Erika Chesley is the president of USC Staff Assembly, serving the 2019-2020 term. The president serves as the Chief Executive Officer, Chair of the Executive Committee and is empowered to act as the official representative of USCSA. Chesley previously served as Chair of the Communications Committee (2018-2019), during which time she represented USCSA on the Employee Communications Advisory Council and the President’s Culture Commission. During her term as Communications Chair, a new website and social media presence emerged. They exist today to build organizational awareness as well as amplify USCSA’s advocacy efforts and programs to USC Staff.
Chesley returned to her alma mater in 2009 to lead the Catering and Special Events Department with USC Hospitality and has held positions of increasing responsibility with USC Auxiliary Services since then. She now serves as the Associate Director of Communications and Engagement representing all of the business units in Auxiliary Services which include USC Hospitality, Housing, Bookstores, Transportation, USC Hotel and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Before returning to USC, she enjoyed a 21-year career with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Chesley holds a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.
USC Staff Assembly is positioning itself for change in 2019-2020. In addition to supporting the university’s initiatives and mission, USCSA will seek to galvanize its position as a governing body within the university with an ambitious reorganization plan. Doing so will allow USCSA to be more effective in advocating for staff experience and ensuring that staff impact is evaluated and considered throughout all levels of the university. Since taking office in July 2019, Chesley has created three ad hoc committees for added support and focus. Together with the existing eight standing committees, their collective strategic goals will support all change efforts and USCSA priorities.
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