Name: Sheila Gilmour (she/her)
USA Position: President
Department: USA Office
Years of Service: 14
Hobbies: art, horror movies, trying new things (the weirder the better!)
I am excited to work with a great team of enthusiastic, dedicated union reps who are committed to building a strong union. UMass works because we do, and it’s time this University shows us the respect we deserve.
Name: Kyle Chambers (he/him)
USA Position: Vice President
Department: Undergraduate Registrar’s Office
Years of Service: 3
Hobbies: writing, archery, video games
USA will only be as effective and strong as the USA members who participate. I’m looking forward to working together with you to build a resilient, fighting union to weather the challenges of the next few years. Please feel free to reach out to us, and keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming opportunities to connect with your colleagues!
Name: Ian Sedelow (he/him)
USA Position: Grievance Officer
Department: Film Studies
Years of Service: 4
Hobbies: film, reading, Magic the Gathering, hiking
As your incoming Grievance Officer, I’m here to represent you whenever you feel the university has breached our contract. Let’s hold management accountable and make sure our rights are respected and upheld.
Name: This could be you!
USA Position: Treasurer
USA has two vacancies on our E-Board and we’re looking for volunteers to step up and help us build our strength! E-Board members get union release time, meaning you don’t have to use vacation or personal time to tend to union duties.
We’re looking for a TREASURER: This position entails 3 to 5 hours of work per week, which can vary based on where we are in the budget cycle (our FY 26 budget has already been approved by our members, so that work is done for now). We’re looking for someone who is comfortable with Excel, numbers, and data but you don’t need to be an accountant or finance professional.
If this position sounds interesting, please email the USA Office at usa@umass.edu for more information, or to set up a time to talk to someone about any questions you may have.
Name: Chris Weeks (he/him)
USA Position: Recording Secretary
Department: Enrollment Management
Years of Service: 6
Hobbies: live music, cooking, traveling
I am excited to modernize this position (along with the union itself) and help introduce measures to protect member information and activity. Please reach out to me if you have IT or organizational experience and want to help!
(Here I am after eating 25 cloves of garlic to win the Garlic Eating Contest at last year’s North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival!)
Name: Camille Godbout-Chouinard (she/her)
USA Position: Chief Steward
Department: UMass Amherst Libraries
Years of Service: 3
Hobbies: knitting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, D&D
I am excited to build a knowledgeable and resilient Steward’s Council! Problematic supervisors and HR business partners better watch out!
We currently have 2 vacancies on the Steward’s Council, please reach out to me if you are interested in being a steward!
Name: Antonia Lynch (she/her)
USA Position: Membership Coordinator
Department: Disability Services
Years of Service: 12.5
Hobbies: reading, fiber arts, beer brewing
Our union is only as strong as our membership. Whether you’re fully on campus, fully remote, or hybrid, there’s a place for you! Reach out to join, get involved, or learn more.
Name: Casey Krone (he/him)
USA Position: Health & Safety Coordinator
Department: Commonwealth Honors College
Years of Service: 20
Hobbies: meat, taekwondo, reading sci-fi
My mission in life is to connect and protect. Union organizing in the Health & Safety coordinator position allows me to fulfill both of those goals. We’re always looking for people to join the H&S committee so please reach out to me if you’re interested!
Name: This could be you!
USA Position: Classification Specialist
USA has two vacancies on our E-Board and we’re looking for volunteers to step up and help us build our strength! E-Board members get union release time, meaning you don’t have to use vacation or personal time to tend to union duties.
USA needs a CLASSIFICATION SPECIALIST: The amount of time spent varies depending on the number of people looking for assistance. We’re looking for a great listener who is detail-oriented, and well organized. We have a two-person Classifications Committee who would be thrilled to train you.
If this position sounds interesting, please email the USA Office at usa@umass.edu for more information, or to set up a time to talk to someone about any questions you may have.
Name: Andrea Lydick (she/her)
USA Position: Special Projects Coordinator
Department: College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Pathways Center
Years of Service: 2
Hobbies: ceramics, my cats, strawberry picking
Stepping into this Special Projects Coordinator position feels like opening the door to opportunity. It has been a fairly quiet position on this board and I am eager to make some noise, on campus and with this community of members.
Name: Deborah Place (she/they)
USA Position: Communications Coordinator
Department: UMass Amherst Libraries
Years of Service: 7
Hobbies: birdwatching, reading, WNBA
Within the next two years, the Communications Committee plans on revamping the website and creating social media accounts so you can stay connected with your union. If you’re interested in these projects or want to contribute to our newsletter or other communications, please get in touch! We’d love to have you join us!
(Saw-whet owl banding at the Berkshire Bird Observatory!)
Name: Tim Pyne (he/they)
USA Position: Political Action Coordinator
Department: Student Affairs & Campus Life Communications
Years of Service: 5
Hobbies: spreadsheets, photography, music
Over the next two years, I promise to never say “in this current moment” – the current political climate is chaotic and stressful, but the threats against higher ed and our communities aren’t new. It’s critical that we all stay informed and take steps to protect our jobs and each other. I want to hear about what matters to you and help connect you with information, resources, and actions ✊
