The College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board was established as a small, informal group of “friends of the college” in 2009 to enhance the connection between the college, alumni and greater community. The CAS Advisory Board serve as a “sounding board” for present and proposed programs, activities and issues relating to the College of Arts and Sciences, identifies opportunities for Arts and Sciences students and alumni to enrich their education, career, and cultural opportunities through internships, mentorships, social activities and other beneficial experiences, assists in the development and maintenance of external support and participates in the ongoing strategic planning process for the college.
Christopher L. Torres, Co-Chair
Christopher Torres brings 18+ years of nonprofit and government-funded human services leadership across Cook and Lake Counties. He began his career as a Site Director for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), then spent over a decade with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, advancing from Regional Director to Mission Director and, most recently, Director of Community & Government Relations — building institutional relationships across more than 50 municipalities and leading multi-site program operations, community outreach, and government relations. He most recently served as Managing Director, Youth & Residential Services at Heartland Human Care Services, where he led stakeholder communications through a major program transition affecting hundreds of staff and the youth in their care.
Christopher is a servant leader who works with community partners, advisory boards, and government stakeholders to serve those in need. He holds a B.A. in Management from National Louis University and a Master of Public Administration from Governors State University.
Christopher has served as Co-Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board since 2022, and also chairs the Operations Committee of the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary Advisory Board of Trustees.
Tiffany White
Tiffany White is a dedicated STEM educator and industry professional with a profound commitment to fostering leadership and critical thinking in the next generation. An alumna of Governors State University, she earned her Master of Science in Mathematics in 2022.
With over two decades of diverse experience, Tiffany currently serves as the IB Career Program Coordinator at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where she also teaches Engineering and Mathematics. Her academic reach extends to higher education as Adjunct Faculty in Building Construction Management for Ivy Tech Community College’s Ivy Online program and as a long-standing Mathematics Instructor at Prairie State College.
Tiffany’s professional background is rooted in technical excellence, holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Construction Management. Before transitioning to education, she spent eight years in industry leadership as an Assistant Project Manager at Walsh Construction and is a LEED AP BD+C certified professional.
As a member of the CAS Advisory Board, Tiffany leverages her unique blend of industry experience and pedagogical expertise to support the college’s mission of empowering students to become "change agents" and leaders in their disciplines. Guided by a philosophy of mentorship, she is dedicated to "reaching back" to ensure current students and alumni have access to the same transformative opportunities that helped her succeed.
Gia Orr
Gia Orr is the Director of Community Relations, Resources and Legislative Affairs at the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, a state agency statutorily created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and mental health needs. She also serves as the agency Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA and 504 Officer, Chief Results Officer, Director of Training and Constituent Affairs Liaison. Her interest in rulemaking, the wheels of government, and legislation began with a spirited internship as an HBCU undergraduate student (Tennessee State University) with the State of Tennessee Legislature. Her wide array of interests led to a career path start in state agency program work which then winded into education for over sixteen years. She proudly filled positions from classroom teacher to principal in the Chicagoland area for fifteen years. These work experiences coupled with the completion of two graduate programs, led to a new opportunity to return to work with state government. She also cherishes volunteering as a board member with three Illinois colleges/universities.
Brian Bullock
Brian Bullock pioneered the launch of his design-focused VFX company serving the needs of clients across the United States, spanning multiple industries. Engages in visual effects projects, 2D and 3D animation, and digital content creation for brands that have included US Army, Miller Lite, Rolex, NEC, Motorola, ESPN, Philips, Powerfleet and P&G. Also, he participated as a Head Judge for Shots.net in 2022. (VFX and Editorial categories)
Dr. Gina DiMartino
Gina is an accomplished higher education leader with more than two decades of experience supporting faculty, students, and academic success. She served as Director of Online Operations at National Louis University, a private, nonprofit, four-year institution with main campus located in Chicago, Illinois. For over eight and half years, Gina provided strategic leadership in online education and fostering collaboration with online faculty to promote high-quality, engaging learning experiences for diverse learners.
Gina’s commitment to advancing higher education is reflected in her doctoral dissertation, “Burnout and Work Fatigue in Contingent Faculty during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which examined the rapid transition to remote learning and its impact on faculty well-being and the student learning experience.
Gina recently transitioned into semi-retirement, creating opportunities to pursue new interests while continuing to share her knowledge, experience, and passion for higher education. She remains committed to supporting faculty, enhancing student success, and contributing to the continued growth and innovation of higher education.
Gina earned a Master’s degree in Communication and Human Performance Training from Governors State University and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership from National Louis University.
Robert Mason
Robert Mason is a GSU Alumni with an MFA in Independent Film & Digital Imaging. He also achieved a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from GSU. He enjoys staying connected to the GSU community via Advisory Board, Chicago Southland International Film Festival, and Study Abroad opportunities with the Office of International Studies. As a Filmmaker, he produces music videos, short films, and digital media for local small businesses. Robert is a full-time Electrician at Ford Motor Company, a member of the UAW, and a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps.
Karl Rademacher
Karl Rademacher lives in Cedar Lake, Indiana, with his wife of over 25 years. They have three daughters and two grandsons. Karl has been with the Federal Reserve for nine years, where he is focused on security assurance for high-impact computing environments. He performed in a similar role at the University of Chicago, shepherding production authorization for a big data project at the core of Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. His main hobbies are writing, and car shows / racing. On many weekends, you can find him at the racetrack, either as pit crew or a safety steward. He is an unrepentant geek, playing and running several tabletop role-play games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Robert White
Robert White has over thirty years of technical and operational leadership experience, serving the specialty surfactant industry in both the USA and Europe.
His career has focused on operational excellence and site transformation initiatives through asset optimization, process design, capital investment strategy, and compliance with safety, quality, and environmental commitments. He has extensive experience with labor relations and contract negotiations.
Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (BEng Honors) from The University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, UK.
Robert has served on the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board since 2016.
Jaclin Davis
Jaclin J. Davis is an accomplished, results-driven executive leader with a proven track record of translating strategic vision into high-impact operational execution across the healthcare, business, and community development sectors. As the Executive Director of the Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council (SJJC), she successfully assisted in championing the passage of Illinois House Bill 4044, establishing the county’s first regional juvenile justice council.
Under her executive oversight, SJJC transformed into a leading direct-service non-profit, securing $9.11 million+ in violence prevention funding, reducing regional truancy by 8.67%, and providing critical behavioral health and direct support services to over 89,000 youths and families. As a bold advocate, driven by fearless leadership Jaclin operates on a steadfast commitment to professional accountability, integrity, and transparency as the core pillars of sustainable success, by leveraging an innovative, research-driven approach rooted in accountability and maintaining a restorative mindset. Jaclin holds a dual bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and business administration.
Destiny Rodriguez
Destiny Rodriguez is a higher education professional with nine years of experience supporting student success, engagement, and leadership development. Her passion for student advocacy began through her involvement in student government while attending Olive-Harvey College and has continued throughout her career. She currently serves as a Senior Program Coordinator with One Million Degrees, where she supports community college students and leads initiatives focused on academic achievement, leadership, and professional growth. Destiny is pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Governors State University and remains committed to creating opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential.
Brett Porter
Brett Porter is a graduate student at Governors State University with a background in computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science. After returning to college in 2023, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a 4.0 GPA and is now pursuing a master’s degree. His experience includes research internships with NASA Ames Research Center and the University of Notre Dame, as well as extensive leadership and service within the university and broader community. He is committed to leveraging technology and research to address meaningful challenges and improve lives.
