Committees

About

The Awards Committee coordinates the distribution of information regarding awards, solicitation of nominations, selection of recipients, and the awards presentations of all IPELRA awards. This Committee also handles certification and granting of credits for continuing education through MCLE (for attorneys), SHRM and HRCI.

Committee Members

• Marisol Leyva, Chairperson

Awards

If you would like to nominate your organization or another organization for any of the awards listed below, please follow the links for each award or contact Marisol Leyva mleyva@ipelra.org.

IPELRA James Baird Leadership Awards

IPERLA strives to recognize its member organizations for their efforts in championing management rights, innovation, and effective labor relations. The IPELRA James Baird Leadership Award is given to Illinois public employers who have accomplished one or more significant achievements in this regard, looking back over two years.

Nominations may be made to the Awards Committee by any Illinois educational or government representative, and the recipient of the award is selected and presented by the IPELRA Board of Directors at the Annual Conference. 

• Award Criteria (PDF)
• Nomination Form (PDF)

NPELRA Pacesetter & Award of Excellence Awards

The Awards Committee Also nominates deserving Illinois agencies for NPELRA's Pacesetter and Award of Excellence awards.

About

Keeping abreast of the ever-changing legislative environment and looking for opportunities to influence the law relating to labor issues is one of the pillars of IPELRA. The Legislative Advocacy Committee works to make sure IPELRA has a seat at the table.

Legislative

The primary focus is to track bills as they move through the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor's office, as well as federal legislation relevant to our members. The committee updates IPELRA members on important pending legislation, as well as recently passed legislation via this website and the IPELRA Reporter newsletter. The committee will also discuss and update members on labor related case law.

Advocacy

The committee files amicus curiae or "friend of the court" briefs in Illinois state courts in cases of importance to the public sector human resources and labor relations profession. The committee also files briefs in federal courts when cases raise issues that concern the membership. Members interested in having IPELRA files an amicus brief can contact IPERLA’s General Counsel, Roxana Underwood.

Members

• Robb Craddock, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Chairperson
• Jennifer McMahon, City of St. Charles, Vice Chairperson
• Jim Powers, Clark Baird Smith LLP
• Emily Taub, City of Highland Park
• Alma Morgan, Assistant City Administrator for the City of Warrenville
• Wendy Bednarek, Director of HR for the City of Batavia
• Mysi Hall, GovHR

Find Your Legislators

Use this elected officials tool to learn how to get in touch with your federal, state, and local elected leaders.

About

The purpose of the Marketing/Communications and Membership Committee is to highlight the benefits of membership, enhance communication and outreach with members, and provide members with valuable resources and information. The committee maintains IPELRA's website and social media content. Additionally, the Committee seeks opportunities to attract new members and to assist existing members in maintaining their status with IPELRA/NPELRA. We strive to accomplish this by working with other committees to highlight the benefits of membership, evaluating service offerings, and through the ongoing coordination of the Ambassador program.

Strategic Plan Goals

1. Branding and Marketing - The committee will evaluate the current marking and branding efforts to reflect IPELRA.
2. Marketing Plan - The committee will develop a marking plan to attract and retain members.
3. Membership Categories - The committee will evaluate current the membership categories and dues structure to ensure continuity of services at an affordable rate.
4. Attract New Members - How can IPELRA expand membership to serve more Illinois public sector professionals with the current resources available?

Members

• Katie Golbach, Village of Buffalo Grove, Chair
• John Schwarz, Village of Westchester, Vice Chair
• Jason Miller, Village of Park Forest
• Tad Zito, Will County Circuit Clerk
• Wendy Bednarek, City of Batavia
• Ryan Hayden, Village of Addison
• Marisol Leyva, Village of Bensenville 
• Becky Madison, City of Des Plaines 

About

The purpose of the Nominating Committee is to receive nominations and make recommendations to the membership at the upcoming Annual Conference to fill vacancies of At-Large Board Members of the IPELRA Executive Board. Executive Board members are responsible for helping to direct IPELRA as we attempt to meet the needs of out membership as Illinois' premier public sector human resources and labor relations association. This is a voluntary position, which gives back to the profession. The Executive Board normally meets once a month. Board members also serve on various committees and assist other IPELRA members, as needed.

Currently, the Executive Board meets every month on the second Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am At-Large Board Members are asked to co-chair one of the following committees: Sponsorship, Awards, Legislative Advocacy, Marketing/Communications, Membership, and Training.

Board Nominations

We are looking for enthusiastic members interested in furthering the mission of IPELRA by sharing knowledge and expertise, actively participating in monthly Board meetings, and coordinating various program and resources IPELRA offers its members.

Anyone interested in being nominated should complete and submit the Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire.

Members

• Tameika Jones, President
• Jennifer McMahon, Vice President
• Emily Taub, Assistant Vice President

About

One of the pillars of IPELRA, training is key to IPELRA's standing as the premier organization for public sector labor professionals representing the management side of the table. IPELRA training is conducted by top-quality presenters who are hands-on practitioners in both labor law and human resources. The value is great, and the fees for training are set with an eye towards tight budgets.

Committee Activities

The largest of all IPELRA committees, the Training Committee plans a calendar of seminars and events throughout the year with the overall goal of offering eight to ten half-day or full-day programs throughout the year. In addition, the Committee plans a three-day Annual Training Conference, as well as a one-day Public Sector Employment Law Seminar, both of which are not-to-miss events.

Join the Committee

All of this takes work. Training Committee members meet monthly either by conference call or at various facilities. The meeting agenda is sent in advance and includes discussions and decisions that need to be made on professional development for IPELRA members. We love ideas for training topics. Training Committee members are asked to volunteer to coordinate monthly training events. This includes coordinating with presenters and site hosts. Training Committee coordinators manage the onsite registration process and ensure a positive training experience for participants. In addition, training committee members are asked to participate in one full-day meeting to plan the annual conference for the coming year. They are also asked to volunteer to serve as moderators for the Annual Conference.

Interested in serving on this rewarding committee? Contact Secretariat Debi Stensland or Chairperson Christine Bajor. 

Members

• Christine Bajor, Village of Wheeling, chairperson
• DeSha Kalmar, City of Lake Forest, Mentor
• Heather McGovern, Village of Barrington
• Julie Meyer, City of Crystal Lake
• Brenda Blough, Aurora Public Library
• Cristina White, City of Warrenville
• Stacy Patrianakos, Village of Homer Glen
• Sharon Tanner, Village of Glencoe
• Jennifer McMahon, City of St. Charles 
• Roxanne Bonner, MWRD 
• Sash Dumanovic, City of West Chicago

2025 Call for Presenters Information and Proposal Form

No matter where your interests lie, we can always use help and fresh minds. If you're interested in serving on a committee or volunteering at IPELRA events, please complete our online Committee Volunteer Form or contact Secretariat Debi Stensland. If you have an interest in serving on a specific committee, please reach out to the Chairperson.