community.
Opening Key Note, "Thriving Together: The Power of Prioritizing Your Well Being" Heading link
Jackie Billhymer, Keynote
Organizational Development Consultant
Illinois Human Resources, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The keynote will focus on the transformative impact of placing well-being at the forefront of our lives and organizations. Together we will explore how making your health and happiness a priority can improve teamwork, create a supportive environment, and lead to shared success. We will discuss practical strategies for integrating self-care into daily routines, building resilience, and cultivating a positive work culture. By prioritizing our well-being, we not only boost personal fulfilment but also strengthen the bonds that help ourselves and each other thrive and ultimately leading to more vibrant and effective collaborations.
BIO:
Jackie Billhymer, Organizational Development Consultant at Illinois Human Resources, leverages her experience and passion for development to enhance the strategic planning, change management, leadership development and organizational effectiveness initiatives at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her journey within the university began in 1999 in the System Offices and has been marked by progressive responsibility, culminating in her previous position as Associate Director for Organizational Effectiveness in System Human Resource Services. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational and Professional Development from Eastern Illinois University and is a certified facilitator for the Hogan and Center for Creative Leadership 360 suite of development assessments. She also is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Jackie’s passion lies in helping others achieve their personal and professional goals, a mission she pursues with integrity, enthusiasm and dedication. Outside of her professional life, Jackie finds joy in a variety of personal interests. She resides in Monticello with her husband, son and two cats. She is an avid jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, a developing guitar player, and loves to immerse herself in nature with her family. These activities not only provide her with relaxation and enjoyment but also contribute to her well-rounded approach to life and work.
SURS Update: System funding, membership, investments, and legislation Heading link
Kristen C. Houch, SURS Update
Director of Legislative and Stakeholder Relations,
State Universities Retirement System
BIO:
Kristen Houch is the Director of Legislative and Stakeholder Relations for the State Universities Retirement System. Prior to her employment with SURS, Kristen worked for the Office of the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs, focusing on budget, revenue, and pension issues. Kristen was also a James H. Dunn Fellow in the Illinois Governor’s Office and holds degrees in political science from the University of Arizona and the University of Chicago.
Recording will be available at SURS semi-annual stakeholder meeting and townhall on Dec. 3rd
What’s new at SUAA Heading link
W. Bryan Soady, SUAA Updates
Executive Director, CEO
State Universities Annuitants Association
BIO:
Bryan Soady joined the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) with more than two decades of experience in the non-profit organization and advocacy space having worked for organizations as large and well-known as the American Red Cross and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America other small staff organizations like the Illinois Chiropractic Society and SUAA itself.
Soady earned his Certified Association Executive, or CAE designation in 2017 and has been a registered lobbyist since ’99. In his personal life he is the grandson and son of educators, a single father of 2 grown kids and a new Grandfather who enjoys renovating old homes with new life in his free time.
Exercise IS Medicine Let's Move Together Heading link
Lynne Thompson, Exercise is Medicine
Director, Recreation and Wellbeing
Exercise IS Medicine: Let’s Move Together
This presentation on Exercise is Medicine will cover physical activity recommendations, highlight the benefits of regular exercise, and guide participants through a no-equipment strength training routine followed by light stretching to promote overall wellbeing.
BIO:
Lynne Thompson has worked in Recreation and Wellbeing for over 20 years and currently leads a comprehensive department that supports the health and wellbeing of Students and the UIC community. Recreation and Wellbeing is supported by a team of energetic professionals, graduate assistants and over 300 students that support wellbeing through multiple indoor and outdoor facilities, diverse programs and services, and initiatives that provide opportunities for student learning, community, and growth. Through collaborations with a variety of divisions and departments, Lynne supports the integration of a wellbeing culture across campus by helping students and employees who are navigating the dimensions of wellness. Lynne attended Brigham Young University and received a B.S. in Health Education followed by an M.S in Exercise Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her certifications include ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist® and Wellcoaches® Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Lynne started at UIC in 2012 and has served as the Associate Director of Programs and Services, the Deputy Director and is currently the Senior Director.
Welcome 26th Annual Council of Councils to UIC! Heading link
UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda, Welcome
Speaker Bio:
UIC Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda is a researcher who uses her knowledge of mathematics and statistics to study environmental and public health with a focus on children’s health.
Miranda, a leader in geospatial health informatics, is professor of applied and computational mathematics and statistics and former provost at Notre Dame University. As Notre Dame provost, she led the university’s academic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout her career, Miranda has worked to make higher education more inclusive by increasing faculty and student diversity. Before joining Notre Dame in 2020, she held leadership and faculty positions at Rice University, University of Michigan and Duke University.
At Notre Dame, she is founding director of the Children’s Environmental Health Initiative. The program uses spatial design of environmental health research to study problems including childhood lead exposure, racial residential segregation and the social and environmental stressors of segregated neighborhoods that drive health and educational disparities.
