The APSA Election will be held from April 22, 2026, to April 28, 2026.   

​

This year, we will have 2 Executive Board Officer positions, President and Membership Secretary, along with 5 Board of Directors positions.

​​

​

PREVIEW DESCRIPTIONS and NOMINATIONS below:
 

NOTE: The President and Membership Secretary roles are unopposed and therefore will not be listed on the ballot 

​

​

===============================================

​

President 

Term of office: Aug. 1, 2026 – July 31, 2030 - 4 years
Remuneration: $2000/month 

​

Duties:

​

• Preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Executive Board; if unable to attend a scheduled meeting, appoint an Executive Board member to preside at the meeting.

• Appoint all committee chairpersons and members, all said appointments subject to ratification by the Executive Board, except the Grievance Committee.

• Be an Ex Officio member of all appointed committees, except the Nomination Committee.

• When away from the University, appoint one of the two Vice Presidents as acting representative of the Association.

• Serve as Chair of the Negotiation Committee for all labor contracts within the territorial limits of the Michigan State University Administrative Professional Supervisors Association.

• Appoint the Association's Negotiating Committee, at least four (4) months prior to the onset of contract negotiations, said Committee members to be approved by the Executive Board.

• Provide monthly reports to the Executive Board and semi-annual reports to the Association membership on contract negotiations or issues related to contract negotiations.

• To enforce all the provisions of the Labor contract, up to the need for legal services to enforce them, through and including arbitrations.

• To handle administrative hearings in connection with wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

• Assist Vice Presidents in grievances process specific to these duties:

• Coordinate and file all levels of Grievances, including Statement of Grievance/ Language of Contract Violations/ and Relief Requested. Adhere to Contract timelines for grievance process/filing.

• Perform investigations, interviews and creating information/documentation, to present at Grievance Hearing with the University, that support member’s position.

• Negotiate all Grievance Settlements including modifications to severity of discipline/time in file/ and other stipulations.

• Seek Executive Board Approval to pursue arbitration in specific cases.

• Determine and refer members/grievances that are at the level of Legal Counsel involvement.​

• Review of all formal Letter of Agreements (LOA) with the University regarding outcome of Grievance Hearings, unless specified that LOA is to be reviewed by APSA legal Counsel.

• In accordance with paragraph 183 Past Counseling Memorandums, provide written request for removal of disciplines/counseling memorandums from the Official Personnel Folder(s) of members after 18 months, or agreed timeline in Grievance settlement.

• Represent members involving the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), in any capacity of Claimant, Witness, and Respondent.  Review of draft reports, recommend rebuttals, and responses to support member’s position.  Represent member if discipline/suspension/or termination result based on Final Report.

• Conduct Quarterly meetings with the Office of Employee Relations in accordance with Paragraph 96 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to deal with matters of mutual interest, such as but not limited to, grievances, merit pay allotments, hours of employment, conditions of work, and quality of work life to increase job satisfaction, problem-solving and decision making.

• Request for position reclassification to the Office of Employee Relations AVP for Human Resources.

• Assist legal counsel in all hearings before the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, which consist of gathering information, conducting investigatory meetings, interviewing perspective witnesses/departments.  Research of information to support position.

• Coordinate all MERC procedures and meetings for potential new members and certification.

• Address all Lay off Provisionals, including formal written request to other bargaining units, for potential positions that are within their respective unions.

• Organize retreats for the Executive Board.

• Schedule "emergency" Executive Board or Committee meetings, as required by issues involving the Association.

• Represent the Association on University committees, as appointed by the Association's Executive Board or by University offices.  Prepare an Association calendar of events, noting meetings, deadlines, and special events.

• Serve and preside over any trial body per Section 5.9.

• Provide and request notice of release time for the Officers and Directors to the University in accord with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Responsible for assessment of performance of paid Association agents and representatives with report to the Executive Board.

• Perform duties common to all Executive Board members as listed in Section 5.4. m.

•  Perform all other duties which are normal to the Office of the President.

