About the Illinois Chapter
The Illinois CUPA-HR brings together HR professionals in higher education to exchange best practices, connect with others in our field, and provide meaningful educational opportunities on topics important and relevant to our field. We are always looking for higher-ed HR professionals in Illinois who want to get involved and help out. If this sounds like you, please contact us.
Learn more about CUPA-HR's mission, values, and priorities here.
2026-27 Illinois Chapter Board
2026-2027
Kathleen Hermacinski
President
Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator
Illinois Wesleyan University
Sonya Holley
Past President
Executive Director of HR
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Rafael Edgardo Cañas
President Elect
DEI Recruitment & Special Programs Coordinator
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Kathleen McAndrew
Treasurer
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Parkland College
Cheri Canfield
Secretary
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
University of Illinois, Chicago
Dr. Sandra Alvarado Marak
Member at Large
Associate Vice President of HR
Governors State University
Whitney Kuhlin
Member at Large/Social Media and Website
Adjunct Instructor
McHenry County College
Marshall Petty
Member at Large
Assistant Director, Human Resources
Richland Community College
Yolonda Wilder
Director of Human Resources
Illinois College