Andrew Aquino

Andrew Aquino serves as the project manager for the UA System Office of Workforce Development, and he values connecting individuals and groups to goal-achieving resources.

Prior to joining the Office of Workforce Development, he served as project coordinator for President Pat Pitney, and was in a similar role with UAF Advancement.

Through his diverse work experience, Aquino knows what inspires innovation, engagement and authenticity — it’s not about solely being oneself. It’s about providing others the space to be their authentic selves. Aquino recognizes that true dialogue flows in this space, and not only turns goals into output but also naturally prompts larger goals and robust creativity.

Aquino is a member of the North Star Community Foundation, Recover Alaska and Spirit of Youth boards, and he holds a seat on the Fairbanks Diversity Council.

Andrew Aquino was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts from The Evergreen State College in media and communications, and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Professional Communication from UAF.

Genevieve Bright

I started with the University in 2015 when I joined the UAF Development and Alumni Relations team as a Stewardship Specialist.

After serving in a few different roles within that office I transitioned to the UA Foundation in Fall of 2019, joining the Principal Gifts team - serving as the Principal Gifts Officer.

I'd like to join the staff council because I feel that active participation in staff representation as well as providing opportunities for meaningful staff engagement and appreciation is what makes the difference between an OK place to work and a great place to work.

Rebecca Catlin

Rebecca Catlin started with the University in August, 2022 as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Finance Officer and Controller. She also serves as the Butrovich Building Coordinator wrangling work orders, keycard registrations, and assistant plant-sitter on Monday afternoons. Her role in System Office Finance comes as a complete career shift from her previous 10+ years’ experience in the food industry as a barista, pastry chef, and kitchen manager. Currently enrolled as an Interdisciplinary Science major, Rebecca aspires to finish her degree with a concentration in Nutrition and Biological Sciences in between writing emails. The best part of working for the University, in her opinion, is the opportunity to pursue her educational goals while supporting our unique community mission. Rebecca is interested to serve on Staff Council to be a better building coordinator and accurately represent the opinions of staff she encounters daily. When not devoting all her energy into work or degree progress, you can find Rebecca outside pretending to be a capable runner as she trains for the Midnight Sun Run and Hoodoo Half Marathon with her dogs, Ygritte and Riker.

Sarah Belmont

I was born and raised in Fairbanks Alaska. While earning my Bachelor degree in Broadcast Journalism from UAF, I worked as a student employee for their HR department.

Then shortly after graduation I took a permanent staff position at UAS HR and relocated to Juneau. Over about seven years at UAS HR I served in many roles, earned my MPA, and now fondly look back on my time there. In Fall 2019 I relocated to Fairbanks and began a new role in UASO HR as the Sr. Compensation Specialist. Then in 2021, I transferred to the Office of Strategy, Planning, and Budget and am currently serving as a Sr.
Budget Analyst. So in a way, I was born in Fairbanks but raised in the University system.

I have been a UA staff member for over ten years and feel as though now is the right time to serve on staff council.

Raina Collins

Raina has lived in Alaska the majority of her life and has been with the University for 9 years. She started with research at UAF’s Geophysical Institute, Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems as their office manager. In 2022 she then became the Senior IT Risk & Compliance Analyst for the System in OIT. Raina achieved her Associates Degree in
Cybersecurity from UAF’s CTC, and her Bachelors in Information
Technology from UAF’s HSEM Degree Program. She’s currently workingon her Master of Security and Disaster Management, also at UAF.

Raina is extremely committed to her co-workers across the system. She believes serving on Staff Council is a valuable tool in connecting with Executive Leadership in a collaborative environment for the benefit of all. She also believes that Staff Council is extremely important to giving a voice to those uncomfortable things that we all need but have difficulty expressing.

