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John Ziebka's professional journey is a testament to the power of diverse experiences and strategic leadership. As the newly appointed Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Ziebka brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

In this interview, Ziebka shares what inspired him to take on this new challenge, how his past experiences have shaped his approach, and what he hopes to achieve at SIUE. From his early days in supply chain and logistics operations to his extensive work in labor relations, Ziebka offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals and discusses the future of human resources in higher education.

John, what inspired you to take on the role of Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations at SIUE?  

Coming back to ‘where it all started’ certainly played a significant role in my decision to take on this role at SIUE.  SO much has changed in 20 years! Knowing my experience as a student at this University, I knew that this role was something that I felt was somewhat of a ‘coming home’ opportunity. To be able to take the experiences I’ve learned over the past 20+ years and be able to assist in this new role with those experiences, brought me a lot of comfort in making the decision to return to my alma mater in a working capacity.

Before stepping into your current role, what were some key responsibilities you held as Administrative Manager of Supply Chain & Logistics Operations and Human Resources Business Partner at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital?  

Aside from overseeing all supplies coming and going from CG along with logistical operations, my main responsibilities were engaging and motivating staff, act as the Incident Command Center Logistics Officer, develop standardized SOPs for clear work-related tasks/responsibilities, champion for change management, implementation of best practices/change as dictated by System, budgeting, data analysis to recognize trends that can be improved, and more. 

Can you share more about your experience in Labor and Employee Relations at SSM Health? How did that shape your approach to your new role at SIUE, where there may be some differences in respect to the health industry?

I started with SSM Health as an HR Business partner where 90% of my role was employee relations and employee engagement. Shifting into Operational Leadership helped me understand some of the barriers, ‘big picture,’ and a ‘boots on the ground’ perspective that I feel has conditioned me to seeing employment matters from all sides (as an employee, as a manager and as an HR representative).

What valuable insights did you gain from your work in supply chain and logistics operations, and how do they influence your current approach in Human Resources?

Understanding the ‘big picture.’  Unfortunately, sometimes the ‘big picture’ does not always get communicated from the top down in a way that everyone can understand how change, process improvement, standardization in practices, etc...ultimately impact them. When that happens, staff become less engaged and less willing to roll with the changes for the betterment of the collective group/System. This influences my approach to HR in a way that my goal is to be able to explain change/challenges in the workplace in the most simplistic manner possible so that everyone understands ‘the why’ behind progressive initiatives.

Drawing from your own journey, what advice would you give to business and public administration majors who aspire to build a career in labor relations or human resources?

Experience. Throughout my career that has spanned across the country, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, different personalities, personal growth and sacrifice but most importantly, the lessons that come with experience and growth.  I’ve learned that no job or career will ever be ‘easy,’ however, throughout my personal/professional journey, I’ve learned that the more willing you are to understand other’s point of view as well as agreed upon differences, building strong, trusting and respectful relationships will always be a path to greater success.

How did your experiences in previous roles equip you for potential challenges as well as opportunities in your new position at SIUE?

I would say different experiences along my professional journey.  Working for the Department of Defense for over a decade, I am a very strong believer in standardization of work, excellence in all we do, integrity, having a strong technological infrastructure that allows staff members to focus more on their jobs, etc... . I believe that my prior experiences to this role will assist not only HR but also the University (from an HR perspective) with more sound and clear procedural operations.

What specific initiatives and projects are you most excited to work on in your new role at SIUE?

What a trick question! It’s my second week! 😊   I am most excited about getting to know my new colleagues and our business partners that represent their respective bargaining units, but more importantly growing those relationships. I am also excited to see how I am able to assist in the facilitation of ‘best practices’ and standardization (where appropriate) of processes to better assist our University and the great staff members who keep SIUE up and running!

You’ve mentioned the importance of employee relations in fostering a positive work environment. Could you elaborate on how these relationships impacted your own journey and how you hope to cultivate them at SIUE?

Relationships. Employee Relations isn’t necessarily the most enjoyable part of this role, however, I am a firm believer that if you’re honest, upfront and set clear levels of expectations, most employee relation issues can be resolved at the lowest possible level. From my experience, I’ve encountered countless issues that have ultimately been a misunderstanding or simple human error. I think it’s important to recognize when there is a pattern of employee relation issues versus the human side of our daily responsibilities.

How did your administrative roles in supply chain and logistics prepare you for leadership in labor and employee relations at SIUE?

I believe that my experience from my prior operational leadership role has prepared me for this new position at SIUE for a multitude of reasons. Mainly, understanding that what may be best for my team may not be what’s in the best interest of the ‘bigger picture.’  My previous role also acclimated me to what it’s like to be an actual manager as opposed to an advisor to management; in turn, I feel that having a ‘full circle’ understanding from all sides of employment will not only be beneficial to me and my success, but also to the University, managers and staff that I will be working with.

From your perspective, what are some of the biggest challenges faced by human resources professionals in higher education, and how do you plan to address these challenges during your tenure at SIUE?

Coincidentally, coming from the healthcare field, I see parallels of challenges set before us as a higher educational institution. Being a state entity further complicates some of these challenges. Standardization of work, processes, policies and language are paramount challenges that I hope to be able to assist in implementing.  Being state funded, budgetary concerns will always be a challenge that we as leaders must overcome with the best interests of the University in mind at all times. I see opportunities for technological improvements that lessen/eliminate antiquated or manual working processes leaving more time for staff to focus on continuous quality improvement within their own respective working areas. In turn, this organically creates a better, more successful and efficient culture and working environment that works in the best interests of the University.

Is there anything else you wish to add?

ONCE A COUGAR, ALWAYS A COUGAR!!!!!!  

PHOTO: John Ziebka, SIUE’s Assistant Director of Labor and Employee Relations