Advisory Council
The Advisory Board supports 91茄子视频 Career Services by connecting students with employers and partners who help them grow into leaders of character. Together, they support higher-purpose learning that prepares students for meaningful, real-world careers.
The board includes employers, faculty, and staff who are committed to student success. This page highlights the employers who stay involved with 91茄子视频—through career fairs, events, and ongoing service on the Advisory Board. They share honest insight on what it takes to succeed and help students turn their education into opportunity, reflecting 91茄子视频’s strong network, supportive community, and focus on service. These partnerships open doors and create real opportunities for students.
The Advisory Board builds trust and connection. It shows the value of a 91茄子视频 education—where purpose drives preparation, and potential turns into lasting impact.
Board Members
Jessicalee (Jessi) Marquardt
Talent Acquisition Manager
(Nighthawk Partner)
A first-generation college graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Jessi Marquardt began her career with a focus on public relations, starting at a PR firm in Arizona. Early on, she discovered a strength for fast-paced environments where she could build relationships and connect with people.
She joined Enterprise in April 2004 after recognizing a strong alignment with the company’s culture and values. There, she found a team-oriented environment with driven, motivated colleagues.
In 2010, Jessi transitioned into Talent Acquisition, where she focuses on identifying and developing future leaders. She is passionate about helping candidates build meaningful careers and takes pride in supporting their long-term success.
Dan Bacus
Director of Community & Academic Relations
Dan Bacus serves as the Director of Community and Academic Relations within the Human Resources team at Syfan Logistics. Since joining Syfan in 2014 as HR manager, Dan has also held leadership roles in recruiting and organizational development.
He began his human resources career in community-based healthcare in 1997, specializing in corporate growth initiatives in organizational learning and development, strategic planning, talent acquisition, and quality improvement.
Today, Dan acts as the primary liaison for Syfan’s academic partners, connecting students and faculty with real-world industry experience while coordinating community service opportunities for team members and students alike.
Amber Gaddis
Director of Workforce Development
Amber Gaddis serves as the Director of Workforce Development at the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, where she leads strategic initiatives that connect students, educators, and employers to strengthen the local talent pipeline. She is passionate about helping students explore meaningful career pathways while equipping employers with the talent they need to grow.
With experience in workforce development, talent programming, and organizational leadership, Amber has designed and implemented innovative programs that bridge the gap between education and industry. Her work includes coaching emerging leaders and managing cross-sector partnerships.
Known for her collaborative approach, Amber excels at building relationships that create lasting impact for both individuals and the broader community. She holds a Bachelor of Christian Leadership from Ecclesia College and maintains professional certifications in Salesforce and Workforce Development
Dr. Ethan Farquhar
Portfolio Manager for Energy Resilience and Security
Dr. Ethan Farquhar is an engineer and technology leader with expertise in embedded systems, electronics and machine learning. He began his career in neuromorphic circuit design, developing ultra–low-power systems inspired by how the brain processes information, and later expanded into field-deployable hardware, firmware and software systems.
He has led embedded systems teams at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, working on projects ranging from 3D motion capture for amputee patients to nuclear treaty verification. He has also contributed to machine-learning efforts, including developing a real-time classification tool.
Ethan later served as division director for Advanced Technology and Analysis at Savannah River National Laboratory, where he oversaw programs in cyber resilience, electric grid security, artificial intelligence and modeling and simulation. He now helps lead the lab’s Electric Grid Resilience and Security mission area.
He is also passionate about teaching and has taught electronics at the University of Tennessee and Washington State University Tri-Cities.
Dr. Monique Jenkins SHRM-SCP, PHR, MBA
Senior Manager
Dr. Monique Jenkins, SHRM-SCP, PHR, is a senior human resources leader with 17 years of experience in both public and private sectors. She serves as senior manager of enterprise talent management services for the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, where she leads statewide efforts to improve hiring, development and retention.
She is part of Georgia’s NextGen initiative, helping transition the state to a modern, cloud-based HR system. In this role, she leads recruiting and talent management workstreams to strengthen how the state supports its workforce.
Monique is active in the HR profession at the state and national levels. She is chair-elect of the Georgia Council for Human Resources and will serve as chair in 2027. She also volunteers with the Society for Human Resource Management, including work with the SHRM Foundation and the SHRM Georgia State Conference.
She also serves as a board member and treasurer-secretary for the Georgia Women Veterans Advisory Board and is a member of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta.
An Army veteran, Monique holds a bachelor’s degree from the Mississippi University for Women and an MBA from Mercer University. She lives in Marietta, Georgia.
Dawn Piece
Senior Recruiter
Dawn Pierce is a senior recruiter at Mansfield Energy, where she has spent 13 years building and growing high-performing teams. With 27 years of recruiting experience, she brings a strong understanding of how to connect talent with meaningful career opportunities.
She is especially passionate about working with students and early-career professionals and values the talent coming out of the University of North Georgia. Dawn enjoys helping students transition from college to career by offering practical guidance and insight into what employers look for.
Known for her relationship-driven approach, she works to ensure candidates feel supported and confident throughout the hiring process. Her collaborative style earned her Mansfield Energy’s inaugural Servant Heart Award for Collaboration.
As an advisory board member, Dawn contributes her industry perspective to help shape programs that prepare students for success after graduation. She is committed to bridging the gap between education and the workforce while making the job search process more human.