Employee and Labor Relations serves as a resource for employees regarding matters related to the administration and interpretation of UMB policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave management.

Meet Our Team

Sunday Jones

Sunday Jones

Director, Employee and Labor Relations
  • ADA and HR Compliance

    Sheila Blackshear
    HRELR ADA and Compliance, Administrator

     

    ER - Leave Management

    Lis Escobar
    Administrator, ER - Leave Management

    David Leatherbury
    HR Associate I

    Shardae Sangster
    Specialist, Leave Mgmnt & ER

    Jinissa Smith
    Specialist, Leave Mgmnt & ER

     

  • Employee and Labor Relations

    Sandra Jessee
    Manager, Employee and Labor Relations

    Morgan Bell
    Sr. Specialist, Employee and Labor Relations

    Denecca Guile
    Sr. Specialist, Employee and Labor Relations

    Marina Sevdalis
    Sr. Specialist, Employee and Labor Relations

     

How We Support You

More About Our Team

Employee and Labor Relations administers the annual performance management program and serves as a resource for employees regarding matters related to the administration and interpretation of UMB policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave management. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws, equal opportunity statutes and regulations, and personnel policies.
  • Providing administration and guidance on labor union contracts, negotiations, and related activities.
  • Serving as a key advisor for administrative hearings, grievance processes, and disciplinary procedures.
  • Conducting and/or assisting schools/units with complaints, investigations, and grievances in compliance with applicable policies and laws.  
  • Administering and providing guidance on employee leave programs to ensure compliance and support employee needs.
  • Overseeing the processing of reorganizations, restructures, and layoffs to ensure compliance, efficiency, and institutional alignment.
  • Facilitating the review and administration of ADA accommodation requests to ensure compliance.
  • Administering the Performance Management Program (PMP) and providing training, tools, and resources to support related initiatives.
  • Conducting employee experience interviews and surveys, including pulse surveys and exit interviews to gather valuable insights that enhance workplace engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.