Miami University

Dawn Fahner, PHR, Director

Dawn has been at Miami since 2005. She is responsible for assistance with planning, the design and implementation of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, group life, long term disability, tax deferred annuities, medical leaves, and accidental death and dismemberment insurances. Prior to Miami , Dawn was employed with Wal-mart Stores Inc., as a Personnel Manager.

Dawn can be reached by email at fahnerdm@muohio.edu or by calling at 529-5716.

Sherry Schilling, PHR, Benefits Generalist

Sherry began her employment at Miami in 1998. She is responsible for providing special guidance and assistance on various employee benefit plans, including tuition fee waivers, retirement and health plans. Sherry has a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from the University of Nebraska and has spent over 10-years in Benefit Services for Sprint and Coca-Cola.

Sherry's interests include traveling and sewing.

Sherry can be reached by email at schillsl@muohio.edu or by calling 529-2148.

Eileen Mitroi, Personnel Technician

Eileen has been employed at Miami since 1985. She is responsible for providing benefit information to staff and faculty, monitoring the monthly departmental budget, maintaining employee benefit records, as well as other numerous services related to Benefit Services. Eileen has a Bachelor's degree in Restaurant, Hotel & Institutional Management from Purdue.

Eileen can be reached by email at mitroiem@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3120.

Susan Gibson, Personnel Technician

Susan came to Miami in 2008. She is responsible for conducting introduction and enrollment sessions for new staff and faculty, responding to customer calls and walk-ins in addition to assisting employees with changes to their insurance plans. Susan has over 25-years of customer service experience and has worked in insurance billing which enables her to assist employees with insurance claim issues.

Susan's interests include reading, working in yard, and spending time with her family.

Susan can be reached by email at gibsons5@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3926.

Cassie Wilson, MS, ACSM-RCEP, Assistant Director

Cassie joined Miami in 2003 and is responsible for developing and implementing programs that positively influence the health and well-being of University employees by promoting purposeful and healthy living within a caring culture and community Cassie obtained her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Indiana University and MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University.

Cassie enjoys dance, yoga, and traveling.

Cassie can be reached by email at smithc3@muohio.edu or by calling 529-0881.

Melanie Wiener, MS, RD, LD, Health Coach Coordinator

Melanie recently began her career at Miami in September 2010 as Health Coach Coordinator and will be responsible for counseling and helping patients improve their overall health and well-being. Melanie obtained her Bachelor's degree in Medical Dietetics from Ohio State University and MS in Sports Nutrition from Florida State.

Melanie's interests include working out, being with friends and family, and sports.

Melanie can be reached by email at wienermr@muohio.edu or by calling 529-7700.

Kate Stoss, CCP, PHR, Director

Kate has been at Miami since 1998.  She is responsible for the management and administration of Compensation, Employment, Student Employment, and Human Resource Technology. She is in charge of the recruitment efforts, as well as the University’s compensation and classification plans for administrative exempt, classified non-exempt and student employees. Kate has her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, has completed Master’s level coursework in Labor and Employee Relations from the University of Cincinnati and is completing a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and has obtained her Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification.  

Kate's interests include gourmet cooking and reading.

Kate can be reached by email at stossk@muohio.edu or by calling 529-9552.

Ruth Groom, PHR, HR Systems Technical Coordinator

Ruth came to Miami in 1998. She is responsible for overseeing technology for Human Resources, including Banner and Kronos as well as troubleshooting problems and implementing new technology solutions. Ruth has her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Ruth enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Ruth can be reached by email at groomra@muohio.edu or by calling 529-4328.

Amy Greenbaum, HR Technology & Communications Analyst

Amy has been at Miami since 2006. She is responsible for developing communication plans regarding the use of current and new technologies, as well as departmental policies and procedures. Amy oversees assigned technology projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and proper use of HR related information retrieved from systems. She designs and develops communication strategies relating to the use of current and new technologies, as well as develops training and documentation of system use for HR users. Amy has her Bachelor's degree in Arts with Departmental Honors from Miami University, as well as her Master's degree in Arts in Hebrew Letters.

Amy's interests include international relations and community involvement.

Amy can be reached by email at greenbal@muohio.edu or by calling 529-4925.

Denise Ison, PHR, HR Generalist

Denise began her career at Miami in 1992. She conducts job audits of classified positions, determines appropriate classifications, responds to salary surveys and reviews unclassified employment actions within PeopleAdmin. Additional responsibilities include providing information to peers at other universities and analyze positions with regards to FLSA standards. Denise has a Bachelor's of Science in Business.

Denise can be reached by email at isondr@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3137.

Steven D. Perucca, HR Generalist

Steven has been at Miami since 2004. He is responsible for assistance with the development, administration and support of employment/recruitment, immigration, compensation and classification. Steven has an MBA in Human Resources Specialization from Indiana Wesleyan.

