Executive Committee

President

Ray Soellner, Jr
Time in PSS: 5-6 years
About Me: I started at UMBC as a student in the Fall of 2002. During my student time, I worked part-time at the Bookstore and as a student Network Technician within DoIT. In 2006 two miraculous things happened, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree and was awarded a full-time position as a Network Engineer in DoIT where I’ve stayed for the entirety of my 17-year career. I now serve as the Director of Telecommunications.

I started attending PSS meetings around 2018 as a non-senator. In 2019 I was narrowly elected to a senate seat and I’ve been involved ever since. In that time I’ve chaired the Work-Life Balance committee, co-secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and now proudly serve as the President of the Exemp Staff Senate.
Favorite Place on Campus: A sunny seat outside of Admin and the RAC!
Fun Fact: My time at UMBC actually started before my time here as a student. My Summer job during High School was working in Facilities Management, Physical Plant at the time, as part of the Paint crew where I and several other illustrious students were tasked to repaint the curbs around campus.

 

Treasurer

Jeff Cullen, Ph.D.
Time in ESS: This is my third year on PSS (non-consecutive terms).
About Me: I serve as the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at UMBC, which means that I oversee the system that responds to allegations of student misconduct. This is my 16th year at UMBC, all in the same office. So I have a few stories! I did my undergraduate work at Colorado State University, have a masters in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in College Student Development, and completed my Ph.D. through Iowa State University. My dissertation focused on dismantling white racial privilege among white students in my own graduate program, so I have an interest in race relations, diversity, equity, and justice work. I have also worked at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Virginia Tech during my career. With so many transitions happening at UMBC and with the next round of strategic planning getting started, it seemed like a good time to re-affiliate with shared governance. Being involved is a great way to learn about what is happening at UMBC!
Favorite Place on Campus: I don’t know that I have a favorite place, but I enjoy all types of spectator sports, so you might find me at the Events Center, Retriever Soccer Park, or the stadium complex.
Fun Fact: I have two kids, a daughter Mackenzie who graduated in 2022 (double major, double degree, Biological Sciences and Psychology) and a son Nate (Class of 2026, Biological Sciences) and I live in Anne Arundel County.

 

Co-Secretary

Lori Leonard Hardesty
Time in PSS: 3 ½ years (or, since July 2020)
About Me: As the Associate Director of Applied Learning & Community Engagement, it’s my 28th year at The Shriver Center at UMBC. I started with The Choice Program, empowering systems-involved youth and families throughout Maryland (1996-2006). Before joining ESS, I was curious about how I could contribute to increasing UMBC staff morale, visibility, and development. I have co-chaired the Staff Outreach and Development (SOD) Committee. Partnering with NESS, SOD facilitates the annual summer UMBC Staff Cookout and supports the Faculty Senate for the Homecoming Staff & Faculty Mixer. I have also participated in the University-wide Space Management and Research and Creative Achievement Committees. As Co-Secretary, I serve in the Communications and Executive Committees and still support SOD. My Top 5 Strengths are Arranger, Maximizer, Empathy, Positivity, and Developer. I constantly flex these muscles at UMBC. Inclusive excellence can only be achieved as we explore our current systems and policies, who they serve, and who they exclude. It’s an opportunity to do better together when we hear “This is how we’ve always done it.”

I received my BA in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University, where I played volleyball and basketball, and was involved with the Student-Athlete Mentoring Program, Best Buddies, and Special Olympics. In 1993-94, I attended Regional Best Buddies meetings at The Shriver Center. I completed my Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Baltimore. I’m now dabbling in the Community Leadership Program’s Skills Courses. I live in Baltimore County with my husband, two high school daughters, and Fox Red Lab Ginger.
Favorite place on campus: On campus, I love being in the welcoming space of the Center for Well-Being. Technically off-campus (yet UMBC-connected), I LOVE OCA Mocha. I highly recommend making time to explore the featured art exhibits that rotate every few months. There’s nothing for me like an atmosphere of creative, caffeinated possibility.
Fun Fact: In Spring 2023, I was honored to be a part of the 3rd Retriever Talks cohort and share my mental health journey, “You Deserve Your Own Care: Strategies to Get to the Other Side.” As a result, I resumed my storytelling as a regular contributor to the PA Times (Public Administration Times, through the American Society for Public Administration).

