News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office of Human Resources (HR), in its ongoing quest for excellence, has been working to provide stellar service as a collaborative business partner to its customers that will re-establish the University as a “best-in-class employer of choice” in the region, according to Director of Human Resources Carl Chambers. 

In doing so, HR has hired, promoted, and made changes in its staffing in recent months. New staffing positions include Tracy Castelli, representative talent acquisition; Taylor Girth, HR administrative assistant; Andre Steiner, talent acquisition manager; Ed Travis, total rewards benefits manager; Koming (Cathy) Tu, payroll officer; Lee Winchester, payroll representative; and John Ziebka, assistant director of labor and employee relations. 

“These HR team members are excited to be part of the HR department and the SIUE Community,” said Chambers. “I see it in their eyes. I hear it in their voices during office chatter. There is a new energy in the HR culture that is positive and invigorating. These positions will benefit and improve HR by improving the overall departmental values and work environment.” 

HR staff shared their job responsibilities, employment fulfillment and how they serve the University community. 

Can you summarize your job duties? 

Castelli: “As a member of the Talent Acquisition team, I am responsible for assisting with all recruitment and outreach efforts for more than 2,400 faculty and staff members, as SIUE is one of the largest employers in the St. Louis area. I play a vital role in the employment process by qualifying potential candidates through Civil Service credentialing assessments. My other responsibilities include coaching applicants through the hiring process, providing HR communications across all departments, hosting new hire orientations, and attending career fairs throughout the community on behalf of SIUE.” 

Girth: “The HR Assistant position serves as the first point of contact with SIUE students, employees and potential employees entering the Office of Human Resources. I provide administrative assistance to Director of Human Resources Carl Chambers. I also coordinate meetings and interviews and answer inquiries via in person, email or by phone call. I am responsible for various needs of the office, such as office supplies and office work orders. I make sure everyone has the tools they need to succeed. I get to know each of my team members to direct inquires to the appropriate department.” 

Steiner: “My role is to lead a team of Talent Acquisition/Human Resources professionals within the Office of Human Resources that provides oversight of hiring, succession planning and development of training curriculums. I am responsible for the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Talent Acquisition department to perform, innovate and grow.” 

Winchester: “I am responsible for the bi-weekly and student payroll processing. I make payroll adjustments, changes to deductions and direct deposits.” 

Ziebka: “I cultivate positive relationships with unions for collaborative efforts within negotiations. I assist management in handling employee matters or issues at the lowest possible level. I also provide guidance to managers dealing with employee issues to resolve them before formal action is taken. I negotiate with unions on behalf of the University and guide parties through grievance procedures.  

How will your job best serve the SIUE community? 

Castelli: “My role best serves the community by engaging and educating students, staff/faculty, and community members on the many career opportunities available here at SIUE.” 

Girth: “My work as an HR assistant contributes to a more efficient, positive and inclusive work environment at SIUE, ultimately supporting the University's mission to provide high-quality education and foster a thriving community.” 

Steiner: “My job is to partner and collaborate with all areas within the University to attract high-caliber candidates that fill the University's most critical talent demands.” 

Winchester: “My work serves the University by ensuring that the students and employees are paid on time and correctly. Also, by ensuring that I process employees’ payrolls and adjustments for monies owed in a timely manner."                                                                         

Ziebka: “By cultivating relationships with management and unions to achieve the best interests of the University and our employees, my job is of good service to SIUE.”  

What do you find most fulfilling about your new job? 

Castelli: “Having once been a long-time family business owner in the community and managing 50 employees, I am fulfilled by having the ability to align and apply my knowledge/skills to help build the SIUE HR team. I’m also excited to offer great opportunities, as well as enhance SIUE’s credibility and reputation both locally and nationally.”   

Girth: “I get to help others succeed, from recruitment to ongoing professional development. It is fulfilling to help new hires integrate smoothly into the organization, assist current staff and students with questions or issues, and contribute to their overall well-being. Knowing that my efforts directly support individuals’ success and satisfaction in their roles is highly fulfilling.” 

Steiner: “It is fulfilling knowing that my team's efforts in Talent Acquisition contributes to the future workforce of the University and provides opportunities for our internal and external talent community.” 

Winchester: “Everyone in the HR department has been great to work with and extremely helpful. I’m loving my new position here at SIUE!” 

Ziebka: “Contributing to the already high functioning University operations, by cultivating meaningful relationships with and between management and employees is very rewarding. 

The Office of Human Resources has faced challenges over the past decade with multiple changes of directors, staff turnover, and the pandemic, but the department is on the road to improvement, according to Chambers. 

“I was hired to be a change agent for the Office of Human Resources,” he noted. “Many on the current HR team support the new vision for the department. I am excited and extremely appreciative of those who have stood with me.” 

Chambers looks to the new year with resolve and commitment, “Our focus in 2025 remains the same, to do the work.”    

Photos:
SIUE Office of Human Resources recent hires.
Top row (left to right) Tracy Castelli, Taylor Girth and Andre Steiner
Bottom row (left to right) Ed Travis, Koming (Cathy) Tu, Lee Winchester and John Ziebka.