- Consider adding something about yourself, like hobbies you like and or what you enjoy about your job.
Jessica Leemon |
Director of Budget and Resource Planning | I |
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Reporting - Director & Directorates & OVCRI
- Direct the Business office functions and operations
- Signature Authority Proposals and Contracts
- Proposal backup
Grants
- Draft and review reports and policies that pertain to proposals and grants
- Oversee the management of funds in ICI, User Services, Software & Engagement
- Oversee proposal processes
- Manage grant funds across the Center
Amy Morgan
Sr. Grants & Contracts Coordinator - Grants Team Lead
- Financial Manager of the following:
- Blue Waters
- XSEDE
- Department Card Manager Backup
- Activity Reporting System
- Semi-Annual Confirmations Coordinator
- TEM Manager for All NCSA Employees
Janessa Gentry
Grants & Contracts Coordinator
- Proposal Development & Submission
- Financial Manager for Engagement Directorate
Debra Greer
Grants & Contracts Coordinator
After spending 14 years in K-8 education and administrative work, I transitioned to the UI in January 2014. I worked there 4 years, learning about service centers, their rate calculations and research administrative surveys. In 2018, I came to NCSA, where I am managing the awards in the Software Directorate. It's a crazy busy group with great teamwork and I love working with this unit!
My husband pastors our home church, so that makes me the 1st Lady/Musician/Singer/Praise Team leader/VBS director and in charge of whatever-else-that-needs-doing-if-he-can't-get-to-it.
My husband is also a morning personality on WDWS-1400AM and we have 2 daughters. If I can find the time, I love to bake pies. But who has time for that?
- Financial Manager for the Software Directorate
- Unit Security Contact Backup
- DAWS Student/Employee Award Scholarship payments
Shawn Quigley
Grants & Contracts Specialist
After joining the University I spent three and a half years as an award negotiator in Sponsored Programs building a base of knowledge in the minutiae of grant contract, federal rules, and University requirements. I'm enjoying the opportunity to be more engaged in assisting the actual research while expanding my knowledge of the whole grant lifecycle.
Prior to joining the University I spent nine years at Busey Bank progressing from Customer Service Representative in their call center to Business Integration Director. In that time I grew my customer service and corporate writing skills. I also developed a deep understanding of marketing and corporate communications, process improvement, and UX and product enhancement. Before Busey there were a succession of menial jobs the less spoken of the better.
In my spare time I work on growing my portfolio of rental properties in and around Champaign while managing all the excitement that entails. I also buy, collect, and sell comics, role-playing games, and all manner of nerd-related items.
began my accounting career at Kemper CPA Group in February 2013. While there I obtained my Certified Public Accountant License (CPA) in March 2017. I then transitioned to the University, specifically University Accounting and Financial Reporting (UAFR) in October 2017, where I specialized in gift funds. I was given the opportunity to be the Controller for Cisna Park Co-op in November 2018, and left the University. I transitioned back to the University in January 2021 as a Grants and Contracts Specialist for NCSA handling mostly NIFA awards for the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA). When an opportunity came available to lead the business office, I was excited about the possibility of advancing in NCSA. I am excited to continue working for my alma mater. Working with the amazing staff, BO, and PIs at NCSA is the highlight of my job! I graduated from the University of Illinois with my Bachelors in Accountancy in May 2014. I also received my Masters in Accounting Science in May 2015. Outside of my career, I grew up in Champaign county on a family farm. My husband and I live in Oklahoma and raise Shorthorn and Charolais cattle together. We have a rambunctious 5 year old who loves farming and the cattle. In our spare time, you can find us camping, boating, at cattle shows, or traveling. I love to read, bake, run, hike, and spend time with family/friends! |
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Matt Schuldt Assistant Director of Business Operations | I began working at the University/NCSA in 2012 within the Business Office. I've had the privilege of working with many of the groups/awards/PIs within the Center over this period. One thing that I enjoy about NCSA (and that has kept me here) is that there is always a new challenge and each day offers something different. Outside of work I enjoy sports (Cubs/Bears/Illini), fishing, and spending time with family & friends. | Financial Manager for the following:
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Grants Team |
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Amy Morgan Sr. Grants & Contracts Coordinator - Grants Team Lead | I began my career at the University of Illinois January 2009 in Grants and Contracts Post-Award (SPA) managing the private grants portfolio. From there, I went to Government Costing in 2012 where I calculated service center rates, and in the summer of 2017, I landed here at NCSA. I really enjoy the variety of work and challenges NCSA has to offer. Currently I'm leading a team of 4 grants and contracts specialists/coordinators. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. If I could hike and travel more often to Colorado I would! |
