Council Member Bios

A lifelong learner, Thomas began his journey at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2013, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Economics. During his undergraduate years, he gained valuable experience as a Resident Assistant with University Housing. After completing his undergraduate studies in 2017, Thomas continued his academic journey at SIU by earning a Master’s in Business Administration in 2018. While pursuing his master's, he served as a Graduate Assistant for the College of Business & Analytics, Business Placement Center.

Upon graduation, Thomas joined the Business Placement Center as Extra Help and later transitioned to the role of Coordinator, where he served for around five years. In December 2023, Thomas embarked on a new chapter, accepting the position of Group Sales & Special Events Coordinator in SIU Athletics. Currently, he is also furthering his education with the goal of obtaining a Doctorate in Education from SIU.

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kaitlyn Kern (SIU, '17, '19), who also works at SIU. They met at SIU while completing their undergraduate degrees in the College of Business & Analytics. Together, they share a passion for reading, attending concerts, and spending time with their four feline companions, Elton John, Catalie Portman, Kitty Gaga, and Lizzo.

Elizabeth Cheek began her career at SIU working for Building Services in February 2001 as an extra-help clerical worker. In June 2001, she was promoted to a full-time Civil Service Clerical Assistant position with Building Services. In this capacity, she was responsible for assisting Superintendent Jay Brooks in managing the day-to-day operations in the custodial office for approximately 125 full-time staff and 165 student workers. In 2003, Elizabeth was promoted to a Statistical Clerk with Plant and Service Operations (PSO). Throughout the years, she was promoted to Account Technician II and an Account Technician III for PSO where she was responsible for payroll and personnel paperwork for 404 full-time employees, 83 extra-help employees, and 250 student workers. She was recognized as Plant and Service Operations Employee of the Quarter and Employee of the Year in 2007. In July 2015, Elizabeth moved into an Administrative Aide position with the Grounds Department where she assisted Superintendent Dave Tippy in managing the day-to-day operations in the ground’s office for approximately 63 full-time staff and 24-29 student workers.  In October 2022 she joined Undergraduate Admissions as an Administrative Assistant to the Director where she assists approximately forty full-time staff in the recruitment of undergraduate students.  

Elizabeth has served on the Civil Service Council since 2002. She has served on all Civil Service Council committees and has served two terms as Secretary and two terms as Treasurer. On February 1, 2017, she was elected Vice President, and on June 7, 2023, she was elected President. She considers it an honor to be part of a wonderful group of individuals who strive to do their best to represent all civil service employees.

She and her husband, Ryan (SIUC ’98), are both Pinckneyville natives. They married in 1998, and have three sons’ Ethan, Evan, and Eli. Ryan is currently a Building Service Foreman for Housing. Ethan is currently attending SIU Carbondale studying Automotive Technology, Evan is also attending SIU Carbondale studying Forestry, and Eli attends Pinckneyville Jr. High. Before coming to work for SIU, Elizabeth worked for the City of Pinckneyville in both part-time and full-time capacities. Elizabeth received her Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology from SIU Carbondale in 1999 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in University Studies from SIU Carbondale in May 2020.   

 Elizabeth is the daughter of John S. (SIUC ‘72) and Linda Biby, and the sister of Kevin Biby (SIUC ’98).  She is a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, President of Pinckneyville Shooting Sports Board of Directors, Southern Illinois Youth Sport Shooting Association (SIYSSA), State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA), and the SIU Alumni Association.  When not at work, you will find Elizabeth is very dedicated to her son’s school activities and sporting events. The boys keep her busy as they participate in band, baseball, basketball, fishing, and shooting sports.  She has many varied interests, including working in her flowers, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Odessa Colombo is a Senior Business Manager for the Dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences. She enjoys this role as she juggles multiple tasks all the while imbuing an air of positivity. Odessa believes that positivity makes a difference in enhancing relationships and the environment therein.

Odessa first came to SIU as a transfer student from Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois where she earned an Associate’s degree in Accounting. In 1998, she received her first degree from SIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. After graduation, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she worked in the private sector in both Accounting and Finance. In 2001, she moved back to Carbondale and married a Southern Illinois native and SIU alum.

In 2008, Odessa earned her second Bachelor’s degree, a Bachelor’s in philosophy. While continuing her studies in Philosophy, she gained experience as a Teaching Assistant in Logic in the Department of Philosophy at the College of Liberal Arts. In 2011, she received a Master’s degree in Philosophy.

Odessa is proud to be a three-time Alumna, an employee at SIUC and to call Southern Illinois her home. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking the trails of Southern Illinois, spending time with her husband, fur babies and just being at home.

I live in Carbondale and some of the things I enjoy are gadgets, tech, playing the guitar, comedy, (mostly the dry British humor), Star Trek, and football. (That football where you kick the ball with your feet!)  I’m fortunate to have traveled widely, had some incredible experiences and made wonderful friends and memories along the way.

That’s all for now folks…..

Elizabeth Franklin is a Southern Illinois native and proud SIU alumna. She has passionately dedicated her career to grant development across the arts, foundation enrichment, human resources and humanitarian projects. Elizabeth is energized to bring her expertise to Southern Illinois University’s Career Pathways program, driving impactful collaborations and community growth.

Cyndy Green began her career at SIU working at Travel Service as a student worker in 1994. I was the Student Billing Clerk until I graduated in 1997 with a BS in Clothing and Textiles from the College of Education with a double specialization in Fashion Design and Retail, minor in marketing. Then returned to Graduate School working at Plant and Service Operations Administrative Office as a student worker. I received my MS in Teaching Clothing and Textiles secondary education focusing on Fibers through Workforce Education Development in 2002.

