Staff Senate officers are elected by the Senate membership for a term of one (1) year by written or voice nomination during the last regular monthly meeting of each year.

The executive committee meets a minimum of five times during each term year to:

  • Set the agenda for Senate meetings.
  • Report on the work of the Senate to the UMB President, the Council of University System Staff (CUSS) and the UMB campus community.
  • Act as liaison or point of contact with the UMB President and Chief Human Resources Officer.
  • Recommend to the Senate the establishment, composition, and responsibilities of standing and/or special committees; fill irregular vacancies on committees; and recommend participation in campus committees.
  • Manage the Senate’s annual operating budget.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senate or UMB senior leadership.
Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes

President of the Staff Senate
Assistant Director for Student Services, Maryland Carey Law

Email: amanda.barnes@law.umaryland.edu

As President, Amanda presides at all meetings of the senate, finalizes the agenda of each senate meeting, and serves as chief liaison to UMB President Dr. Bruce Jarrell and other senior leadership.... Read More

Tom Hockensmith, MA

Tom Hockensmith, MA

Vice President of the Staff Senate
Executive Director of Central Administration IT Services, Center for Information Technology Services

Email: thockensmith@umaryland.edu

As Vice President, Tom assists the Staff Senate President and performs the duties of the president in her absence. He also facilitates presentations to inform the senate body on upcoming, present, ... Read More

Stephanie Brandal

Stephanie Brandal

Specialist, Research Security, ORD/SPA

Email: sbrandal@umaryland.edu

As Secretary, Stephanie is responsible for maintaining and distributing accurate records regarding all official business conducted by the Staff Senate, including meeting agendas, minutes, and atten... Read More

Briana Clark

Briana Clark

Equity and Action Officer
Director of Research Administration, School of Nursing

Email: blclark@umaryland.edu

As Equity and Action Officer, Briana is responsible for leading the Staff Senate’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  She ensures that the Staff Senate’s equity and inc... Read More

Matthew (Dag) D'agostino

Matthew (Dag) D'agostino

Communications Officer
Lead Photographer, Communications and Public Affairs

Email: mdagostino@umaryland.edu

As Communications Officer, Dag chairs the senate’s Communications Committee, contributes to The Elm, and serves on the UMB Communications Council. He is responsible for the development, manag... Read More

Sophie Harper

Sophie Harper

Member-at-Large
Lead Domestic Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

Email: sjharper@som.umaryland.edu

As Member-at-Large, Sophie serves as a representative of all Staff Senators to the Executive Committee, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of staff across the University receive thoughtful cons... Read More

Kenyatta M. Woolridge

Kenyatta M. Woolridge

Operations Officer
Senior Disbursement Specialist, Office of the Controller-Disbursements, Central Administration

Email: kwoolridge@umaryland.edu

As Operations Officer, Kenyatta helps facilitate the year-to-year transition between Executive Boards by communicating with past board members and documenting and sharing relevant information to en... Read More