Meet Your Representatives!

Staff Council Members 2023-2024

What is Staff Council?

What is Staff Council?

Staff Council is a recognized body within shared governance on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus. We provide input and advice on staff matters and perspectives not covered by collective bargaining. We act as an advocate for staff and a liason between staff and others on campus to promote inclusion and be sure that staff's voices are being heard on key issues. 

Tell me more!

Tell me more!

Staff Council is comprised of your co-workers who are stiriving to create a positive atmosphere on campus with an emphasis on inclusion. We can have up to 20 members each year from departments all across campus! This is a great way to meet new people in our campus community and be part of lasting change on our campus. 

Pearl Podgorniak - Councilor

Pearl Podgorniak - Councilor

Department: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)

Term: 2022-2024

 Pearl Podgorniak (pronounced Pod-gor-ni-ak) is the Confidential Administrative Support II for Cal Poly Humboldt’s Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and is the Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President of the ODEI and Campus Diversity Officer.

Pearl makes it a priority to always maintain diplomacy and is a strong ambassador for accurately communicating the needs of individuals and groups in order to function in balance. She enjoys performing dynamic work dedicated to serving the needs of her community, emphasizes compassionate communication and respect for the dynamic experiences of all people, and provides assistance wherever assistance can be provided.

When not working, Pearl enjoys gardening, hiking, hunting agates, and making art with her young daughter.

Stop by to visit with her at ODEI! You can also reach out to her via email pip5@humboldt.edu or call x4526.

Scott Harris - Councilor

Scott Harris - Councilor

Picture of Staff Councilor Scott Harris

 Department:  Facilities Management

Term: 2023-2025

As a North Coast local and Humboldt alum (BS Environmental Science 2006, MBA 2015), Scott knows what a valuable cultural and economic resource Cal Poly Humboldt is for our region. Each day Scott is excited for the opportunity to support constructive improvements to our University as a Project Manager on the Facilities Management Planning, Design & Construction team. Responsible for a diversity of projects across campus, Scott enjoys the challenge and dynamism of construction management, the opportunity to interact with our enthusiastic staff, and the reward of seeing strong collective efforts lead to positive change on our campus.

While not in the office, or on a project site, Scott can be found enjoying the abundant outdoor amenities of our region with his wife and three children.

Feel free to reach out (x5904, scott.harris@humboldt.edu) or stop by next time you're near FM.

Kathy Hudson - Councilor

Kathy Hudson - Councilor

Photo of Staff Councilor Kathy Hudson

Department:  Information Technology Services
Term:  2023-2025

Kathy is a Project Manager in the Project Office at Cal Poly Humboldt’s ITS Department.  

In her work, Kathy draws upon her experience in project management, change management, and business process improvement to help teams across campus improve operational efficiencies and support student success.  Before joining Cal Poly Humboldt, Kathy worked for Schatz Energy Research Center as a project manager and for Girl Scouts of the USA as a regional business consultant.  

A relatively recent transplant from Southern California, Kathy enjoys her time outside work, discovering all that the Humboldt area offers (music, arts, outdoor activities, and food).  Kathy is married (Jim) and has two adult children. 

Erica Lucarotti - Councilor

Erica Lucarotti - Councilor

Department: Facilities Management

Term: 2022-2024

I have spent the last 5 years working as a groundskeeper in Facilities Management. I take care of our athletic fields. I can often be seen riding a big lawnmower, blowing redwood duff from the track, and setting up for sporting events and commencement.
I was born in SF. I spent my early childhood in Marin and grew up in Sonoma County. I was living in SF before moving to Humboldt. Twists and turns in life brought me to Humboldt in 2013.
Before I began work at Cal Poly Humboldt, I worked as a Groundskeeper at The Lazy J Ranch, a senior mobile home community of 220 units. I mostly mowed and detailed lawns and read utility meters. My fav part of this job was the Dog of The Month column that I wrote for our monthly community newsletter.
My mom is a nurse in Florida. I'm the eldest of 3 sisters. My youngest sister is at USF doing Women’s Studies.
My favorite shows have always been hospital shows like Chicago Med, ER, and House, as well as crime/law shows like Law and Order and Judging Amy. I can rewatch Madam Secretary over and over and never get tired of it. I also liked Bones, Criminal Minds, CSI. I really like Sci Fi Like Black Mirror but the best Sci Fi is more often found in movies.
I’ve been a music head since the very beginning; a trait I picked up from my parents. Some parents will never say no to a book. My folks never said no to an album. It would be impossible to sum up my musical tastes or even one fav song or artist. Instead, I just refer people to My Spotify Profile . Lately I’ve been on an 80’s thrash kick. I’ve also had these bangers on repeat for the last few days
Mango- Boyfriend
Cruisin in The Park- Durand Jones and The Indications.
Sittin’ Up in My Room- Brandy
We Gonna Take You Back- Blackstreet
When it comes to books, I like non-fiction the most. For fiction my fav author is Tom Robbins. Reader's Digest put out a cool series called Facts and Fallacies. I’ve only gotten my hands on 2 of them and am searching for the rest. Right now, I’m re-reading Valencia by Michelle Tea.
My favorite place in Humboldt is my house. I live in King Salmon right on the water where I get to watch the tides and the boats go in and out. We have a few seals that do their rounds a few times a day. There are a few great blue herons and great egrets that all sleep in one big tree across the channel from my house. I’ve seen a few otters too. My fav camping spot is Grizzly Creek just outside of Carlotta.