 

Past President

Jess Wyatt (she/her)

Time in PSS: Joined as a senator in 2018. Served as Vice President from 2019 – 2021. President from 2021 – 2023.
About Me: I’m the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement in OIA. I started at UMBC in 2016 just before the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Over my time at UMBC, my role has shifted from more student-focused work to engaging the campus community in planning and celebrating Homecoming…among other duties as assigned! The most delightful part of my job is working closely with our Founding Four Alumni (graduates from 1970 – 73). Not only are they a hoot to spend time with, but they offer a deep perspective on the foundations of UMBC and the evolution of the institution.
Favorite Place on Campus: The tables between the RAC and Admin. You can always find someone to chat with!
Fun Fact: As PSS President, I had the sheer joy of participating in President Sheares Ashby’s Inauguration and was able to make a total clown of myself meeting Wes Moore dressed in my finest regalia!

Vice President

Cael Mulcahy (they/them)

Time in PSS: I was elected to PSS in 2021 and have served as Treasurer and Vice President
About Me: I moved to Baltimore in 2012 to become the Operations Manager for the Performing Arts and Humanities Building with the charge of developing operating procedures and processes to support daily and extended operational needs. I used my background in technical theatre and my experiences with managing and maintaining performing arts facilities at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Emerson College to get PAHB operations off the ground!

In 2019 I became the Director of Operations for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences after realizing that a lot of the processes I had developed for the PAHB could be scaled to support CAHSS as a whole. This is a role that requires a great deal of communication with most areas on campus and I’ve found that my time in ESS has been very beneficial when fulfilling the responsibilities of my “day job.”
Favorite place on campus: CERA! I don’t get out there much but it’s amazing to have a place to go for a quick walk to decompress when time allows.
Fun Fact: I’m quite introverted and spend a lot of time re-energizing myself by getting quiet time outside when I can. I’d spend so much more time at campsites if I could!

 

Communications Officer

Ally Hepp (she/her)
Time in ESS: I was elected to PSS in 2021 and have served on the Executive Committee as Co-Secretary and now as Communications Officer.
About Me: I started at UMBC in 2020 in DoIT, first on the audiovisual technology team. I now serve as the IT Project Coordinator, and I get to be involved in a lot of major IT projects and talk to a lot of folks in other divisions. I studied Music Business and Audio Production at Lebanon Valley College near Hershey, Pennsylvania, but I became a UMBC alumna in 2022 when I completed my Master’s degree here. Being involved in shared governance is something I started during the pandemic to meet people on campus, but it’s become one of the best things about working at UMBC.
Favorite Place on Campus: Anywhere outside!
Fun Fact: If you know me, you may know that I have a few part-time jobs in my free time – I enjoy working at a wedding venue, working concerts, and serving on the board of Swim Across America Baltimore.

 

Co-Secretary

Melissa Huselton
Time in PSS: This is my first year in PSS. I wanted to learn more about how UMBC operates and I also wanted to become more involved in supporting the community so I decided to run. It’s been a rewarding and eye-opening experience so far!
About Me: I’m a Health Professions Advisor in the PreMedical & PreDental Advising office. I started at UMBC in 2009 as a full-time AmeriCorps volunteer in The Shriver Center, where I met co-secretary Lori Hardesty. I enjoyed the experience so much that I stayed on for a second year of service. When my service ended, I began working at Maryland University of Integrative Health and supported graduate students there. In 2015, I became a parent, and several years later I earned my master’s in Academic Advising before returning to UMBC in 2020 in my current role. I love supporting students as they explore careers in healthcare!
Favorite place on campus: I love the pathway down Academic Row and around the library, especially in the fall. I feel so energized when I take a walk around this part of campus!
Fun Fact: In addition to my role as a staff member, I’ve also taught FYE 101 Introduction to an Honors University and I’m currently taking Japanese language classes. I feel like these experiences have helped me understand faculty and students just a little bit better, and it’s fun to build new skills and meet people that I might not have otherwise.