Over her career, Miranda has been principal investigator or co-principal investigator on over $75 million dollars in research funding. She earned a bachelor’s in mathematics and economics at Duke and a PhD and master’s from Harvard University. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Legal Updates for Employment Heading link
Nicholas A. Simpson, Legal Updates
Attorney at Law, Jackson Lewis P.C.
BIO:
Nicholas A. Simpson is a senior associate in the Chicago, Illinois, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on counseling employers on labor and employment matters and defending labor and employment litigation. As a litigator and a member of his firm’s higher education industry group, Nicholas has good experience representing clients, in claims for sexual and racial harassment; pregnancy, disability, sex, race, age, and equal pay discrimination; wrongful discharge; and violations of the ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, Title VII, Section 1981, Section 1983, the Ethics Act, and other statutes.
In addition to his litigation practice, Nicholas also assists clients with workplace diversity and inclusion related issues, including conducting climate surveys and internal investigations; analyzing employee related data and policies; and conducting trainings on unconscious bias, generational diversity, and creating inclusive cultures. Nicholas also assists with managing internal and external communications in response to diversity and inclusion related matters.
Outside of his daily practice, Nicholas is a Corporate Board Member of Associated Colleges of Illinois (“ACI”). ACI is a network of 25 private, nonprofit residential colleges and universities. ACI’s mission is to support member colleges and universities by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career, and life. Nicholas is also a proud member of National Association of College and University Attorneys (“NACUA”).
UIC Jazz Ensemble Heading link
The Jazz Ensemble musicians are –
Julian Peinado – Bass
Julian Peinado is a bassist/sousaphonist from the south side of Chicago, Illinois. He currently attends UIC pursuing a degree in jazz studies but also plays around the city as a freelance musician.
George Grunditz – Saxophone
Born in Northbrook, IL, George Grunditz is a jazz saxophonist who graduated from UIC in the Spring of 2023. He majored in Jazz Studies, and is now performing and teaching full time using the skills he learned from UIC.
Rameez Hasnian – Keyboard
Rameez Hasnain is a Pianist and Composer based in Chicago. Having studied both classical and jazz piano for several years, Rameez discovered an interest in breaking out of genre-specific styles and norms. After graduating from UIC’s School of Theatre and Music this past spring, Rameez is planning on continuing his musical career: teaching piano lessons, tutoring in music theory, playing gigs, and composing for various projects.
Habits for Becoming Your Most Effective Self Heading link
Laurie Schellenberger, Habits for Becoming Your Most Effective Self
Director, Organizational Development, UIC Human Resources
Habits for Becoming Your Most Effective Self
Being great at your role and succeeding in your career goes together with your personal well-being and sense of fulfillment. We will discuss concrete steps you can take to improve your personal effectiveness and overall wellness. We will walk through a new activity or practice to adopt each week so you can build a set of habits to improve your emotional, social, and work life.
BIO:
Laurie Schellenberger, MATD, Director Organizational Development, UIC Human Resources.
Laurie’s team is responsible for employee learning and development, leadership and management development, performance management, employee recognition and retiree celebrations.
Laurie’s career has taken her along an interesting path through sales and management to higher education administration and talent development, always with an underlying theme, ‘development of others to achieve their true success’.
Laurie joined UIC in the fall of 2010 in talent development focusing on employee, supervisor, and leadership competency development and performance management. Her goal is to inspire, engage, and transform others to achieve success through a passion for lifelong learning.
Laurie achieved her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Arts in Training and Development from Roosevelt University, Chicago.
UIC Biology Plant Research Greenhouse Visit Heading link
During the Council of Councils meeting at UIC, participants had an opportunity to visit one of the coolest places on campus – the Plant Research Lab. A brief tour will highlight one of the original buildings and facilities established when UIC located to the near west side in 1966.
BIO:
Matthew Frazel, who manages the Greenhouse is a horticulturist with 40+ years of greenhouse and farm experience. A lifelong gardener, he has worked with plants in the US, Senegal, and West Berlin.
Weather permitting, the tour will showcase indoor and outdoor plantings of plants from all over the world.
Work and Mental Health Heading link
Geri Biamonte MSW, LCSW, Work and Mental Health
Employee Assistant Practitioner, University Health Service
Work and Mental Health
This presentation is a discussion about mental health and work life with practical resource information. It encourages you to prioritize your wellness and self-care plan.
BIO:
Geri Biamonte MSW, LCSW, Employee Assistance Practitioner is a year 2000 graduate of the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Occupational Social Work is her area of specialty practice and she has provided counseling support to UIC and UIH employees, faculty and staff for more than 20 years. She states, “Work life is central to one’s well-being as well as to one’s distress. Providing counseling support in the workplace allows me to be present for individuals in a most immediate way with an enhanced understanding of their concerns in a depthful context. It’s my honor to support all UIC and UIH personnel who make the university and hospital a critical presence in the community and beyond.”
Council of Councils Round Table Heading link
Learn about current events, topics and concerns from each Council of Councils institutions.
Thank you for being a part of the Council of Councils Conference!
We are here to serve the university, and at the end of the day it is about the students and service to others.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary through our unity and collaboration.