​​

​

===============================================​

​

​Name: Joe Garza
Department: APSA Union Office
Position at MSU: APSA President
Years Employed: 37
Years as an APSA Member: 37

Past involvement/current Interest: APSA PRESIDENT NOMINATION:  JOE GARZA
For more than 32 years, I have had the privilege of serving our members in multiple capacities on the Executive Board and its committees. For the past 11 years as your President, you have trusted me to lead through moments of uncertainty, organizational change, and historic challenges. I have approached this responsibility with a simple philosophy: advocate fiercely, communicate openly, and lead with professionalism and respect.
Together, we have built a union known for stability, transparency, and strong results. My commitment has always been to protect your rights, expand your benefits, and ensure that every member has a dependable partner when facing workplace challenges. I am proud of the progress we’ve made — and determined to continue moving us forward.
Looking Ahead: Priorities for Our Future
As we prepare for upcoming negotiations, new workplace demands, and the next phase of university restructuring, strong and experienced leadership is essential. If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize:
• Successful negotiation of our 2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Healthcare and wages MOU negotiations in 2029
• Addressing emerging workplace challenges with fairness and consistency
• Strengthening grievance support and contract enforcement
• Increasing member listening sessions and open-door accessibility
• Expanding communication tools for timely, transparent updates
• Supporting member-led committees and working groups
• Enhancing dental coverage, expanding educational assistance, and protecting healthcare
• Preparing future leaders through mentorship and succession planning
• Advocating on your behalf during budget discussions, restructuring, or potential layoffs
Leadership Through Each Term
2022–Present: Steady Leadership During Transition
In my second full term, I focused on protecting members during the University’s post pandemic transitions and addressing campuswide challenges. Key accomplishments include:
• Advocated for fair Remote Work Agreement policies and implementation
• Served as the union point of contact during the February 13, 2023, incident
• Successfully petitioned the MSU Board of Trustees for a 3% cost of living increase
• Negotiated the APSA CBA (2023–2027), which expanded benefits, improved grievance timelines, strengthened recognition for remote workers, and increased tuition reimbursement
• Represented unions as Chair of the Coalition of Labor Organizations, serving as Chief Negotiator for healthcare and wage MOUs
• Participated in major University search committees, including CFO, EVP for HR, and Benefits Director
• Maintained reduced union dues at $10.00 while keeping services strong
• Ensured free healthcare continues through 2029
• Protected members in layoffs, budget discussions, and ISR processes
• Launched the Supervisor Support Series with subject matter experts
• Sent regular APSA updates to maintain transparency
This term reinforced APSA’s reputation as a dependable, prepared, and informed advocate for all members.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: 2018–2022: Strengthening Benefits and Membership
My first full term as President focused on increasing benefits, stabilizing operations, and expanding membership. Major achievements included:
• Negotiated the 2019–2023 CBA with improved salary allocation
• Increased Educational Assistance and secured Paid Parental Leave
• Raised vacation accrual caps to 240 hours for all levels
• Secured stand by pay for levels 9–11
• Reduced APSA’s operational overhead by 75% by relocating the office
• Strengthening our financial position enough to reduce dues to $10/month
• Expanded membership by petitioning for recognition in multiple departments
• Assisted in integrating College of Law staff into APSA
• Represented members through grievances, arbitrations, and pandemic related challenges
• Negotiated furlough protections ensuring fully funded healthcare
• Advocated for fair vaccine exemption processes
• Served on the Return to Work Committee and on presidential committees
During an unprecedented period, we ensured members were protected, informed, and supported.
2015–2018: Rebuilding, Modernizing, and Stabilizing APSA
When I was appointed President during a period of leadership turnover, I treated it as an opportunity to rebuild the Association with stronger systems, clearer processes, and improved member services. Key initiatives included:
• Negotiated the 2015–2019 CBA with enhanced sick time and educational assistance
• Modernized the APSA website
• Updated bylaws and removed outdated practices
• Transitioned to electronic voting
• Consolidated Board positions and eliminated unnecessary outside agents
• Reduced operational costs to maintain stable dues
• Increased member engagement through monthly meetings during the transition to Right to Work
• Launched multiple new committees and conducted a membership survey
• Implemented the “Response Directive,” ensuring member inquiries are addressed within 2–4 hours
• Expanded legal services by hiring a new firm
• Represented members in grievances, arbitrations, and investigations
Chair, Joint Health Care Committee (2016–Present)
As Chair, representing all campus labor organizations, I have led negotiations (2018,2022, 2026) that secured meaningful improvements, including:
• Fully funded healthcare from 2026–2029
• Increased Health Care Experience and Base Wage Factor Matrix to 2.75%
• Guaranteed minimum wage increases tied to healthcare cost management
• New benefits such as:
o Diabetes Management Program (Livongo)
o Co pay assistance
o Autism therapy coverage without visits limitations
o Telemedicine at $0 co pay
o Best Doctors Services expansions
o CVS PrudentRx
o Dental Buy Up options
o Healthcare options for out of state remote employees
My ongoing work focuses on further healthcare improvements, vendor relationships, dental enhancements, and cost saving opportunities that benefit all members and support continued wage growth.
A Personal Commitment to Serve
I am proud to be an MSU alum, as are my wife and our children. My life, my education, and my work experience have shaped how I serve this Association — with empathy, fairness, and a deep belief in community. Coaching youth sports and working with families in our community reinforces the values I bring to APSA every day. Serving you has been an honor. I am personally invested in this work, and I remain committed to representing our members with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. I respectfully ask for your vote and your continued support so we can build on our progress together.​

