Melissa Ercolano – Director
Melissa Ercolano is the Director of the Office of Employment Equity (OEE) and the Title IX Coordinator for employees. As Director of OEE, Melissa oversees investigations under OEE policies (including Title IX, Title VII, and ADA), accommodations for faculty and staff, and Equal Employment Opportunity compliance (including the University’s affirmative action plans). In her role as Title IX Coordinator, Melissa oversees the University’s response to reports of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct involving employees and serves as a resource to the University community on Title IX-related issues. Prior to joining Rutgers University, she worked as an assistant prosecutor for eight years, which included investigating and prosecuting sex crimes cases. Melissa received her B.A. in Communications from Boston University and her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law.
Caitlyn Kelly - Associate Director
Caitlyn Kelly is the Associate Director for Investigations within the Office of Employment Equity. In her role as Associate Director, Caitlyn oversees investigations under OEE Policies, manages compliance with the University’s harassment training, and provides training about OEE policies to departments. Prior to joining Rutgers University, she worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for five years. Caitlyn received her B.A. in Sociology from Furman University and her J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law.
Laurel Peltzman - Associate Director for Accommodations
Laurel Peltzman is the Associate Director for Accommodations within Rutgers University’s Office of Employment Equity. Laurel joined Rutgers University Human Resources in 2020 and is responsible for providing overall management of Rutgers University staff and faculty accommodations. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law- Camden. After her graduation from law school, Laurel became a successful Labor and Employment attorney and practiced law (labor and employment litigation) for 12 years.
Vincent Leo - Investigation & Resolution Specialist
Vincent (“Vinny”) Leo is an Investigator & Resolution Specialist in the Office of Employment Equity at Rutgers University. Vinny is responsible for investigating reports of discrimination and harassment, workplace violence, and reports under the conscientious employee protection act which involve Rutgers faculty and staff. Vinny also investigates potential policy violations under the Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures involving a student and faculty or staff and helps the student access supportive measures and accommodations related to any potential policy violation. Prior to joining the Office of Employment Equity in April 2022, Vinny worked as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Vinny received his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and his B.S. in Marketing from the University of Scranton.
Lilianne Timmes - Investigation & Resolution Specialist
Lilianne joined the Office of Employment Equity in 2022. She is responsible for investigating reports of discrimination and harassment, workplace violence, and reports under the conscientious employee protection act which involve Rutgers faculty and staff. Lilianne also investigates potential policy violations under the Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures involving a student and faculty or staff and helps the student access supportive measures and accommodations related to any potential policy violation. Prior to coming to the University, she spent ten years as a Deputy Attorney General for the Division of Criminal Justice within the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, prosecuting cyber crimes and sexual assault crimes across the state. She received her B.A. in English and communication studies from The College of New Jersey and her J.D. from Seton Hall University.
Sara Olszak - Investigation & Resolution Specialist
Sara is an Investigation Specialist in the Office of Employment Equity. She is responsible for investigating reports of discrimination and harassment, workplace violence, and reports under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) involving Rutgers faculty and staff. Sara also investigates potential policy violations under the Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures involving a student and faculty or staff and helps the student access supportive measures and accommodations related to any potential policy violation. While in private practice, Sara conducted investigations into allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of individuals with diminished capacity, and investigated guardianship complaints on behalf of wards. Prior to joining OEE, Sara was a Staff Attorney at South Jersey Legal Services where she provided legal services to low-income clients. Sara received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and her B.A. from the University of Richmond.
Elizabeth Weber - Disabilities Specialist
Elizabeth Weber is a Disabilities Specialist with the Office of Employment Equity at Rutgers. She handles requests for accommodations for Rutgers staff and faculty. Prior to her time at Rutgers, she was a trial attorney for 12 years with Sweeney and Sheehan, P.C. where she practiced civil defense law. She also served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Jean B. McMaster in Gloucester County, New Jersey. She received her B.S. in Business from The College of New Jersey and her J.D. from Rutgers University-Camden and is currently barred in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Lenore Schuller - Disabilities Specialist
Lenore is a Disabilities Specialist with the Office of Employment Equity. She handles requests for accommodations for Rutgers staff and faculty. She has over twenty years of Human Resources experience in Higher Education, as well as local government and corporate Human Resources. Lenore holds a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.S. in Human Resource Management, and a Certified Leave Management Specialist from the Disability Management Employer Coalition.
Joseph Dasilva - Intake, Support, and Training Specialist
Prior to joining OEE, Joey worked in Washington DC assisting people with HIV and those who are vulnerable to HIV acquisition and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to improve their mental and sexual health through education, advocacy, and treatment. He also provided referrals and navigation support for medical and non-medical resources, treatment adherence counseling, crisis intervention, and individual psychotherapy.
Joey earned his master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work and Public Health from Howard University in Washington DC and B.S in Child and Adolescent Behavior Management from Lasell College.
Matthew Meneely - Information Specialist
Matt is responsible for streamlining process, data management, and reporting objectives. Prior to joining Rutgers University, he worked in areas of civil rights compliance at both Columbia University as well as Virginia Commonwealth University. Matt received his B.A. from SUNY New Paltz and his M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Vickie Roberson - EEO Specialist
Vickie Roberson joined Rutgers as the Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Specialist for the University in 2017. In her role at Rutgers, she partners with Counsel and oversees the technical development of the University’s Affirmative Action Plans, audit preparation, and monitors changes in the Department of Labor - OFCCP regulations. She serves as a vital resource to the HR Community and University stakeholders. Prior to joining Rutgers, Vickie worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years where she was responsible for all EEO and Affirmative Action compliance at 16 site locations within the US and Puerto Rico. Vickie prepared Affirmative Action Plans, and she managed and prepared site locations for Department of Labor – OFCCP audits. Vickie also has a general Human Resources background gained in her employment in both the private and public sector. Her purview ranges from Recruitment, Training, Onboarding to Disability Claim Management. Vickie is a graduate of Seton Hall University and she obtained her EEO Professional Certificate from the Equal Employment Advisory Council, Washington, DC.