Staff Senate Officers
Staff Senate Chair - Courtney Chafin
Courtney Chafin is the current Chair of the Staff Senate and is serving her second term on Staff Senate. Courtney has been an employee of the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA), in the President Sector for 10 years, serving in various roles. Her current role is the Senior Subaward Administrator. With a strong dedication to advocating for staff members and fostering a positive work environment, Courtney brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.
- Past Vice Chair for 3 years
- Past Chair of the Professional Development Committee
- Past Secretary of the Elections Committee
Courtney holds her Master's in Public Administration from Murray State University. She is a lifelong UK Fan and enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. Courtney has two dogs named Missie and Jax, who are her constant companions. Her leadership is instrumental in representing staff interests and driving initiatives that support the professional growth and well-being of all employees.
Staff Senate Vice Chair- Marie Marefat
Marie Marefat has worked at UK for three years, during which she has been actively involved with the Staff Senate. Marie is currently the Assistant to the Dean in the College of Medicine. Marie graduated from the US Air Force Academy and served in the Air Force for just under four years before separating to be the non-deploying parent for her children.
- Program Coordinator
- Past Chair of the President Advisory Committee
After a few years as a stay-at-home mother, Marie completed her MEd and spent a decade as an elementary teacher in a Montessori classroom. Marie is an avid nature lover. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, bird watching, and exploring anything in the great outdoors. Marie has three amazing children, two of whom are in college, and her youngest is now a senior in high school. Marie’s family also includes a “herd” of soot faeries (three black cats).
Parliamentarian - Chris Larmour
Chris Larmour has been a valued University of Kentucky community staff member for nearly nine years. He spent seven years in the College of Communication and Information before transitioning to Information Technology Services (ITS) for the past two years. As a Messaging Systems Engineer, Chris is part of the team that manages all email and Microsoft systems at UK.
Service to the Staff Senate:
- Past and Current Parliamentarian
- Ex officio member of the Technology Committee
Chris holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in philosophy. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys building hobbies such as woodworking and 3D printing. Chris and his wife share their home with three cats.
Secretary - Ginni Haynes
Ginni Haynes is the Training and Development Coordinator for the College of Dentistry, Provost Sector, and is currently serving her third term on the Staff Senate. With 25 years of dedicated service at UK, Ginni has made significant contributions through various roles and committees.
Service to the Staff Senate:
- Past Chair of the University Policy & Processes Committee (2nd year on the committee)
- Past Chair of the Bylaws Committee, 2 years (5 years on the committee)
- Ex officio member of the Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee (2nd year on the committee; also served on the previous ad hoc committee)
- Previously served on the former Staff Issues Committee, University Benefits and Compensation Committee, Employee Engagement Committee, Community Outreach ad hoc Committee, and the Presidential Advisory Committee
Service to the College of Dentistry:
- Served 2 terms on the Accreditation Steering Committee
- Graduate of the first class of the Staff Leadership Program; served as a Mentor for 6 years; Director of the Program for four years
- Member of the Staff Advisory Council for over 20 years, including 12 years as Chair
Service to the University (outside of Staff Senate roles):
- Several years on the Sexual Misconduct Hearing and the Sexual Misconduct Appeals Committees
- Served on the Shared Leave Committee
- Currently in her second term as an Equity Ambassador for UK HealthCare
Ginni's extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the university community make her a valuable asset to the Staff Senate and the College of Dentistry.
Treasurer - Carl Harper
Carl Harper is a Senior Nursery Inspector for the Office of the State Entomologist in the Department of Entomology, part of the Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Raised on a dairy farm in Casey County, Kentucky, Carl always aspired to attend the University of Kentucky. He achieved this goal, earning both his undergraduate and master’s degrees within the College of Agriculture.
Carl began his career as a Nursery Inspector in the Office of the State Entomologist in the fall of 1996, starting on a holiday. His work focuses on preventing the spread of unwanted pests in Kentucky and the United States. "I came for the education and stayed for the job! I really enjoy what I do and have been doing it for twenty-eight years now! Where does time go?"
Service to the Staff Senate:
- Member of the Staff Senate Development Task Force
- Past Vice Chair of Staff Senate
- Past Chair of the By-laws Committee
Service to the University (outside of Staff Senate roles):
- Chair of the CAFÉ Staff Council
In his free time, Carl enjoys woodworking, playing racquetball, traveling with family, and helping on the family farm.
Program Coordinator - Bobbi Jo Allen
Bobbi Jo Allen commenced her career at the University of Kentucky’s College of Dentistry in 1998 and became a member of the Staff Senate in 2019. She has actively participated in numerous committees and workgroups while in the College of Dentistry.
In her role with the Staff Senate, Bobbi Jo has served as Chair of the Public Relations Committee and currently holds the position of Program Coordinator, where she is a passionate advocate for the Staff Senate.
Service to Staff Senate
- Past Chair of the Public Relations Committee
- Program Coordinator of Staff Senate
Service to the University (Outside of Staff Senate roles):
- Women’s Forum Board
- Markey Cancer Center Patient Advisory Group
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Bobbi Jo is a dedicated grandmother to two granddaughters. She enjoys practicing yoga, nurturing her faith, and unwinding at the beach during her leisure time. Her extensive involvement at the university also includes active roles on the Women’s Forum Board and the Markey Cancer Center Patient Advisory Group. Reflecting her deep commitment to the institution, Bobbi Jo often says, “I am UK.”