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Membership Secretary

Term of office: Aug. 1, 2026 – July 31, 2029 - 3 years

Remuneration: $500/month 

 

Duties:

​​

• Maintain a list of paying members.

• Coordinate the compiling of reports as applies to membership and as directed by President.

• Correspond with potential members.

• Coordinate any non-University membership benefits.

• Provide a current monthly membership report at the Executive Board meetings and at the semi-annual membership meetings.

• Plan and coordinate orientation for new members.

• Coordinate member gifts and special member events.

• Perform duties common to all Executive Board members as listed in Section 5.4.

• Perform all other duties which are normal to the Office of the Membership Secretary. ​​

​

​

===============================================

​​​

Name: Sarah Jackson
Department: College of Arts & Letters
Position at MSU: Unit HR Administrator II/S
Years Employed: 8
Years as an APSA Member: 4.5

Past involvement/current Interest: As Membership Secretary, I am the first point of contact for new and returning members. First impressions are incredibly important, and I am always thinking of more opportunities for community connection and how best to educate membership on the great work the union is doing. Finishing Karla's term in the role of Membership Secretary has been an honor. I appreciate the time I've spent getting to know the membership better and running the Supervisor Support Series, which is always well attended.

Our members are working harder than ever and morale has taken a hit with the lack of transparency from upper administration; the work of the union in representing members through conflicts and fielding questions is crucial. Next year we will negotiate our contract with the university once again. I want to make sure member priorities are well represented and that we are strong and unified.

If I am elected, I will support new and current members to the best of my ability. Thank you for your consideration!

Other interest/involvement at MSU: Throughout my time at MSU, one of my passions has been connecting people and helping to build and strengthen a strong culture that prioritizes people. Working for the College of Arts and Letters I participated in the inaugural Staff Advisory Council to the Dean as Vice Chair.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

​

​

(4) Directors

Term of office: Aug. 1, 2026 – July 31, 2028 - 2 years

Remuneration: $75/month 

 

Duties:

​

• Represent the Association as an elected member of the Executive Board.

• Perform duties authorized by the President and/or the Executive Board.

• Attend all monthly Board meetings, retreats, and special meetings, unless excused by the President. Begin attending Board meetings as soon as elected to the position with voting privileges to begin when term of office begins.

• Serve as members of Association committees and/or University committees, as appointed by the Association President or Executive Board.

• If the President is unable to make appointments as set forth in these Bylaws, the majority of the Executive Board present and voting will designate an Acting President until the President is able to resume their duties.

• Act as Recording Secretary, as appointed by the President, if said Secretary is unable to attend a monthly Executive Board meeting.

• Be available to all Association bargaining unit employees for consultation and be knowledgeable to direct said bargaining unit employee to the appropriate Association Officer, if further consultation is needed.