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Shawn Quigley Grants & Contracts Coordinator | After joining the University I spent three and a half years as an award negotiator in Sponsored Programs building a base of knowledge in the minutiae of grant contract, federal rules, and University requirements. I'm enjoying the opportunity to be more engaged in assisting the actual research while expanding my knowledge of the whole grant lifecycle. Prior to joining the University I spent nine years at Busey Bank progressing from Customer Service Representative in their call center to Business Integration Director. In that time I grew my customer service and corporate writing skills. I also developed a deep understanding of marketing and corporate communications, process improvement, and UX and product enhancement. Before Busey there were a succession of menial jobs the less spoken of the better. In my spare time I work on growing my portfolio of rental properties in and around Champaign while managing all the excitement that entails. I also buy, collect, and sell comics, role-playing games, and all manner of nerd-related items. |
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Dawn Stokes Grants & Contracts Coordinator | My employment at the University of Illinois began in August 2010. I started in UIUC Purchasing and soon moved to SPA Post-Award where I managed NIH and NASA awards. From there, I worked in the School of Chemical Sciences where I managed the NSF grants portfolio and assisted faculty with grant proposal submissions. In January 2021 I accepted the position of Grants and Contracts Coordinator here at NCSA. At home, I enjoy hiking, camping and singing in the church praise band with my husband. I am a long-distance runner. I love spending time with my family. I have two grown children and two granddaughters. | Financial Manager for the following NSF Federally funded projects:
Engagement Directorate Research Consulting which includes Business IT, TMG, Modeling & Simulation, Data Analytics, Genomics, Research Facilitation Services & SEAS |
MaryAlice Greer Intern Grants Associate | After spending 6 years as an elementary school teacher, I started working as Extra Help in the Business Office at NCSA in mid June of 2022. In March 2023, I accepted the NCSA grants internship, and I love working with the folks in the Business Office. When I am not working on UI business, I play bass guitar and sing in our church's praise team. I also record my weekly podcast, Truthful Tones. I have a Facebook page and a Youtube channel for anyone who wants to check it out! |
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Business Office Services Team |
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Debra Greer Senior Coordinator, Grants & Contracts - Services Team Lead | After spending 14 years in K-8 education and administrative work, I transitioned to the UI in January 2014. I worked for the System Office of Government Costing for 4 years, learning about service centers, their rate calculations and research administrative surveys. In 2018, I came to NCSA, where I am managing the awards in the Software Directorate. It's a crazy busy group with great teamwork and I love working with this unit! When I'm not on UI business, I play the keyboards and serve as Praise & Worship leader at our church. My husband is our pastor and is also a morning personality on WDWS-1400AM. We have two daughters: MaryAlice is interning here at NCSA, and Eleanor is an academic advisor with the College of Veterinary Medicine. I also enjoy music, flower gardening, and baking - especially pies, when I can find the time. |
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Richelle Lu-Rivera Grants & Contracts Coordinator | My career at the University of Illinois System began as an Accountant I at the Illini Union in March 2015. After 11 months working two jobs, I was able to obtain my Certified Public Accountant license in February 2016, and Certified Management Accountant certificate in August 2016. I then transitioned to System Government Costing on December 2016 where I assisted University departments with rate calculations. During that period, I graduated with my Master of Science in Management Information Systems in May 2018 before transferring to NCSA last July 2019. I was born and raised in the Philippines and was a CPA there with Ernst & Young for 1 busy season. I migrated to the United States of America in June 2014 to finally join my family, and worked briefly at Health Alliance Medical Plans as an accountant before jumping on to the UI System. Outside my Uni life, I am a lead vocalist of KALESA, a Filipino cover band in Champaign, a part-time front desk agent at Hampton Inn Urbana, a taekwondo second-degree blackbelt, and a wanderlust. I am always happy to help and love learning! |
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Finance Team |
