Elections | Civil Service Council

FY26 Civil Service Council Candidate Bios and Statements

By early May, election ballots will be electronically distributed to all Civil Service staff via the My.IllinoisState.edu dashboard. By end of May, results will be posted to this page, announced on the May Openline and communicated to the candidates. If you have any questions or trouble finding your ballot please email CSCouncil@IllinoisState.edu.

Civil Service Council is divided into 5 Groups based on employment type. Click here to view Group membership.

Group 5 Candidates (seats open 1)

David Giovagnoli

My name is David Giovagnoli, and I am the Coordinator, Scholarly Teaching and Learning (CS title: Program Coordinator) at the Center for Integrated Professional Development’s Scholarly Teaching Unit. In this role, I support the professional development of faculty and staff, primarily early career faculty members and graduate students interested in higher education careers, in addition to leading faculty and staff-facing LGBTQIA2S+ allyship programming. One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to interact with people from every corner of this campus, across almost all roles.

I've been a full-time staff member since 2022, but I've been at ISU since 2014 as a doctoral student. I believe in ISU's mission strongly, and I've had many service opportunities, including Graduate Council, Graduate Curriculum Committee, Academic Planning Committee, the DIAC LGBTQ+ and Marketing & Communications sub-committees, and the Queer Coalition executive board. I also serve as a search advocate and have been on numerous searches across the University since I joined that program in Summer 2022. I enjoy service and take this work seriously. I think I would be a good Council member because of my broad experience across the University in multiple roles. In particular, I'd like to be part of the merger process and creation of the new Staff Council to ensure that staff voices are strengthened on campus.

Terry Jackson Jr.

I've been at ISU for over ten years in various roles and currently work in the Lauby Teacher Education Center as a data coordinator. Previously, I served on the AP Council where I had the opportunity to partner with the Civil Service Council on multiple initiatives. Since becoming a civil service employee, I've waited for an opportunity to join the council, continue advocating for staff representation in our shared governance system, and provide support to fellow civil service employees.

Heather Winfrey-Richman

As a proud Redbird alumna, I deeply believe in the mission and vision of Illinois State University. Since 2013, I’ve had the honor of serving ISU in several roles—first as the Academics Special Projects Manager and Assistant to the Associate Dean for Academics and Program Directors at Mennonite College of Nursing, and currently as the Contracts Manager for Research and Sponsored Programs.

My commitment to being a service-driven leader shines through in my work as a search advocate, registered student organization advisor, and member of numerous college and university committees. I am a dedicated problem solver who strives to find equitable, thoughtful solutions to the challenges we face. I believe deeply in transparency, inclusion, and collaboration, and I will bring these values to the Council if elected.

My time at ISU has been filled with meaningful opportunities to collaborate across departments, support our academic community, and advocate for staff and students alike. Whether it’s been through streamlining processes, helping departments navigate complex contracts, or participating in the search process, I approach every task with a sense of purpose, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve.

I am passionate about fostering a campus environment where all voices are heard and respected. If given the opportunity, I will work hard to ensure that your concerns are acknowledged, your ideas are brought forth, and your contributions are recognized.

I would be honored to represent and serve you on the Council, and I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
Thank you for your time and consideration.