• Vote on issues brought before the Executive Board.

• Approve all appointments of committee members.

• At the expiration of their term shall deliver to their successor all books, monies, and other property of the Association.

​​

​

===============================================

​​​

Name: Bryce Wilson
Department: Residence Education
Position at MSU: Community Director
Years Employed: 1.5 years
Years as an APSA Member: 1.5 years

Past involvement/current Interest: I have very much enjoyed being in a Union and what that means for me. When I talk about my job and the benefits one of the first things I mention is "and its unionized". I want to get involved so that I can help contribute to the Union and learn more about leadership within labor.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: I am an advisor for a RSO.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Benjamin Haller
Department: Office of Research and Innovation
Position at MSU: Biotechnologist II/S
Years Employed: 21
Years as an APSA Member: 3

Past involvement/current Interest: I have not previously been directly involved with the union, aside from being a member in good standing. I currently would like to learn more about the union and would also like the chance to be able to help anyone that is having difficulty as a supervisor. I have been wanting to get involved with something for quite some time and feel like helping out with the APSA is a perfect opportunity to learn about an organization and assist however possible, so that I can help give back to those that have helped me recently.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: I have no official involvement at MSU other than work and attending sporting events with my family.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Emmitt Forbush
Department: Culinary Services - Kellogg
Position at MSU: Hotel Operations Manager
Years Employed: 1
Years as an APSA Member: 1

Past involvement/current Interest: Worked in Housing at Kansas State while earning MS in Student Affairs. Worked in Housing and as an academic administrator at Michigan Tech before coming to MSU. Interested in learning more about the MSU APSA positions, representing staff needs, and expanding my professional network here.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: EAT Unit Representative, LDP Graduate, NIMS Certified

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Melissa Del Rio
Department: Graduate School
Position at MSU: Assistant Dean/Chief of Staff
Years Employed: 30
Years as an APSA Member: 24

Past involvement/current Interest: I have served as an APSA Director for the past eight years and have been an active participant in APSA contract negotiations with the university. During my time on the Board, I have also served on the Business Sub Committee, which is responsible for making recommendations on matters such as accounting practices and member dues. I am eager to continue supporting the APSA organization by contributing the knowledge and experience I have gained through my Master’s degree in Human Resources, as well as my many years as a supervisor on campus.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: I currently serve as Co Director of the MSU Women of Color Community, am a member of the Executive Board for MSU CHILA, and serve as an advisor to the MSU student democratic organization. I am actively involved in conference and program planning committees, including the César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Celebration, the MSU Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth celebrations. Previously, I was selected as a Fellow in the Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program and was honored as a Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award recipient.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Charlie Root
Department: Residential and Hospitality Services
Position at MSU: Service Manager III
Years Employed: 7
Years as an APSA Member: 4

Past involvement/current Interest: I believe serving in this role is a great opportunity to become more involved with my union and the university, both of which I care deeply about. I have also served in various roles on nonprofit boards of directors and would value the opportunity to further develop that experience with this board.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: I serve on the Inclusive Impact Conference Planning Committee and volunteer in support of UAB events and the MSU Student Food Bank. Outside of MSU I enjoy reading, gaming and adding a bit of silliness to the world.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Teresa (Terri) Hughes-Lazzell
Department: College of Osteopathic Medicine
Position at MSU: Senior Communications and Marketing Officer
Years Employed: 7
Years as an APSA Member: 4 (APA member prior)

Past involvement/current Interest: Member attending meetings/events, voting. Strong union background with an interest in ensuring MSU staff are represented and treated fairly.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: Have participated in Move In as an alum, welcoming events with Student Affairs. Loved this place since a student and want to ensure it is and its people are treated respectfully.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: James Terrill
Department: Department of Police and Public safety
Position at MSU: Police Sergeant
Years Employed: 13
Years as an APSA Member: 6

Past involvement/current Interest: Current APSA director seeking 3rd term.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: I frequently work overtime for athletic and other events on campus and have taught two graduate level courses for MSU. I am a third generation Spartan and have my Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Kristina Reitler
Department: The Eli Broad College of Business, Russell Palmer Career Management Center
Position at MSU: Senior Associate Director, Employer Relations
Years Employed: 16
Years as an APSA Member: 11

Past involvement/current Interest: I am interested in serving as an APSA Director to contribute a thoughtful, staff centered perspective to shared governance at Michigan State University. Through my current role as Senior Associate Director of Employer Relations in the Eli Broad College of Business, I have developed a deep appreciation for how institutional decisions, communication practices, and operational structures directly impact the day-to-day experience of academic and administrative professionals.