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Janet Smith Sr. Finance Coordinator - Finance Team Lead | I have been at the University since 1998 starting as an extra help employee until I became permanent May, 1999 in the Landscape Architecture Business Office as an Account Tech I. I worked there for 5 years and then moved on to the Computer Science Business Office in March, 2004 where I worked my way from an Account Tech I to an Accounting Associate managing department funds such as the lecture series, undergraduate and graduate programs, fellowships, scholarships, awards and student organization gift funds before my departure in September, 2019 when I joined the NCSA Business Office as a Finance Coordinator. The Center was very welcoming and one thing I like most about the Business Office is the teamwork. Everyone is willing to help each other. In my free time I like watching movies and especially spending time with my children, grandchildren, and other family and friends. |
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Gail Barkley Accounting Officer | I began working at NCSA in 2014 as an Accounting Clerk in the Business Office, and became an Account Tech I in 2019. I reconcile PCard transactions & invoices, process payments, pull monthly statements, manage our electronic files, monitor the Business Office's email & snail mail, and reconcile our Staff Development & Travel Planning processes. I enjoy baking, listening to a variety of music, cross stitch & taking care of my two cats. |
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Jared Robbins Finance Specialist | I began working at NCSA in July of 2021 - prior to that I worked for University Purchasing as a Contract Coordinator, specializing in Software Procurement. Before working at the University I've worked in various professional business settings such as a Banking Administration and as a Financial Advisor for a Wealth Management Firm. One of the best parts of working in the Business Office and at NCSA in general, so far, has been how welcoming and accommodating everyone is. We're all on the same team and that definitely becomes apparent the more interactions you have throughout the center. My wife and I have a wonderful daughter named Phoebe, she's currently two and is great source of joy for both of us. Some hobbies of mine include: video games, housing projects, camping and being outdoors, and spending time with my family. |
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Carey Ann Cash Procurement Officer | I started at the University of Illinois in December 2002 in the Air Force ROTC unit. Over the years, I moved throughout different departments/ units, both academic and administrative. Prior to joining NCSA, I worked in the Health Education Unit at McKinley Health Center for just over three years as an Administrative Aide. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my guys (my husband and son) and on my family farm. I am the sixth generation to own my family farm an hour south of C-U. I have a farm house, barn and shed and 80+ acres of farmland (no animals other than pesky groundhogs). In addition to my family and farm, my other passion is organizing! I love, live and breathe it! My favorite store of all time is the Container Store and I am known to spend many hours in there! I received my certification in 2020 as a Certified Organizational Specialist. Some say that my soul glows when I speak of organization! |
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Maddie Henegar Financial Coordinator | I began my career in accounting in January of 2020 with a public accounting firm called Martin Hood (MH CPA PLLC). While there, I obtained a license with the IRS as an Enrolled Agent. I started working for NCSA in May of 2024. I have two bachelors degrees from Eastern Illinois University after studying accounting and finance. My husband and I live outside of Homer, IL with our sweet little boy, Nash. I love spending time with my family, friends, and pets (Chase, Pasty, Loretta, Dolly, and the Yaks). We run a Yak ranch called KRK Ranch. Check us out on social media! And, if you can't tell I am a huge country music fan. I have formerly sang with several bands in and around the Champaign and Danville areas. You can typically find me singing anything from country and classic rock to bluegrass and southern gospel. | Financial Coordinator for the following funds:
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Autumn Kennedy Student | I began working at NCSA in August of 2021 as a student worker. I really like working at the Business Office at NCSA because everyone is so kind and we really feel like a team. I have two cats at home, Milo and Koa, and I have two sisters that I live with. Some of my hobbies are playing video games, reading, or learning new languages. |
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- Financial Manager for Research & Education
- Faculty Affiliates
- SPIN Program
Cheryl Williams
Grants & Contracts Specialist
My career at the University of Illinois began in August 2008 in Card Services. I was a Card Services Specialist for several years and the Card Services Coordinator for five years. I started at NCSA August of 2019 in the Business Office as a Grants and Contracts Specialist.
In my previous position in Card Services I was heavily involved with the procurement side of University business. I assisted departments with the administration of the Purchasing and Travel Card programs and provided customer service. Now, I’m learning about how the University acquires some of those funds to spend and helping NCSA manage those funds and projects. Customer service continues to be an essential part of my duties, but primarily for NCSA staff members. Many days I learn something new at NCSA. I enjoy the diversity of my duties and working alongside my team members.
When not at work, I spend time with my family, travel, and binge watching movies and series.
