Michelle Taylor will replace Brenda Martin as the university’s ethics officer, SIU President Randy Dunn announced via email Monday.

Martin worked in the position for more than three years before ending her employment at SIU. Dunn said her decision was entirely voluntary.

Taylor’s appointment became effective on Dec. 11, according to the university’s Ethics Office webpage.

An ethics officer acts as a liaison between the university and two state government agencies — the Office of Executive Inspector General and the Executive Ethics Commission. The ethics officer is also responsible for assisting employees in interpreting policies and procedures in the Illinois Ethics Act.

The position is mandated under state law. 

Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in accountancy and master’s degree in business administration from SIU in 1999 and 2000, respectively. She had worked at SIU since 2009 as an internal auditor until taking the new position, Dunn said.

Bill Lukitsch can be reached at [email protected] or (618) 536-3325.