My career at MSU has spanned more than a decade, during which I have led teams, built cross functional partnerships, and implemented systems that improve consistency, transparency, and overall effectiveness. In my current role, I oversee a team of staff and student employees, develop college wide employer engagement strategies, and use data informed approaches to enhance programs and assess outcomes. This work has reinforced my commitment to creating environments where staff feel supported, informed, and empowered to do their best work.

I am particularly motivated to serve in APSA to advocate for professional development, and clear, transparent communication across units. My previous involvement in staff leadership committees and professional organizations has strengthened my ability to represent diverse perspectives, collaborate across stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful, forward looking conversations.

I value the role APSA plays in elevating the voices of academic and administrative staff, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience, perspective, and commitment to strengthening our community.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: Most recently as the Broad Staff Leadership Committee Secretary, I contributed to staff communication initiatives and represented staff perspectives to college leadership. To foster cross campus collaboration I strategize with partners to align employer engagement strategies with broader institutional priorities and student outcomes. Through my leadership, I strive to enhance the staff experience by aligning operational practices with the needs of employees, fostering inclusive collaboration, and supporting policies that promote clarity and equity.

I am an East Lansing resident and live with my husband, Nick, and our two Shih Tzus, Louie and Poppy. In my free time, I enjoy painting and other creative pursuits.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Nic Ryan
Department: University Health and Wellbeing
Position at MSU: Chief of Staff
Years Employed: 4
Years as an APSA Member: 4

Past involvement/current Interest: previously ran for position in 2024

Other interest/involvement at MSU: MSU Grad Bachelors and Masters, I bleed green. Very interested on work that impacts the institution positively and the APSA members.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Name: Kelly Kussmaul
Department: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communications
Position at MSU: Director, Marketing and Communications, CANR
Years Employed: 17
Years as an APSA Member: 6

Past involvement/current Interest: Director, MSU-APSA Executive Board (2024-26) and member, Membership Outreach Committee, where I collaborated on the Supervisors Support Series to provide members with learning resources, recognized/rewarded outstanding supervisors with the Spirit of APSA Awards and provided cross-functional support to other committee members.

Other interest/involvement at MSU: MSU Strategic Partners communication lead, University Communicators Network member, avid user of MSU's array of outdoor spaces, MSU Surplus shopper and MSU Dairy Store mega-fan. In addition to serving the twelve constituent departments/schools within my college and leading a service unit, I regularly work alongside (and learn from) colleagues in the Offices of the President and the Provost, IPF, Advancement, MSU Extension and International Programs, among others.

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​​​​​​

​

​

(1) Directors

Term of office: Aug. 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027 - 2 years

Remuneration: $75/month 

 

Duties:

​

• Represent the Association as an elected member of the Executive Board.

• Perform duties authorized by the President and/or the Executive Board.

• Attend all monthly Board meetings, retreats, and special meetings, unless excused by the President. Begin attending Board meetings as soon as elected to the position with voting privileges to begin when term of office begins.

• Serve as members of Association committees and/or University committees, as appointed by the Association President or Executive Board.

• If the President is unable to make appointments as set forth in these Bylaws, the majority of the Executive Board present and voting will designate an Acting President until the President is able to resume their duties.

• Act as Recording Secretary, as appointed by the President, if said Secretary is unable to attend a monthly Executive Board meeting.

• Be available to all Association bargaining unit employees for consultation and be knowledgeable to direct said bargaining unit employee to the appropriate Association Officer, if further consultation is needed.

• Vote on issues brought before the Executive Board.

• Approve all appointments of committee members.

• At the expiration of their term shall deliver to their successor all books, monies, and other property of the Association.

​​​​

​