- Financial Manager for the following:
- Integrated Cyberinfrastructure Directorate and groups
- User Services Directorate and group
- Health Innovations Program Office (HIPO)
- Responsible for the financial oversight of the following services:
- Mayo Clinic contracts
- HIPO contracts
Dawn Stokes
Grants & Contracts Coordinator
- Financial Manager of the following:
- XSEDE
Business Office Services
- Draft and review reports and policies that pertain to services and costing
- Manage Industry, Mayo, CDA, LSST, MBDH, C3.ai DTI, and all service center funds
- Implement and manage the billing of all service center funds
Matt Schuldt
Sr. Coordinator of Contracts & Services - Services Team Lead
I began working at the University/NCSA in 2012 within the Business Office. I've had the privilege of working with many of the groups/awards/PIs within the Center over this period. One thing that I enjoy about NCSA (and that has kept me here) is that there is always a new challenge and each day offers something different.
Outside of work I enjoy sports (Cubs/Bears/Illini), fishing, and spending time with family & friends.
- Financial Manager for the following:
- Industry Program
- IAD Group
- Center for Digital Ag (CDA)
- Mayo Grand Challenge
- Mayo projects
- C3.ai DTI award
- BA4 Administrator
- NPCF Monthly Utility Billings
Richelle Lu
Grants & Contracts Specialist
My career at the University of Illinois System began as an Accountant I at the Illini Union in March 2015. After 11 months working two jobs, I was able to obtain my Certified Public Accountant license in February 2016, and Certified Management Accountant certificate in August 2016. I then transitioned to System Government Costing on December 2016 where I assisted University departments with rate calculations. During that period, I graduated with my Master of Science in Management Information Systems in May 2018 before transferring to NCSA last July 2019.
I was born and raised in the Philippines and was a CPA there with Ernst & Young for 1 busy season. I migrated to the United States of America in June 2014 to finally join my family, and worked briefly at Health Alliance Medical Plans as an accountant before jumping on to the UI System.
Outside my Uni life, I am a lead vocalist of KALESA, an all-Filipino cover band in Champaign, a part-time front desk agent at Hampton Inn Urbana, a taekwondo first-degree blackbelt, and a wanderlust. I am always happy to help and love learning!
- Financial Manager for the following projects:
- Rubin Observatory previously Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST)
- Dark Energy Survey (DES)
- Midwest Big Data Hub (MBDH)
- Open Storage Network (OSN) & Massive Galaxy
- Center for Astrophysical Surveys
- Responsible for the financial oversight of the following services:
- Institutional Support Fee (ISF)
- Audio Visual Event Services (AV)
- Storage Condo
- National Petascale Computing Facility (NPCF) Floor Space Rate
- RADIANT
- CILogon
Jessica Lannon
Grants & Contracts Specialist
I began my accounting career at Kemper CPA Group in February 2013. While there I obtained my Certified Public Accountant License (CPA) in March 2017. I then transitioned to the University, specifically University Accounting and Financial Reporting (UAFR) in October 2017, where I specialized in gift funds. I was given the opportunity to be the Controller for Cissna Park Co-op in November 2018, and left the University. I transitioned back to the University in January 2021. I am excited to be back at my alma mater, and working with the amazing staff NCSA.
I graduated from the University of Illinois with my Bachelors in Accountancy in May 2014. I also received my Masters in Accounting Science in May 2015.
Outside of my career, I grew up in Champaign county on a family farm. My husband farms, and we raise Shorthorn cattle together. We have a rambunctious toddler who loves farming and the cattle. In our spare time, you can find us camping, boating, at cattle shows, or traveling. I love to read, bake, run, hike, and spend time with family/friends!
- Financial Manager for the following:
- Center for Digital Ag (CDA)
- AIFARMS
- C3.ai DTI award
Finance
- Draft and review reports and policies that pertain to Center business operations
- Manage MOUs/commitments budgets and renewals
- Manage Center funds in the administrative directorate and directorate office funds
Janet Smith
Finance Coordinator - Finance Team Lead
I have been at the University since 1998 starting as an extra help employee until I became permanent May, 1999 in the Landscape Architecture Business Office as an Account Tech I. I worked there for 5 years and then moved on to the Computer Science Business Office in March, 2004 where I worked my way from an Account Tech I to an Accounting Associate managing department funds such as the lecture series, undergraduate and graduate programs, fellowships, scholarships, awards and student organization gift funds before my departure in September, 2019 when I joined the NCSA Business Office as a Finance Coordinator.
