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
  • Sandra Jessee
    ELR Manager

    Lis Escobar
    Leave Management & Employee Relations  Administrator

    Sheila Blackshear
    ADA and Compliance Administrator

    Morgan Bell
    Senior ELR Specialist

  • Marina Sevdalis
    Senior ELR Specialist

    Shardae Sangster
    Leave Management and ELR Specialist

    Jinissa Smith
    Leave Management and ELR Specialist

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.