Advisory Board
Jason Strutz
Email: w.jason.strutz@gmail.com; advisorychair@apo-aa.org
Best Ways to Contact:
Email and text are fine but if I don't recognize a phone number, I don't answer. Be sure to leave your contact information.
APO Leadership:
VP of communications, VP of service (back when there was only 1, it wasn't split between internal and external), region VI leadership chair, region VI communications chair, region VI conference advisor, and probably about a dozen others I forgot about.
Also, don't assume people need a title to be leaders. It's crucial for the chapter's health that everyone participate in whatever leaderful capacity they can, from being a positive influence at service projects to participating in thoughtful debate at meetings.
Professional Experience:
Programmer/database administrator/do-it-all IT person for Classroom Technologies 2003-2008, Web developer and system administrator for the University Library 2008-2010, Manager of IT infrastructure for the University Library from 2010-present, Certified project management professional since 2009. Facilitator and coach for IT Leadership Workshop since 2011.
Best to Contact For:
Risk management, but before the bad things happen. Conference planning, or really planning of any kind. If you're having trouble of any kind with another service organization, get advisors involved early - we used to have Adopt a Highway on Green Street between 1st and Wright, but conflict with Champaign Public Works got us removed from the program.
Also, the World's Largest Pledge Paddle lives in my garage. Let me or Candice know a week in advance if you want to bring it out for an event.
What you like to do for fun:
Football (fantasy and real - GO SEAHAWKS!), scouting, conference travel, budgeting, risk management (if you need help getting to sleep, ask me about ITSM!)
Do you have a specific interest that you would like to be involved with in our chapter?
Scouting and youth services advisor. Note that this doesn't mean only scouting! I'm also available for leading talks/workshops on all sorts of things, such as personal finance, building relationships, running meetings, prioritizing/time management, and a bajillion other things.
Why did you want to be an advisor for the Alpha Alpha Chapter?
I started advising because it gave me opportunities to practice skills I need to advance my career, such as public speaking and facilitation. I continue for those reasons, but also because of my kids. They are old enough to start scouting, and it's very important to me that they internalize a sense of community service. APO gives them an opportunity to learn how service doesn't have to be a chore, it can be fun and fulfilling. Oh yeah, and it's my name and social security number on all the chapter's tax filings, which is kind of a big deal.
Advisory Chair
Candice Solomon-Strutz
Email: candice.solomon@gmail.com
Best Ways to Contact:
Email is the most preferred communication and I should respond within 24 hours unless traveling. Facebook/text is fine for brief inquiries but may not receive an immediate reply during the work day (8am-5pm). You can always call in case of an emergency.
APO Leadership:
Alpha Alpha LD positions: Pledge Class Leadership Chair, Secretary, Pledge Trainer, President, Chapter Advisor 2004-present
APO LEADS Discover Presenter 2005 - present, APO LEADS Discover Course Coordinator 2006 - 2008, Section 50 Chair 2007 - 2010, Region VI Leadership chair 2010 - 2012, Region VI Chapter Relations Coordinator 2012-2014
served on APO National Membership and Leadership committees, served as National Voting Delegate, chaired Nationals Chapter Operations committee 2002 and served as lead advisor for Nationals Chapter Operations committee 2004
Professional Experience:
Currently, I work as the Assistant Director of IT Planning from AITS (central IT unit for all three campuses at the University of Illinois). I am responsible for professional development and IT strategic planning. Prior to that I also worked as an IT Professional on the Urbana campus for 10+ in the college and central IT unit where I fixed computers, provided system administration and trained faculty, staff and student how to use technology.
Best to Contact For:
Goal Setting, Strategic Planning, Conflict Resolution and APO Classrooms in areas where I have strengths (self-defense, EI, presentation/facilitation skills both APO LEADS DISCOVER and the basic skills training)
What you like to do for fun:
Tae Kwon Do, self-defense, karaoke, watch movies, play board games, eat desserts, Troop Leader for the girl scouts.
Do you have a specific interest that you would like to be involved with in our chapter?
Leadership, Goal Setting with Exec Board.
Why did you want to be an advisor for the Alpha Alpha Chapter?
To be able to give back to the chapter that helped me gain such valuable skills. Alpha Alpha allowed me to incorporate the three cardinals principles of leadership, friendship and service into my daily life and sharing this practice with new members is extremely fulfilling.
Advisor
Benjamin Pauling
Email: brpauling@gmail.com
Best Ways to Contact:
Email or Facebook messenger
APO Leadership:
VP of Finance, Director of Finance, PTA of Finance, Budget Committee, IRC Committee, Audit Committee, Torch Subcommittee, Torch Pledge dynasty head.
Professional Experience:
401k Specialist at Alight Solutions
Best to Contact For:
Anything and everything finance!
What you like to do for fun:
Workout, watch sports, visit baseball stadiums, rank the songs on the new Taylor Swift album.
Do you have a specific interest that you would like to be involved in our chapter?
I feel I am best in helping with finance, but I know enough about the chapter as a whole to give advice on anything that is needed.
Why did you want to be an advisor for the Alpha Alpha chapter?
I like helping others and giving back to our chapter using my own experiences and insight.
Advisor
Katie Shumway
Email: brpauling@gmail.com
Best Ways to Contact:
Email or Facebook messenger
APO Leadership:
VP of Finance, Director of Finance, PTA of Finance, Budget Committee, IRC Committee, Audit Committee, Torch Subcommittee, Torch Pledge dynasty head.
Professional Experience:
401k Specialist at Alight Solutions
Best to Contact For:
Anything and everything finance!
What you like to do for fun:
Workout, watch sports, visit baseball stadiums, rank the songs on the new Taylor Swift album.
Do you have a specific interest that you would like to be involved in our chapter?
I feel I am best in helping with finance, but I know enough about the chapter as a whole to give advice on anything that is needed.
Why did you want to be an advisor for the Alpha Alpha chapter?
I like helping others and giving back to our chapter using my own experiences and insight.
Advisor
Param Shah
Advisor
Email: param.shah108@gmail.com
Abigail Brooks
Advisor
Email: abby.brooks@carle.com