Administrative Services Coordinator, Marla Rosenblum, has been supporting Staff Council for the past 5 years. In her role, Rosenblum oversees the day-to-day operations of the Staff Council. Rosenblum came to the university after a 30-year career working for a global corporation in the travel technology field. That role had her working remotely. When the time came for a new opportunity, she was looking for something that gave her a connection to the community she lived in. “When the Staff Council position was posted, I thought what better opportunity than supporting the Staff Council experience for council leadership and the councilors”. Staff Council is comprised of 55 councilors who represent every part of the university 

Rosenblum is not a member of Staff Council, but she is foundational to the work councilors do. Without her the council wouldn’t function to the level it does. She is an advocate of the council through and through and prizes her ability to provide behind the scenes support for the staff council. “Every councilor has a day job, and their contribution to Staff Council is over and above. It is very enlightening to me how passionate staff is around advocating for their constituents, driving committee accomplishments, doing volunteer work, all while contributing their own time. I view my role as one where I can help pave the way or enable and make it easy for councilors to participate?”. Staff Council president elect, James Jorris, confirms just that, “Marla Rosenblum is the true epitome of what UI Staff Council is all about…. advocating and supporting UI staff as she has personally supported me from day one of being on UI Staff Council. She has guided, advised, reassured, and encouraged not only me but so many of us at UI Staff Council. I’m honored to not only have worked with her but to also be able to call her my friend.” 

When asked what she loves about the work, Rosenblum states “being involved with Staff Council has visibility and exposure to staff from across the entire enterprise, from Health Care to every college to all supporting functions/areas.  I love learning about organizations and understanding what makes them tick. The opportunity to hear from and interact with university leadership on a regular basis is incredible and provides insightful perspectives, from day-to-day, to strategic to a visionary point of view”.  Her ability to see and process these perspectives is what makes Rosenblum great at her job. Past President, Kevin Zihlman can confirm, “Marla has been key to the growth of UI Staff Council in the UI Community over the last 5 years.  Marla’s administrative and communication acumen has advanced the Council to be a key component of the UI Shared Governance structure.  Personally, Marla has been an advocate and a friend to me.  It’s been great knowing when you go to work every day there are people like Marla that will be by your side”.  

Rosenblum is set to retire come October. Her guidance and friendship will be missed by so many. Current Staff Council President, Jackie Kleppe says it best, “Marla has been a wonderful and insightful colleague, resource and source of continuity and insight in her time supporting staff council. Her organization and support to our council will be greatly missed, I’m excited for her and the next stage of her life”.