Leadership
The Staff Senate bylaws outline five elected officer roles that lead the body's shared governance mission. These officers, along with the chairs of the standing committees make up the Executive Committee of the Senate.
CHAIR
Ashley Arya
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.
VICE CHAIR
Tenille Naumann
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!
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Donise Brown
Donise Brown joined the Wolfpack family in 2001 as a temporary employee before transitioning to a permanent role in February 2002. As an alumna, she is a proud university employee who brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to everything she does. Donise currently serves as the Undergraduate Service Coordinator in the Department of Communication within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHASS), where she also supervises temporary employees and work-study students.
A dedicated member of the Staff Senate since 2008, Donise has held various leadership capacities over the years, including Co-Chair of both the Hand & Feet and Diversity committees, and Chair of the Election Committee. In July 2025, she completed the SEANC Parliamentarian Training Workshop, equipping her with the precise institutional expertise and procedural knowledge needed to effectively serve as your next Parliamentarian for the 2026–2027 term.
PAST CHAIR
Jameco McKenzie, EdD
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.
SECRETARY
Nancy Philips