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” - Marcus Aurelius

Monique Musick

Monique Musick was born and raised in Ester, Alaska. She attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and in 2001 earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism with an emphasis in photography. She became the graphic designer and production manager for Mushing Magazine following graduation. When the magazine sold to new ownership, Monique leased the building and opened her own photo studio and gallery. Three years later the Publication Specialist position opened at System Office and she came to work for UA Public Affairs. Here she gets to do what she enjoys: communications, outreach, photography and graphic design. Monique became involved with SOSC (formerly SAA) shortly after coming to System Office and has stayed involved ever since. She enjoys being an active member of system governance, supporting co-workers, engaging in discussions with UA leadership and participating in policy review. She enjoys photography, sports, outdoor activities, rocks, prospecting, music and time with friends.

Chelsey Okonek

Aimee Sudbeck

Aimee Sudbeck spent most of her life in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area. Her background and education supported her desire to develop a well-rounded career.  She’s worked in accounting, and administrative roles throughout her career in various industries including Incentive and performance enhancement, catering and event planning, medical/genetics services, law/estate planning, and industry development/energy.  With her current position with UA Foundation, Aimee combines her skills, talents, and experience to her work as an Administrative Assistant.

Aimee made the big move to Alaska in 2016 with her wife to discover so many new passions including fishing for salmon and halibut, photography, working on her novel and jewelry making.

Her 2 cats, Thelma and Louise, and her dog, Miska keep her busy, as well.  She enjoys traveling back to Minnesota to visit family and friends as often as possible but finds the climate to be even better in Alaska. She enjoys being a part of the Development Team at the foundation and especially her work with Travel and Procurement. She looks forward to more opportunities to grow as she works with the UA System community.

Emilee Pruitt

After growing up in the Midwest, my husband and I have lived all over the US (thanks to the Air Force). We spent 4 years in Alaska, and loved every minute.

I now work fully remote from the lower 48. I have been with the
University for 6 years, starting as the UAA ProCard Administrator in 2018. In 2019 UAA and UAF Procurement merged, making me a System Office employee. For the past few years I have been a UA Card Manager for Procurement & Contract Services.

I would like to join UA Staff Council to help make a difference for system office employees.

Nicole Goff

Nicole Goff currently serves as the Director of Fund Stewardship with the University of Alaska Foundation. She began this role in April of this year. The Director of Fund Stewardship serves as the UA Foundation lead for the distribution and use of philanthropic funds to the University of Alaska. The position is responsible for ensuring the fund management and distribution processes are established, documented, and adhered to while meeting the needs of all parties including internal foundation staff, university faculty/staff, university leadership, and ultimately honoring donor intent.

Nicole has a strong background in relationship-building, strategic planning, organization, and communication. Prior to working for the UA Foundation, Nicole served as the Director of Career Services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Prior to her time at UAF, she was an elementary school teacher both in Fairbanks and in Arizona, where she is originally from. She has a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and a Master degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Nicole would be honored to be a part of the UA System Office Staff Council. Being on staff council at the statewide level offers a unique opportunity to represent and advocate for her colleagues, contributing to a positive and productive work environment. It would allow her to actively participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that staff voices are heard and their needs addressed. Additionally, serving on the council would enable Nicole to work collaboratively with a diverse group of professionals, fostering a stronger sense of community and enhancing the overall university experience for both staff and students.

When not in the office, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband,friends, and her four dogs: Bjorn, Odin, Freyja, and Loki. She also spends much of her free time exploring new places, enjoying new restaurants, reading a good book, and spending time outside. Nicole thrives on being a lifelong learner, finding joy in the pursuit of new knowledge and experiences.

Jeremiah Youmans

Jeremiah Youmans is the Senior Data Center Technician with the Office of Information Technology. He rejoined the System Office in 2021 after a brief stint with the Fairbanks North Star Borough, having previously worked as a Technology Support Specialist and a Student Assistant with what is now Nanook Technology Services. He is currently working on his AAS in Information Technology Services through UAF.

Jeremiah would enjoy getting to know System Office employees outside of the Data Center and to advocate for equitable compensation for all employees.