The Human Resources Committee serves as a liaison between Staff Council and University Human Resources, helping to identify, discuss, and advocate for issues that impact staff across the university. Through collaboration with HR leadership, the committee works to improve communication, increase transparency, and support initiatives related to career development, performance management, compensation, and employee resources.

Meet the Committee Members

Croteau-Lopez-Laura.jpg

Laura Croteau-Lopez

Title/Position
Organizational Representative
Division of Student Life; Student Health & Wellness
Smith, Lisa O.jpg

Lisa Smith

Title/Position
Organizational Representative
Tippie College of Business
Liz Lara

Liz Lara

Title/Position
Function Representative
Administration; Audit, Compliance, Legal & Risk
Burklund-Amy.jpg

Amy Burklund

Title/Position
Function Representative
Behavioral Health; Health Care
Chen, Xirui.jpg

Xirui Chen

Title/Position
Function Representative
Business and Finance
Brett Cloyd1

Brett Cloyd

Title/Position
Organizational Representative
University Libraries
Faust, Kayla.jpg

Kayla Faust

Title/Position
Function Representative
Research; Scientific Services
Kniffin-Holling.jpg

Holling Kniffin

Title/Position
Function Representative
Research; Scientific Services & EHS; PRS
Bekeris, Brooke.jpg

Brooke Swain

Title/Position
Organizational Representative
College of Pharmacy
Wherry-Dustin.jpg

Dustin Wherry

Title/Position
Function Representative
Behavioral Health; Health Care
Woods, Kate.jpg

Kate Woods

Title/Position
Organizational Representative
Graduate College

Human Resources Committee | 2025-26 Impact

During the 2025–26 council year, the Human Resources Committee partnered with University Human Resources to improve communication and transparency around career advancement, performance reviews, compensation, and employee development opportunities. Through participation in advisory groups, collaboration with HR leadership, and feedback on key employee resources, the committee helped advance initiatives that support staff growth, retention, and career success.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW ENHANCEMENTS

Provided feedback on performance review processes, communications, and resources to improve clarity and consistency.

COMPENSATION & CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Facilitated discussions with HR leadership regarding career advancement, compensation transparency, and pay cap considerations.

CAREER PATHWAYS IMPROVEMENTS

Partnered with University Human Resources to enhance Career Pathways resources, information, and accessibility for staff.

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE AWARENESS

Increased awareness of employee resources, benefits, and professional development opportunities through presentations and committee engagement.

Contact Information:

For questions, please contact 
laura-croteau-lopez@uiowa.edu  
lisa-o-smith@uiowa.edu 

Chair:

Laura Croteau-Lopez 
Lisa Smith

Membership:

Committee membership is a two-year assignment with a maximum of three back-to-back terms.

Purpose:

To review University of Iowa policies and procedures central to human resource needs and concerns of Professional and Scientific and Merit Supervisory Exempt/Confidential staff in order that it may advise Central Administration in these matters.

Scope of Concern:

The Committee will be responsible for annually reviewing, maintaining and updating the Workplace Support Matrix for presentation to the Council at or before the March meeting and inclusion in the orientation binder for new councilors. The Committee may consider and make recommendations to any human resource policy or practice.

Get Involved or Share Feedback:

mail-two-color-square (2).png

Have thoughts, ideas, or concerns related to HR policies or the staff experience? The HR Committee welcomes feedback and suggestions from fellow staff members.
Contact Laura Croteau-Lopez and/or Lisa Smith at: 
laura-croteau-lopez@uiowa.edu  
lisa-o-smith@uiowa.edu