The Center was very welcoming and one thing I like most about the Business Office is the teamwork. Everyone is willing to help each other.
In my free time I like watching movies and especially spending time with my children, grandchildren, and other family and friends.
- Unit Security Contact (USC)
- New Fund Setup
- Manages P-card Monthly Audit
- TEM Charge Code Reviewer
- Coordinate Monthly Reconciling BA4 to Banner
- Commitments/MOU/Cost Share Budgets
- Department Card Manager (DCM)
- Financial Manager for the following:
- Director's office accounts
- Admin Directorate Accounts
Gail Barkley
Account Tech I
I began working at NCSA in 2014 as an Accounting Clerk in the Business Office, and became an Account Tech I in 2019. I reconcile PCard transactions & invoices, process payments, pull monthly statements, manage our electronic files, monitor the Business Office's email & snail mail, and reconcile our Staff Development & Travel Planning processes.
I enjoy baking, listening to a variety of music, cross stitch & taking care of my two cats.
- Credit Card Processing
- Processes All Money Received
- Codes iBuy Requisitions
- P-card Account Coder and Reconciler
- Record Retention
- Submits Banner Requisitions
- Processes Sub Award Invoices
Sarah Chronister
Purchasing Specialist
I started at the University in September of 2014 as a Contract Coordinator in Procurement Office. In my time there I became an expert in reviewing contract language, negotiating terms with vendors, and interacting with internal customers throughout the University. My specialties included entertainment agreements, furniture, ethyl alcohol, study abroad agreements, and scientific equipment. I have been involved in purchases ranging from cadavers to MRI systems for horses. I assisted departments with bids, RFPs, and Sole Sources. In September of 2019, I left Purchasing as a Sr. Contract Coordinator to come to NCSA for a new challenge as the Purchasing Specialist.
I have enjoyed working to revamp the purchasing process at NCSA and getting to know everyone here.
Outside of work I enjoy gardening, cooking, baking, and doing various projects around the house.
- Central Procurement Contact
- Coordinates TEM Processing
- Tracking Maintenance and Warranties
- Training on New Processes
- Serves as Backup to Financial Coordinator
- Unit Security Contact Backup
Account Tech II
Before coming to the University of Illinois I worked for a local fertilizer business for over 16 years. I came to the University in September 2010 as extra help in the History Department. I was upgraded there to an Account Tech 1 and then transferred to Crop Science to get more experience since the History Department was pretty small. I learned a lot in Crop Science, I was responsible for inventory, reconciling p-cards along with other duties, bank deposits, keys for the buildings, along with other duties. I left there in 2014 to upgrade as an Account Tech 2 in the Illini Union Accounting Department. There I processed Purchase Orders, mirrored all charges from banner in our software, processed deposits, processed invoices for payments and worked with purchasing and payables to ensure payments were processed in a timely manner.
I joined the NCSA team in November of 2019. Everyone is very friendly and eager to help.
Outside of work I spend my time with my dogs, horses, family and friends.
- Overseeing and Assist in Reconciling by Transaction Monthly Statements
- Review & Approve TEM Transactions
- Assist with Procurement
- Serves as Backup to Account Tech I
Molly Yang
Undergraduate Student 4th yr.
I began working at the Business Office in January 2019 as a student worker. I file and organize the electronic documents and help with anything I could. I have enjoyed working and meeting all the amazing people here!
I am a chemistry major and computer science minor at the University. I was born in Taiwan and moved to the States in 2014. In my free time, I like listening to music, cooking, and spending time with friends.
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Elle Couch
Undergraduate Student 1st yr.
"I am a freshman studying as an Astronomy major here at UIUC.
I have many hobbies which consist of reading, writing, working out, listening to music and being social.
I come from a very big Polish and Indigenous family, so I have lots of kin and stories!
I also really enjoy working and keeping busy.
Thanks for reading about me! I can't wait to get to know more about you!"
Yeji Lim Student | I began working at NCSA in August of 2021 as a student worker. At NCSA, I mostly disseminate and reconcile monthly statements. From the start, I really liked how the whole team was very welcoming and the communication amongst the team members was really easy. In my free time I like to bake, draw, or watch tv shows. I have subscriptions to all Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max! When I want to go outside, I like to take a walk around the neighborhood while listening to music or podcasts. My current favorite podcast to listen to are Crime Junkies and Dark History. |
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Cohen Jancola Extra Help |
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