Adam Howell: Leading institutional change through Cornell’s Employee Assembly

May 26, 2020

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By Adam Howell

Biological and Environmental Engineering

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Adam Howell, communications specialist for the Cornell Local Roads Program, has served as the chair of Cornell University’s Employee Assembly (EA) since 2017. Here, Howell reflects on his experience in the EA, both as a leader and as a CALS representative. He and the other EA officers will keep their appointments through fall 2020.

What is the Employee Assembly (EA)?

The Employee Assembly is a group of staff volunteers who serve their fellow Cornell employees by representing their interests to university leadership. Our members provide a community-oriented perspective and a diversity of viewpoints that decision-makers at Cornell otherwise wouldn’t have.

Our greatest strength comes from our members drawing on opinions given to us by the constituents we serve. When Cornell employees engage with the EA, we are in a better position to bring about positive change.

How does the EA fit into the shared governance structure at Cornell?

To me, shared governance is a philosophy centered on the idea that the vision and values of Cornell are best guided by an engaged community working together with our leaders. Our staff, in many ways, know the most about what it takes to operate a university at a very fundamental level.

Staff keep the lights on, provide safety and security for students, manage facilities and undertake thousands of other tasks that make the educational and research missions of Cornell possible. Staff are a vital and equal part of the Cornell community, and I feel strongly that our role in shared governance provides a crucial perspective.

Adam Howell, EA chair and CALS representative

"Staff keep the lights on, provide safety and security for students, manage facilities and undertake thousands of other tasks that make the educational and research missions of Cornell possible. Staff are a vital and equal part of the Cornell community, and I feel strongly that our role in shared governance provides a crucial perspective."

Adam Howell wearing a red Cornell shirt.

What compelled you to join the EA as the CALS representative?

Cornell is such a special place, and I have always felt privileged to be able to begin a career here. My job working in the Cornell Local Roads Program has also been an amazing experience since day one! Joining the EA as the CALS representative was a natural way for me to give back. I also have a soft spot for serving in shared governance since I was heavily involved as a student when I was in college.

What is a day in the life of an EA officer look like?

Meetings and planning fill the days. As a member, my primary role is to try to solicit feedback from CALS employees on the issues being discussed by the EA while also representing their interests. As chair, I serve as a spokesperson (or cheerleader) for the EA.

I have a great working relationship with Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Opperman. I also report to the university’s Board of Trustees on EA activities at the end of the term. I run our public meetings and transmit all official Employee Assembly actions to Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack.

What has been the most rewarding experience from your time with the EA?

That is maybe the toughest question yet! The members of the EA themselves have delivered the best experiences because I love people, and they are amazing to work with.

In terms of specific actions, I am very proud to have sponsored resolutions this year calling for a divestment from fossil fuels in the Cornell endowment and creating a new seat on the EA for a Cornell Tech representative. Finally, our recent staff COVID-19 forums have been rewarding because I think they have helped connect employees to university leadership during a very stressful time.

What advice would you give to staff who are considering getting involved in the EA?

Do it! The Employee Assembly has been one of the most positive and enriching experiences I have ever had. You will have so many opportunities to learn and grow as an employee, you will meet people outside of the work silos we all find ourselves in from time-to-time, and you will be a real part of driving change at Cornell.

How can members of the CALS community share their ideas with the EA?

The Employee Assembly works best when we have engagement and interaction with the wider staff community. Our meetings are open to the public, and we love it when non-member guests attend — in-person or online. Our committee meetings are also open to the public, and non-EA members are welcome to join. Overall, I would say that our organization thrives when we hear from employees, so please reach out!

What thoughts would you like to share with our community during this challenging time?

I would like to say that the courage, commitment and spirit of our amazing Cornell staff throughout the current public health crisis has truly been inspiring. There is so much heart in our community, and the actions of employees every day make me proud to be a part of it. We will return stronger from these difficult times, and we will do it together. It has been an honor serving as your EA representative and chair.

Explore EA resources:

A native of Illinois, Howell moved to the area in 2016 with his wife. An avid hiker, camper and nature lover, he enjoys spending time with their two children and their two family dogs.

Header image: Adam Howell speaks with other Cornell leaders on the April 29 COVID-19 staff forum. Photo provided.