If I could go anywhere on vacation I’d choose Japan, 100%. I’ve always had an interest and appreciation for Japanese culture.

My hobbies include playing drums. I first learned how to play when I was 13 and have been annoying my neighbors ever since. I also dabble in uke and guitar. I also enjoy skateboarding, rollerblading, and Judo, and going camping. I also really like debating with strangers on the internet.

Since moving to Humboldt I’ve been involved with Redwood Pride since 2017. I also directed Humboldt Queer Dojo, a Judo class for adults. I also enjoy working on my friend’s campaigns for local office. Here on campus, I’m involved with my union (CSUEU), The Trans Task Force, Hospitality Club, and of course, Staff Council.
In addition to my hobbies, when I’m not at work I’m forever letting my cat in and out over and over again. I talk with my mom on Sundays and futz around my house or rabbit hole into some rando topic on the internet. I also frequent the rec and wellness center here on campus and lift weights.
During lunch I like to park up at The Redwood Bowl when the weather is nice.
Something people may be surprised to learn about me is that I was Judo State Champion for Florida in 2007, and I can pack a parachute blindfolded.

Maxine Mota - Councilor

Maxine Mota - Councilor

Department: Learning Center

Term: 2021-2024

Maxine came from San Diego to Cal Poly Humboldt in 2013. She started as a student tutor at the Learning Center in 2016 and shortly after graduating in 2017 she accepted a staff position in the department. 

Outside of Humboldt, Maxine enjoys gardening, hiking, and otherwise enjoying nature! Her favorite place in all of Humboldt County is Big Lagoon County Park. You can contact Maxine by emailing her at maxine.mota@humboldt.edu 

Tianna Nourot - Councilor

Tianna Nourot - Councilor

Photo of Staff Councilor Tianna Nourot 

Department: Risk Management

Term: 2023-2025

Tianna (pronounced like Diana but w/ a “T”) is a San Diego State University Alumni. She received her BS in Biology in 1998 and has experience working in air quality regulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms, and the private waste industry.

While she was originally accepted to Humboldt to pursue her degree, life had other plans. When her two daughters graduated and moved on to other endeavors, she decided to make a life change. Tianna resigned from her position in the waste industry, sold her home in the Bay Area, and moved to Humboldt County in 2021 to live closer to the ocean and the forest. When the Environmental Health & Safety position in the Risk Management Dept. was posted, she knew it’d be a great fit with her experience and started July 2022.

When she's not at work, you'll find Tianna trying out all the outdoor activities this stunning region has to offer or hanging at home with her three cats, turtle, and fish. You can reach her via email (tkn11@humboldt.edu) or by calling x3305.

Xelha Puc - Councilor

Xelha Puc - Councilor

Picture of Staff Councilor Xelha Puc

Term: 2023-2025

Xelha Puc (pronounced Shell-ha) is Cal Poly Humboldt's Administrative Support Assistant for the Educational Opportunity Program. She moved to Humboldt County in 2017 from Los Angeles, CA, to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She eventually aims to continue her education and obtain a Master's Degree in Education.

When not in the office, Xelha enjoys hiking trails with her pup, testing new recipes, and frequenting the Sequoia Park Zoo to see the red pandas.

Stop by the EOP house to say hi! Or you can reach out to her via email at xbp2@humboldt.edu or by calling x4781.

Erin Scofield - Councilor

Erin Scofield - Councilor

Photo of Staff Councilor Erin Scofield

Department:  College of Extended Education

Term: 2023-2025

Erin Scofield currently works both in the College of Extended Education with registration and administrative support and as an instructor for Extended Education with the Studio School program. Erin was born and raised in Humboldt County and loves to get lost in the Redwoods or down by the tide pools. Erin has taken the inspiration from her natural surroundings and a never-ending urge to create and used it to open her own business, Fig + Honey, selling ceramics, jewelry, clothing, and so much more.