Steve's interests include technology, web design, theater, movies, and travel.

Steven can be reached by email at peruccsd@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3186.

Kathy Kihm, Sr. Personnel Technician

Kathy came to Miami in 2011.  She has a BA from the College of Mt. St. Joseph.  Kathy is responsible for maintaining personnel records in Banner and proofing and auditing payroll.  Kathy also audits demographics, job assignments, compensation, tax and leave reporting information.  Outside of the office, she enjoys family activities, reading, and attending live theater performances.

Kathy can be reached by email at kihmka@muohio.edu or by calling 529-9565.

Manetra Kemp, Personnel Technician

Manetra has been at Miami since 2007. She is in charge of posting and advertising unclassified positions within the university. Manetra's other responsibilities include processing invoices for departmental advertising, monitoring and processing of employment actions within the university employment site, submitting background checks, creating, updating and processing of payroll records in the university computer system.

Manetra's interests include camping, boating, reading, and watching movies. She also attends and participates in Renaissance Festivals, attends Scotch/Irish, Celtic and Hard Rock music festivals and theatrical events and enjoys spending time with her husband and English Labrador Retriever, Aonghus.

Manetra can be reached by email at kempm@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3132.

Heather Bechtol, Personnel Technician

Heather has been at Miami since 2002. She is responsible for completing I-9's, tax information, OPERS for student employees, and running numerous reports involving work study and student payroll.

Heather enjoys cooking, remodeling her house, and spending time with her husband.

Heather can be reached by email at bechtohn@muohio.edu or by calling 529-5347.

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Sandi Ledger, Personnel Technician

Sandi came to Miami in 2002. Her responsibilities include processing payroll for student employees, troubleshoots PeopleAdmin with students and staff, proof student payroll, input new employee information into Banner, and process new employee paperwork.

Sandi can be reached by email at ledgersl@muohio.edu or by calling 529-6089.

Kendall Reed, Personnel Technician

Kendall came to Miami in 2005. Kendall's responsibilities include working with classified positions, as well as posting open positions and making changes to current employee appointments. Kendall has a Bachelor's degree in Management & Organization and Sport Studies.

Kendall's interests include being involved with the Miami University Marching and Athletic Bands, as well as being a supporter of Miami athletics.

Kendall can be reached by email at reedka@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3139.

Carol Hauser, MA, SPHR, Senior Director

Carol can be reached by email at hauserca@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3131.

Becky Stephenson, Personnel Associate

Becky began her career at Miami in 2006 and is the assistant to the Senior HR Director. Her responsibilities include supervision of front end office procedures in HR, reconciling and maintaining HR budgets, coordinating weekly HR visits to branch campuses, web site maintenance and assisting in various departmental projects as assigned by the Senior Director. Becky studied business at the Miami Hamilton Campus and ultimately earned a B.S. in Art Education, K-12, graduating cum laude from Miami University in Oxford. Prior to Miami Becky was employed as a teacher and later substitute taught in the local school districts.

Becky can be reached by email at stephera@muohio.edu or by calling 529-4939.

Becky Hensley, Sr. Personnel Assistant

Becky began at Miami in 1991. Becky is responsible for customer service, supervision of student employees, and scheduling employee appointments with OPERS & STRS.

Becky's interests include painting, crafts, and traveling.

Becky can be reached by email at jacksora@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3131.

Jerry Sargent, J. D., Director

Jerry began his career at Miami in 2010. As Director of Labor Relations, Jerry works with both the University and the unions represented at Miami in promoting a healthy labor-management relationship. His position is managerial and provides approval function for all recommendations and resolutions by the staff on matters such as Code of Discipline development and disciplinary actions, grievance and labor dispute management, collective bargaining negotiations and employment termination processing.

The Director for Labor Relations also assists in formulating the policy and guidelines for employer-employee relationships, implements and administers the code of discipline, handles employee grievances, and disciplinary actions. This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiation skills to deal with employees across all levels and departments, and have an understanding and knowledge of the state's legal mandates on labor laws.

Jerry has over 15-years experience in all forms of Human Resources and Labor Relations. These areas include Labor Relations and Employee Relations, collective bargaining experience, contract negotiation skills, and management of such agreements.

In addition, he has experience in Human Resources both nationally and internationally, specializing in benefits administration and procurement, unemployment, workers compensation, FMLA, recruitment, training, employee compensation review, and strategic and departmental budgetary planning. Jerry also has extensive working knowledge of corporate mergers and acquisitions.

Jerry enjoys outdoor activities, which include walking, hiking, and camping. He also enjoys reading, movies, and music. As a drummer, Jerry enjoys getting together with friends and jamming.

