Dr. Jameco McKenzie is a seasoned higher education leader with expertise in student affairs, student success, and fostering a sense of belonging. As Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at NC State University, he oversees a student success center focusing on leadership development, academic enrichment, education, mentorship, and holistic student support for all students.  

Since joining the NC State Staff Senate in 2020, Dr. McKenzie has taken on key leadership roles, including senator for the Academic and Student Affairs division, chair of the Access & Belonging Committee, 2023–24 parliamentarian, and chair-elect. As the current Chair of the Staff Senate, he represents over 7,100 staff members and actively works to elevate staff experiences and priorities across the university.He believes a strong university depends on engaged and supported staff who contribute meaningfully to campus life. Under his leadership, the Staff Senate is focused on strengthening collaboration, supporting professional growth, and enhancing the workplace experience for all staff.

In recognition of his service, Dr. McKenzie received the 2023 Award of Excellence from the Division of Academic and Student Affairs.

Ashley Arya serves as Chair-Elect of the NC State Staff Senate, where she focuses on strengthening campus-wide collaboration, operational consistency, and staff engagement. Since being elected to the Staff Senate in 2023, she has served on the External Affairs committee and chaired the Employee Experience and Relations committee.  She has guided the creation of standard operating procedures across all Senate districts and committees to enhance continuity and effectiveness.

Since joining NC State University in 2020, Ashley has served the Dean’s Office in the College of Sciences, most recently doing all things finance and operational for the IT department.  

Ashley is committed to ensuring staff voices are reflected in university decision-making, with a focus on practical solutions, staff empowerment, and alignment with NC State’s land-grant mission.  Grounded in the belief that the strength of the Pack lies in every member, Ashley works to ensure staff voices are represented boldly and constructively in shaping the future of the university.

Tenille Naumann works in the Business Office of External Affairs, Partnerships, and Economic Development (EAPED). She rejoined the Staff Senate in 2023 for a second term after a brief hiatus, drawn back by her passion for outreach, community service, and representing her colleagues. Tenille hopes her constituents know her as a reliable resource when staff-related concerns arise.
She is a proud recipient of the Wolfpack Award and a two-time NC State Award for Excellence nominee in different campus roles—recognition she values deeply as a reflection of her hard work and dedication.
Outside of work, Tenille coaches cheerleading with Cleveland Pop Warner, where she enjoys teaching the fundamentals and watching young athletes grow. She’s especially proud of a former cheerleader who now cheers at NC State—seeing his dream come true has been a highlight of her coaching journey. She also cherishes time with her three grown children and looks forward to becoming a grandmother one day. Go Pack!

James has spent nearly all of his career in Operational Leadership roles, where he learned that you can never succeed, unless your subordinates feel successful. Lao Tsu once said “To lead people, walk beside them”. With this as James’ professional Ethos, he has always taken pride in his ability to empower his employees to pull out their full potential and ability. “The fastest way to do this is to see the job through their eyes and understand their reality. You can’t have expectations and teach a job or skill that you haven’t mastered yourself.”

James attended Colorado State University for undergrad in Business Management with a minor concentration in Aerospace.  From launching satellites and spacecraft to physically moving houses, his career has spanned a variety of occupations.  He has spent nearly 20 years in leadership roles managing individuals and teams across multiple disciplines. James has seen one of the biggest challenges for many employees over the years has been integrating technology into their personal and professional lives. James has always enjoyed helping his staff and peers bridge that gap. In his current role here at NC State, James manages his divisions technology hardware and software resources. He always tries to make our technology operationally efficient as well as accessible to all employees.

Charles Hall is the Director of Departmental Communications in the College of Engineering at NC State University, with a mission to translate engineering into words, images, and engaging content that accelerates the next generation of innovators.
He has previously operated in communication roles at Vanier College, Montreal, and served as Deputy Director of Leaders International in Washington, DC, working to provide leadership training and opportunities with high school students around the world. He previously served as the Staff Senate Chair, representing the over 7,100 staff members at NC State, after serving as the Communications Committee Chair.