Erin got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Humboldt in English Writing Practices. She had the privilege of working on the Toyon magazine where she got to engage with her favorite professors and truly fall in love with writing and editing. Her deepest passion is her love for animals. She currently sits on the Board of Directors at Companion Animal Foundation as their Marketing Director & Secretary. She also fosters cats and kittens in her free time, constantly filling her home with cats and dogs, and even goats and chickens in the backyard. Erin is eager to give back to the community that raised her and the college that fostered so much personal and professional growth. 

Janeth Serrano - Councilor

Janeth Serrano - Councilor

Picture of Staff Councilor Janeth Serrano

Department: Financial Aid Office

Term: 2022-2024

A proud Humboldt alumnus (Business Administration, Marketing, ’15). Janeth has been employed at the university since 2015, now with over 7 years of professional Financial Aid experience Janeth still enjoys working in the Financial aid department and finds fulfillment in assisting students accomplish their educational goals.

Outside of work, Janeth enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and gardening.

Stop and say hello to Janeth in the FInancial Aid Office, send her an email at jvv4@humboldt.edu, or give her a call at x5364!

Stephanie Souter - Councilor

Stephanie Souter - Councilor

Staff Councilor Photo of Stephanie Souter

Department:  Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting (IRAR)

Term:  2023-2025

Stephanie is a Research Analyst with Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting. While new to the staff role, she has been a part of the campus community as a student and as an instructor for the past 6 years. She brings to the IRAR team a passion for higher education and the research-informed decision-making that will help to cultivate meaningful growth on campus.

She graduated with a master’s in psychology from Cal Poly Humboldt, where she has taught various courses, including research methods and statistics. Currently, she mentors students as the co-principal investigator of the Social Identity Research Lab housed in the psychology department. Before joining the IRAR team, She worked as an administrative analyst with the County of Humboldt, where she was proud to assist grant programs that uplifted individuals experiencing barriers to employment.

When she is not on campus, you might find her stand-up paddle boarding in Stone Lagoon, knitting, or hanging out with her dog Darth Vader.

Jana'ee Sykes - Councilor

Jana'ee Sykes - Councilor

Staff Councilor Jana'ee Sykes

Department:  Academic and Career Advising Center 

Term:  2023-2025

Originally from San Diego, CA,  Jana'ee is a Humboldt State Alumna, earning her B.A. in Psychology in the Spring of 2021.  Jana'ee dedicated her undergraduate career to student service and building community on and off campus, including an internship with the City of Arcata as the Racial Equity Intern through the non-profit Equity Arcata.  

In August 2021, Jana'ee returned to the campus as an Event Specialist in Admissions, creating early outreach opportunities with local schools.  Currently, Jana'ee is an Academic Advisor supporting Computer Science and English through the Academic Advising Center. 

Alex Thorne - Councilor

Alex Thorne - Councilor

Department: Information Technology Services

Term: 2023-2025

Hello! My name is Alex Thorne, and I am a Network Analyst for the Telecommunications and Network Services Department at Cal Poly Humboldt. I've only been an employee here since March 2023, but I am excited at the opportunity to be a member of Staff Council!

I was born in Houston, Texas and spent the first part of my life living in Texas until I was in the 2nd Grade. In 2000, I moved to Oklahoma where I completed Grade School and enrolled at Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!), where I earned my Bachelor's Degree. Towards the end of my final year, I met my lovely wife (who is a native Eurekan) and now have 3 beautiful children together. I worked for the last 5 years at Oklahoma State University as a Network Technician, and although I loved it, It has always been a dream of my wife and I to move back to Eureka, and now here we are!   
My interests include:
-Playing Xbox (Fallout, Mass Effect, and No Man's Sky are my favorite games)
-Watching Sports (College Football and Major League Baseball)
-Exploring the Forests and Beaches with my Family on the weekends
-Food (Both Cooking AND Eating)
-Anything Star Wars Related
Fun Fact About Me: My older brother is a professional wrestler in South Korea!
Feel free to stop by his office at Van Matre Hall 205 (just be prepared for all the stairs), reach out via email (at453@humboldt.edu), or call x6152!

Arlene Wynn - Councilor

Arlene Wynn - Councilor

Picture and Bio coming soon!

Vacant - Councilor

Vacant - Councilor

This position is vacant. Ask us how to join our team!