The Executive Board
The Executive Officers implement and advocate the interests of graduate and professional students to the university administration and handle the day-to-day operations of GPSG. The Executive Branch functions by coordinating numerous events, working alongside student leaders, and leading efforts to improve the graduate and professional student experience.
Board Members
President
Senior Vice President
Chief of Staff
VP for Advocacy and Government Affairs
VP for Communications
VP for Diversity and Inclusion
VP for Finance
Katie Heath
President
Katie is a 6th-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering. She grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas and received her BS in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Her research involves using medical imaging to improve radiation therapy for cancer patients. She currently works as a Graduate Research Assistant with the UNC School of Medicine. Outside of her research, Katie loves crafting, nail art, trying new foods, and playing dungeons and dragons.
The President shall be empowered to call and conduct Senate meetings, to appoint committees, to organize a GPSG Cabinet and designate positions therein, to represent the GPSG at all University functions, to speak on behalf of the graduate and professional students, and to initiate and oversee any projects, business, or programs necessary to fulfill the purposes of this organization, so long as these activities are consistent with the Constitution.
William Boyer
Senior Vice President
In Progress
The Senior Vice President shall serve as the President of the Senate, the legislative body of the GPSG. These duties include running Senate meetings, increasing Senate participation, securing University administration and other external representatives to speak before the Senate, increasing knowledge inside and outside of Senate about the role of GPSG and the Senate, facilitating dissemination of events and information amongst departments, and overseeing the Senate committees.
Bex Nelson
Chief of Staff
Bex is a fourth-year PhD Student in the Mathematics Department, and her research is in the Physical Mathematics Laboratory (PML) on hydrodynamic quantum analogs. Bex grew up in Mebane, North Carolina, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics and Business Analytics from MIT. In her free time, she loves to make pottery, go contra and swing dancing, and read fantasy novels.
The Chief of Staff shall be responsible for selecting, organizing, advising, and supporting the GPSG Cabinet, which shall include members and positions as designated by the President. During the first meeting of the GPSG Senate each academic year, the Chief of Staff shall present a “GPSG Cabinet Charter” outlining the current positions, appointees, and the responsibilities of appointees. This charter shall be approved by the Senate by a majority vote of the members present and voting. The powers of the Chief of Staff shall not be limited to those presented here as the President of the GPSG may encourage him or her to take on additional duties or responsibilities.
Elaine Reiche
VP for Advocacy and Government Affairs
Elaine (she/her) has a BS in Athletic Training and a MS degree in Exercise Science, concentrating in Exercise Physiology and Motor Learning. Elaine is currently a forth-year PhD student in the Human Movement Science Curriculum at the School of Medicine. Her research focuses on studying the psychological and functional consequences of traumatic knee injury. She is actively involved in mentoring students and also serves on department and national association committees. These committees aim to enhance the graduate student experience and share research findings with healthcare professionals, respectively.
During her free time, Elaine enjoys traveling, kayaking, and spending quality time with her wife, Kristin, and their three pets: Nala (cat), Fish (cat), and Jack (dog).
The VP for Advocacy and Governmental Affairs shall be concerned with business outside the realm of the Senate, serving as a liaison between the GPSG, University administration and the community, and be responsible for compiling regular reports on the activities of University Standing Committees, Advisory Committees and Boards and all other duly established committees external to the GPSG, and reporting those activities to the Executive Committee.
Joana Vazquez
VP for Communications
I am currently a second-year pharmacy student at UNC, where I serve as the Vice President for Communications. In this role, my primary objective is to streamline and enhance the efficiency of information sharing across the diverse sectors of GPSG. By optimizing communication channels and strategies, I aim to strengthen our advocacy network for graduate students, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also effectively represented in decision-making processes.
Originally from Miami, FL, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Public Health at the University of South Florida. Beyond my academic pursuits, I maintain an active lifestyle by exploring different forms of exercise. I also find relaxation in watching movies, socializing with friends, and traveling to new destinations. A fun fact about me is that I was born on New Year’s Day, adding a touch of extra celebration on my birthday every year!
The VP for Communications shall be responsible for keeping the minutes of meetings of the Senate, the Executive Board, and the GPSG Cabinet, as well as for maintaining attendance records of GPSG Senators. The VP for Communications shall maintain all records and files of the GPSG, as well as maintain a current copy of the GPSG Constitution, and shall arrange for permanent preservation of these documents. The VP for Communications shall publish a list of all representative units, their Senators, and contact information. The VP for Communications maintains the GPSG Website and Newsletter.
De’Ivyion “Ivy” Drew
VP for Diversity and Inclusion
Hey y’all! My name is De’Ivyion “Ivy” Drew (they/she) and I am a MSLS student at UNC Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science, with a concentration in Special Collections and Rare Books. I work as a Master’s Merit Fellow at UNC and a part-time Library Assistant at Wake County Public Libraries. I am originally from Raleigh, North Carolina and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art Practice with a minor in African and African American Studies. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my cat Osiris, oil and acrylic painting, sewing small projects, sculpting pottery or narrative pieces, jamming to Megan thee Stallion and similar artists, and read adult nonfiction (preferably between Dewey Decimal 158 – 336).
Erica Li
VP for Finance
My name is Erica and I am excited to serve as your VP of Finance. I am a Master’s student in the Health Policy and Management department. I have previously served as the USG and CUSO Controller. In my free time, I like to go fishing and kayaking.
The VP for Finance shall be empowered to oversee the annual budget, to requisition funds, to keep all financial records, to keep a physical properties list consistent with expenditure of GPSG allocated funds and to conduct all other financial affairs pertaining to the GPSG as necessary.
Minutes and Documents
All minutes can be found at the GPSG archives.