Jerry can be reached by email at sargenjl@muohio.edu or by calling 529-4745.

Cynthia Lewis, PHR, Senior Human Resources Generalist

Cynthia began her career in Human Resources with Miami in 2007. Her primary duties include the coordination of workers' compensation, Transitional Work Program, leave management, and disability retirement. Her duties also include assisting the director of labor relations in employee grievances, labor manangement, investigations, and discipline. Under the supervision of the director of labor relations, she works to ensure the consistent and equitable application of collective bargaining agreements, University policy, and laws pertaining to the workplace. Cynthia is well versed in FMLA administration and unemployment compensation. Cynthia has her Master's degree in Educational Leadership.

Cynthia can be reached by email at merleci@muohio.edu or by calling 529-0432.

Patricia Donatucci-Irwin, Personnel Technician

Patricia came to Miami in 2008. Patricia's responsibilities include monitoring/coordinating FMLA, unemployment claims, and long-term disability claims. Patricia is retired military, spending 24-years as a human resource specialist. Patricia has her Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from Wayland Baptist University.

Patricia's interests include reading and spending time with her family.

Patricia can be reached by email at donatupa@muohio.edu or by calling 529-2027.

Anne Wheeler, Manager

Anne has been at Miami since 2009 and is Manager of Payroll Services. Anne has extensive public sector financial and payroll management experience.

Her interests include playing the piano, directing the church choir and praise team and she loves spending time with family.

Anne can be reached by email at wheelean@muohio.edu or by calling 529-1791.

Gary Kraft, Assistant Manager

Gary began his career at Miami in 1994. He is responsible for exact and timely processing of all payrolls for Miami University employees. Gary works directly with Human Resources to ensure all required and elected benefit and tax deductions are exact resulting in accurate pay for all employees. Gary has his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Gary can be reached by email at kraftgw@muohio.edu or by calling 529-3648.

Jeff Raatz, Payroll Analyst

Jeff started with Miami in August 2011.  He will be responsible for Classified Bi-weekly Payroll and additional payroll services.  Jeff has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and has worked directly and in-directly in accounting and IT since graduating.   He enjoys his family, serving in church related activities, and people in general.

Jeff can be reached by email at raatzjs@muohio.edu or 529-7231.

Muriel Taylor, Senior Personnel Technician

Muriel has been at Miami since 1994. She is responsible for preparing and processing monthly payrolls, calculating and reporting domestic relation and garnishment court orders, and providing assistance via telephone, email, and in-person contact with projects as needed.

Muriel can be reached by email at taylorm4@muohio.edu or by calling 529-8095.

Marcy VanWinkle, Senior Personnel Technician

Marcy has been at Miami since 2001. Marcy is responsible for processing bi-weekly student payrolls, which include data entry of vital payroll information, troubleshooting issues/discrepancies during payroll processing, and calculating deductions for wage garnishments, as well as various other deductions.

Marcy can be reached by email at vanwinma@muohio.edu or by calling 529-8042.

Becky Dysart, SPHR, Director

Becky came to Miami in 2000. She is responsible for overseeing all services provided by the Staff Development Office. Becky has her Bachelor's degree from Thomas More College and a Master's degree from the College of Mount Saint Joseph. Becky is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the HR Certification Institute, the credentialing body for human resource professionals.

Becky can be reached by email at dysartrl@muohio.edu or by calling 529-8078.

Kerri Dabbs, SPHR, Senior Human Resources Generalist

Kerri joined the Human Resources Staff Development unit in May of 2008. She is responsible for developing and facilitating workshops, special programming, and various special projects. Kerri has a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a Master's degree from Xavier University. In addition, Kerri is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the HR Certification Institute, the credentialing body for human resource professionals.

Kerri can be reached by email at dabbskl@muohio.edu or by calling 529-0389.

Rachael Rude, Senior Personnel Technician

Rachael has been at Miami since 2000. Rachael is responsible for coordinating workshops, maintaining the Department of Human Resources Job Enrichment Program database, processing job enrichment awards, and the Training and Development Fund. Rachael has an Associate's degree in Administrative Marketing Techology from Ivy Tech State College.

Rachael can be reached by email at ruderm@muohio.edu or by calling 529-6409.

Kristin Taylor, Sr. Personnel Technician

Kristin came to Miami in 2010. She is responsible for receiving inquiries from physical facilities employees regarding job enrichment and training on the Oxford, Hamilton, and Middletown campuses, processing training registrations, travel arrangements, reports, and maintaining budget responsibilities. Kristin has her Associates degree in Arts & Science and has six-years of experience as an office manager for the OH BMV.

Kristin can be reached by email at taylo115@muohio.edu or by calling 529-1603.