State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee Candidates
2025 Election State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee
The State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee is mandated by Section 36c of the State Universities Civil Service Act (110 ILCS 70/36c). The Committee meets at least quarterly at campuses throughout the state, welcoming civil service employees at the particular campus to attend.
Members of the committee are elected by civil service employees at each of the Universities and Agencies served. Committee members represent their constituents by functioning in an advisory capacity to the Merit Board on "All matters pertaining to the University System."
To be eligible for nomination and election to membership, a Civil Service employee must be a certified status employee at UIC or the Colleges of Medicine at Peoria or Rockford. Employees must have at least three years of consecutive Civil Service employment at UIC or at any other Illinois institution served by the State Universities Civil Service System.
An election will be held to select one representative from the University of Illinois Chicago to the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee to the Merit Board of the State Universities Civil Service System. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to fill a term of office beginning January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029.
Electronic voting will be available from 12:00am to 11:59pm on November 11, 2025. For employees who prefer or require a paper ballot, voting will be available in the UIC HR Welcome Center, 715 S. Wood Street, Room 109 from 8:00am until 5:00pm on November 11th. Additional details regarding the voting process will be shared with Civil Service employees ahead of the election.
Article II, Sec. IV, #9 By‐laws, State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee: "Any Civil Service Employee, excluding temporary, provisional, student and extra help, at a place of employment, who is currently employed as of the date of the election, shall be granted the time to vote without loss of time or pay."
There are two candidates running for election. Detailed candidacy statements written and submitted by the candidates are listed below.
Questions regarding the election or eligibility can be directed to Susan Balmes-Young in UIC Human Resources at balmes@uic.edu.
Candidate: Brandy Perry
Candidate: Brandy Perru
Administrative Aide
Transplant Center – EEI
I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago by my grandmother, who taught me what strength and real love look like. Her influence shaped so much of who I am today. I’m one of five siblings and a proud mom—family and friendship mean everything to me. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones: laughing together, sharing stories, and making memories that last.
I started working at UIC in 2015 and have worked in several departments over the years. Each role has taught me something new, and through it all, I’ve stayed committed to learning and growing. Right now, I’m also working toward my degree in Public Health at Eastern Illinois University, because I want to keep building my skills and make a bigger impact in my community.
My faith has always been a guiding force in my life. As an active member of my church, I hold close the belief that “with God, nothing shall be impossible.” That faith has carried me through tough times and continues to keep me grounded and focused.
I’ve also become more involved in union work. I’m a proud member of SEIU Local 73 and currently working toward becoming a Steward. I want to learn more and be a strong advocate for others—to speak up, support my coworkers, and help build a more unified workplace.
My decision to join the Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee comes from reflecting on my own journey—where I started, what I’ve overcome, and how far I’ve come. I’ve faced challenges that weren’t always easy, but they gave me purpose. Now, I feel it’s time to give back. I’m passionate about helping others who might be walking a similar path, and I want to be a voice for them. I’m also excited to continue growing as a leader, connect with others who share my values, and be part of creating meaningful, lasting change within the university system.
Candidate: Adel Moustafa
Candidate: Adel Moustafa MSEd, R.T.(R)(MR)(CT)
MRI Manager
UI Health
My name is Adel Moustafa, and I am honored to serve as the MRI Manager at UI Health. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of growing within this remarkable hospital. I started as a technologist and advanced to an MRI specialist. Now, I co-lead our MRI team as a manager. This journey has been shaped by hard work, a deep commitment to patient care, respect, and staff development.
Before joining UI Health, I held roles in research, education, and private business, including as a research assistant, adjunct faculty, and program director. My clinical expertise spans radiography, CT, and MRI, and my professional background reflects a blend of healthcare delivery, academic mentorship, research, and operational management.
I am running for the State Universities Civil Service Advisory Committee to the Merit Board to represent the many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, those who may not always be seen or heard, yet those who consistently deliver exceptional care and service. My goal is to be a voice for those individuals, to advocate for fairness, recognition, and opportunity.
As a manager, I understand the importance of accountability, teamwork, and setting meaningful goals. I believe in leading with empathy and integrity, and I hope to bring that same spirit to the committee—working collaboratively to support the success of our Civil Service staff and the mission of UI Health.