In May 2002 I started as an extra-help clerical worker at the Printing, Arena, Telecommunications, and Building Services. I was hired on full-time Civil Service OSA II February 2003 at Building Services working as the secretary to the Superintendent, Jay Brooks. I was the customer service representative for Building Services which has approximately 80 full-time staff and 200 student workers. I was an OSS II and acting secretary to the Superintendent, Kathy Anderson at Building Services. I was promoted to Office Manager for the Administration Office of Facilities and Energy Management and Construction Management beginning July 2021. Now I am currently the Administrative Aide to the Director of Facilities and Energy Management as of April 2023. I am very glad to be a part of this Council to help in any way that I can to make SIU a better University for staff and students.

Kristen Matthews is the Illinois Delta Project Coordinator with the Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development. She has worked at Southern Illinois University Carbondale since 2022. As Project Coordinator, she facilitates and oversees activities of the Illinois CATCH onto Health Consortium, which works to implement school health programs in rural communities. In addition to her Project Coordinator role, Kristen manages the Rural Opioid Prescriber Training Program Grant, providing continuing medical education for healthcare providers on safe opioid prescribing practices.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Tuskegee University in Biology and a Master of Public Health degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Kristen is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. She is currently pursuing her Master of Health Administration and Master of Health Informatics degrees, with a certificate in Infection Prevention and Control, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale to be completed in December 2026.

Kristen is a Carbondale native who held various positions in public health and health education in Southern Illinois prior to working for SIU. She enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to her favorite music and podcasts.

Diane McIntyre holds a B.A. from Southern Illinois University and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Events and Outreach, a role she has excelled in since May 2023. With 17 years of dedicated experience in Student Affairs, Diane has developed expertise in customer care, sales, and organizational leadership, contributing to campus operations and community outreach alike. Since joining SIU in 2006, she has held numerous management and oversight roles, including extensive support for Camps and Conferences since 2014.

Diane is also deeply committed to advocating for university staff and students through her role on the Civil Service Council, which represents civil service employees of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Having previously served a one-year term for the Student Affairs sector, Diane is now in a three-year term representing the general sector. With a strong passion for bridging communication between employees, students, and administration, Diane strives to ensure that all voices are heard within the university governance. Her goal is to foster a supportive, healthy environment that promotes the well-being of the entire university community, from students to staff.

Jason Phillips began his career at SIU in 1991 as a student worker for Student Health Services (SHS).  After graduating from SIU Carbondale in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in computer science, Jason began working for SHS as a full-time employee.  Throughout his tenure at SHS, he has continually advanced and is now the Business/Administrative Associate, responsible for the management and data analysis of Budget and Finance at SHS.

Jason previously served on the Civil Service Council from 2007-2017 and 2019-2023.  During that time, he participated on numerous council committees, as well as, several constituency and search committees.

Marianne is an Accounting Associate in the Student Center.  She began her time at SIU the fall semester of 1999 as a student worker in the Vice President for Financial and Administrative Affairs office.  After graduation, Marianne became a full-time employee in the President’s Office, then moved back to VPFAA.  In 2006, she moved to Constituent Relations and Special Events under what was then the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (now known as Vice Chancellor for Donor and Alumni Relations).  In 2012, a move was made to the College of Agricultural Sciences (now College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences) and in 2023, Marianne moved to the Student Center to her current position.

Marianne is a two-time gradate from SIUC.  She earned her BS in Accountancy in 2002 and her Master in Business Administration in 2004.  She is also a 4^th generation SIUC employee.

Jamie has the pleasure of serving the SIU students and community in her current role as the Senior Business Manager for Recreational Sports and Services. Jamie started her accounting career as an auditor for a global public accounting firm but eventually returned home to Southern Illinois where she was born and raised. She started out with SIU as an Internal Auditor in 2005. Over the years, she has also managed the Payroll Office and worked briefly in the Dean’s Office at the College of Business and Analytics before landing in her current position at the Rec.

Jamie is a proud Illini. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Public Accountant. She has served on countless councils and committees at SIU, but this is her first stint on the Civil Service Council.  

Jamie has many hobbies – almost too many to list, but most of her favorite ways to spend spare time include her beloved (and very spoiled) Australian Shepherd angel, Chief. You can also find her getting beat up on the pickleball court, cheering on the Fighting Illini, gardening, canning, or sharing her God-given talents with others through volunteer work.

Anthony Travelstead came to SIU as an area transfer student in the fall of 1997. He began working for the University as a student employee at Campus Mail Service in the fall of 1998. On Graduating from SIU in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, he began to work full-time for the University. For the next 22 years, he held several positions at Campus Mail Service and is currently the Mail Services Manager in charge of overseeing all day-to-day operations including all incoming and outgoing United States Postal Service mail processing for the entire University.

Anthony was first nominated to the Civil Service Council in 2008-2009, and for most of the next 15 years, he served on several Council committees, including Executive, Public Affairs, Staff Excellence Award, Range, Bylaws, and Education Assistance. At various times over the last 15 years, Anthony has served as the Chair for the Education Assistance Committee and works hard alongside the other committee members to fundraise for the Civil Service Council's educational scholarships, which they award every semester to dependents of SIU Civil Service Employees. He really enjoys being able to give back to the University, its students, and its employees.

Anthony just completed his seventh year serving as the Council President and currently serves as the Council’s Vice President on the Executive Committee.

Outside of work, Anthony enjoys spending time with his three sons, his daughter, and his three grandchildren. He enjoys going on family vacations, camping, hiking, and kayaking.  His perfect evening is a sitting out under the stars next to a fire with friends listening to music while enjoying a cold beverage.