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Policy Advisory Group (PAG)

The Policy Advisory Group (PAG) was established in 2022 to ensure that proposed revisions to Business and Finance policies are thoughtfully reviewed by business office staff from across the University of Illinois System. PAG members bring demonstrated skill, interest, and understanding of university operations, particularly as they relate to business and finance policies and provide valuable feedback to help ensure policies are clear, practical, and responsive to the needs of the system.

PAG Duties / Goals

In addition to providing feedback on policy updates under consideration, PAG members provide insight into the practical policy implementation and application process. PAG members aid in ensuring that business and finance policies are accurate and easy to understand.

Eligibility & Term

All business office staff members are eligible to serve, regardless of years in a business office role. An applicant’s years of service should not be a deterrent to applying for PAG membership. In fact, having a broad spectrum of experience to make up the PAG is beneficial to the policymaking process. Business office staff who have been at the university or in a business office capacity for many years can bring historical knowledge, while someone newer to the role can bring a fresh perspective to the group.

PAG members serve a one-year term from roughly October–September.

PAG alumni retain access to PAG resources and are encouraged to continue to contact the System Business & Finance Policy Office with advice, questions, or recommendations.

Application Process

PAG applications are typically reviewed in October of each year. Prospective PAG members self-nominate to join the PAG and fill out a short survey to express why they are interested in serving.

Roughly 10 applicants are selected for a cohort with equal representation across UIC, UIS, UIUC, and System Office units.

Cohort 4 PAG Members and Accomplishments

Cohort 4 PAG Members (2025-26)

  • Elisa Carranza, Department of Family and Comm. Med, UIC
  • Molly Cooper, Cooperative Extension, UIUC
  • Briana Fulton, Performing Arts Services, UIS
  • Mary Jones, Kinesiology, UIUC
  • Lica Kou, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Innovation, UIC
  • Allison Sivers, Office of the Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs, System Office
  • Aaron Stewart, Facilities & Services Administration, UIS
  • Jennifer Vaisnoras, Department of Psychology, UIC
  • Pablo Valenzuela, University Audits, System Office
  • Michelle Waldner, University Counsel, System Office

Cohort 4 Accomplishments

Previous PAG Cohorts & Accomplishments

Cohort 3 (2024–25)

Cohort 3 PAG Members

  • Alice Ennis, University of Illinois Press, System Office
  • Diane Gilbert, Department of Communication, UIC
  • Kimberly Johnson, University Library, UIUC
  • Marcia Mathis, Carver Biotechnology Center, UIUC
  • Jeanne Santamaria, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UIC
    represented Department of Medicine AIM while serving on PAG
  • Maile Tatman, Engineering Business Shared Services, UIC
  • Lynda Warner, Center for Research on Women and Gender, UIC
Cohort 3 Advisory Committee Representatives
  • Yvonne Shaw, School of Social Work, UIUC
  • Rodney Chambers, University Library, UIS

Cohort 3 Accomplishments

Cohort 2 (2023–24)

Cohort 2 PAG Members

  • Gary Anderson, Office of Enrollment and Retention Management, UIS
  • Marlo Atchison, UIC College of Law, UIC
  • Angela Bensyl, University Payables, System Office
  • Shawna Graddy, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, UIUC
  • Andrea Hoskinson, Division of Specialized Care for Children, UIC
  • Katherine Johnston, Office of the Chief Information Officer, UIUC
    represented Gies College of Business while serving on PAG
  • Shelly Lang, University Health Service, UIC
  • Don Marrow, School of Chemical Sciences, UIUC
  • Vanessa Medina, Biomedical and Health Information Science, UIC
  • Jill Ralph, Facilities & Services Administration, UIS
  • Maria Thompson, Facilities & Services Office, UIUC
Cohort 2 Advisory Committee Representatives:
  • Liz Clawson, College of Applied Health Sciences, UIUC
  • Toni Langdon, College of Health, Science, and Technology Administration, UIS
    left during term to accept position outside University of Illinois Springfield
  • Dale Rush, Retzky College of Pharmacy, UIC

Cohort 2 Accomplishments

Cohort 1 (2022–23)

Cohort 1 PAG Members

  • Alex Adamov, College of Dentistry, UIC
  • Andrea Christensen, College of Medicine at Rockford, UIC
  • Jenny Ehrnthaller, Administrative Information Technology Services (AITS), System Office
  • Jennifer Frank, College of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, UIUC
  • Karrie Hurley, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance, UIC
  • Libby Miller, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, UIUC
    represented Division of Intercollegiate Athletics while serving on PAG
  • Nicole Rakes, Office of the Vice President for External Relations and Communications, UIS
    represented Office of Governmental Relations while serving on PAG
  • Susan Thomas, Department of Accountancy, UIUC
  • Jamie Weber, University Library, UIS

Cohort 1 Accomplishments