Alumni Association Board Members

Kimberly Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Governors State University, is a proud alumna dedicated to strengthening alumni connections. A 2017 GovState graduate (B.A. in Psychology), she spent six years in the Center for Performing Arts before transitioning to alumni relations in 2022. She leads outreach, events, and career programs to engage alumni and foster lifelong connections. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication, Kimberly remains committed to building a strong alumni network.

Cristy Gallegos is the Area Director of Business Development at Advocate Health, overseeing growth initiatives at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Advocate South Suburban Hospital, and Advocate Trinity Hospital. She focuses on physician recruitment, program development, and service-line outreach to enhance engagement and improve community health outcomes. A two-time GovState graduate (BHA ‘15, MHA ‘18), Cristy co-chairs the GovState Alumni Association Board and previously served as an adjunct professor. Since 2020, she has also represented Advocate Health on the Moraine Valley Community College Foundation Board.

Dr. Toya Garnes has graciously served as the Governors State University Alumni Association’s Co-Chair for 1.5 years. Dr. Garnes earned her Master of Health Science in 2008 and then her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University. Before attending Governors State University, she received her Bachelor of Science from Olivet Nazarene University. Dr. Garnes is a proud member of the International Chiropractors Association, Rotary Club, Illinois Chiropractic Society, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. James A. Munz brings over 40 years of healthcare experience to his classroom instruction. He has held executive leadership roles in physician relations, recruitment, and business development at Advocate Health, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Ingalls Memorial Hospital. Most recently, he served as a Senior University Lecturer in Governors State University’s Health Administration Program, ensuring curriculum alignment with CAHME accreditation standards. Currently, Dr. Munz is an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago, Aurora University, and Moraine Valley Community College, teaching health administration and clinical programs. He holds a Bachelor of Allied Health Science and a Master of Health Administration from Governors State University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Administration from Northcentral University.

Peter Brassea ’22 earned his Master of Social Work from Governors State University in May 2022, specializing in Practice with Children and Families. As the graduate student speaker at GovState’s Spring 2022 Commencement, he shared his inspiring journey from earning his GED at 17 to becoming a first-generation college graduate.

After graduation, Peter worked as a Program Therapist at Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital, providing patient assessments, consultations, and treatment planning. In December 2023, he obtained his Licensed Social Worker (LSW) certification, and he now serves as a Clinical Case Manager in the Behavioral Health Unit at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL, where he continues his commitment to patient care and mental health advocacy.

Lester (Van) Moody is a dedicated advocate for student success, committed to helping students navigate and excel in their college careers. A Governors State University alumnus, he earned a BBA in Finance and later obtained a Master’s in Educational Leadership-Higher Education Administration from Chicago State University.

As a Retention Coach for General Studies students, Van provides guidance and support to promote academic success. A former student trustee, he remains passionate about mentorship, leadership, and higher education advancement.

With 28 years of experience in the U.S. Marine Corps, supply chain leadership, and entrepreneurship, Marc Brajkovich now serves as Assistant Terminal Manager at Estes Express Lines. Committed to leveraging an MBA and leadership skills, Marc actively supports GovState’s leadership, student-athletes, staff, alumni, and community. Outside of work, the greatest achievement is raising two children, Bradley and Brooke, with a spouse of 26 years, Kristin Brajkovich.

Interested in Joining the Board?

We’re looking for passionate alumni who want to give back, stay connected, and help shape the future of our alumni community. If you're interested in serving on the Alumni Association Board, please contact Kimberly Gonzalez at cgonzalez6@govst.edu to learn more about the process and upcoming opportunities.

Eligibility:

• • Must be a graduate of the institution
• • Prior involvement with the university or Alumni Relations
• • Passion for supporting the university’s mission
• • Professional experience (preferred)

Commitments:

• • Attend regular board meetings (quarterly)
• • Serve on at least one committee
• • Support fundraising efforts (personal donation included)
• • Represent the alumni association at university events
• • Contribute to strategic planning and goal-setting
• • Volunteer time, skills, or mentorship

Term Structure:

• • 4-year term (with possible renewal)

Jocelyn Bell is the Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator at Governors State University. Passionate about engagement and storytelling, she connects alumni through newsletters, social media, and events. Currently pursuing her MBA at GovState, she is committed to strengthening alumni relationships and keeping the Jaguar community engaged.

Gillian is a marketing enthusiast passionate about design, mentorship, and community engagement. Her goal is to inspire and drive meaningful engagement that leads to lasting success.

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