Staff Committees

Staff committees address issues that affect staff across the association.

If you are interested in joining a staff committee, talk with your supervisor and make sure that works within your funding and time availability then reach out to the committee with your interest.

---

FUN Committee

The FUN (Fighting Unhappiness Network) committee develops plans to improve workplace culture, fosters community among CCE Tompkins staff, and provides events for all to enjoy with fun, bubbles, rainbows, glitter, and bunnies. Members are Taylor Dingman, Vicki Fleming, Emily Gronquist, Harrison Hensley, RJ Isley, Jennifer Kusznir, Patrick Lynch, Kathy Maxson, Jerry Sheng, Tina Snyder, Jack Wright, and Keegan Young.

---

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee discusses issues and related to staff and our organization. Their aim is to help the agency work toward goals in our Strategic Plan. Current members are: Rachel Bortin, Rob Brown, Cynthia Cave-Gaetani, David Foote, Emily Gronquist, Jennifer Kusznir, Nisha Malone, Holly Payne, Anna Steinkraus, Jack Wright, and Grace Parker Zielinski. If you would like to join, please speak with your supervisor and notify a member of the committee.

---

Safety Committee

The purpose of this committee is to establish procedures for emergency events and other safety issues at all locations of this Association. Members are Maria Christian, RJ Isley, Shelley Lester, Kathy Maxson, and Karen Yearwood. The committee gives presentations at All-Staff meetings or other gatherings about safety precautions, the presence of hazardous materials in the building, where the first aid kits are located, what staff are certified in CPR, and related issues. Please contact Karen Yearwood at kay27@cornell.edu if interested.

---

Staff Development Committee

The group provides informal training and professional development opportunities for staff. They focus on morale and team building, coordinate the All Staff meeting, and provide supervisor and staff support and resources. Members are Karim Beers, Shelley Lester, Nisha Malone, Shelly Meldrum and Karen Yearwood. Reach out to your supervisor and then to any team member if you are interested in joining.

---

Technology Needs Committee (TNT)

The Technology Needs Team (TNT) came together to discuss event registration, databases and other technology issues. It is currently on hiatus. Members were: Rachel Bortin, Tim Crowley, David Foote, Chris Kai-Jones, Graham Savio and Athena Steinkraus. Please approach the staff member in your area if you are interested in joining.

Volunteer Management Committee

Many staff work with volunteers and use a variety of methods to organize, manage and track them. This committee helps streamline volunteer management processes. Members are Vicki Fleming, David Foote, Emily Gronquist, Venda Harris, Marissa Nolan, Miranda Sundquist, Aly Trombitas, and Janine Willis.

---

Inactive Committees

Staff committees come and go, and the following committees could be revived if there is a need and interest.

Food Team

Food team was a group of staff from various programs who all worked with food, and who met to help spark in-house collaborations due to all the members knowing what other programs were being planned.

Green Team

For many years, this team worked to help all practices within CCE-Tompkins become more sustainable, such as its ongoing office composting program, encouraging the choice of reusable dishes at events, opting for recycled products when possible, etc.

Last updated May 22, 2025