Page 13 - Work Force December 2025

Cottrell, Central Region
honored for PEOPLE efforts
NIAGARA FALLS — Ali Cottrell,
president of the SUNY Upstate
Medical Hospital Local in CSEA’s
Central Region, has been honored as
the PEOPLE Recruiter of the Year.
Cottrell
recruited 244 new
PEOPLE members
during the 2024-
25 contest year
and received the
award at CSEA’s
115th Annual
Delegates Meeting
in Niagara Falls.
CSEA’s PEOPLE
(Public Employees
Organized
to Promote
Legislative
Equality) Program
protects and
improves our
jobs, benefits, and
pensions — in Washington, Albany,
and communities across New York.
Member support and participation in
PEOPLE strengthen CSEA’s influence
in the workplace, in the legislature,
and throughout the labor movement.
PEOPLE is our voice
During his acceptance speech,
Cottrell spoke about the growing
threats facing public employees,
referencing federal spending
proposals that
could mean deep
cuts to hospitals,
schools, and
infrastructure.
He also noted the
strain caused by
the prolonged
government
shutdown, warning
that working
people will be hit
the hardest.
“Let’s be real,
the fight is on,”
Cottrell said.
“Federal cuts
are coming for
our hospitals,
our roads, our schools, and our
retirements. And when those cuts hit,
they don’t hit the politicians — they
hit us.”
Cottrell challenged attendees to
sign up immediately and return to
“Let’s be real, the fight
is on. Federal cuts are
coming for our hospitals,
our roads, our schools,
and our retirements. And
when those cuts hit, they
don’t hit the politicians
— they hit us. This is
why we have the CSEA
PEOPLE Program — it’s
our tool, our power, and
our voice.”
SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital Local President Ali Cottrell is honored
as the PEOPLE Recruiter of the Year for having recruited the most new
PEOPLE members. From left, Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf,
CSEA Statewide PEOPLE Committee Chair Karen Bright, SUNY Upstate
Medical Hospital Local President Ali Cottrell and CSEA President Mary E.
Sullivan.
their units and locals to encourage
co-workers to join as well.
“This is why we have the CSEA
PEOPLE Program — it’s our tool, our
power, and our voice,” said Cottrell.
“Every dollar we give builds the
strength to fight back to protect our
jobs, our benefits, and our families.”
He reminded members that
From left, PEOPLE
Coordinator Kim Wallace-
Russo and SUNY Upstate
Medical Hospital Local
President Ali Cottrell meet
up at the ADM.
SUNY Upstate Medical
Hospital Local President
Ali Cottrell speaks at the
ADM.
Central Region 5 is honored with our union’s PEOPLE
Award, which is given to the CSEA region that recruits
the most new PEOPLE members. From left, CSEA
Statewide PEOPLE Committee Chair Karen Bright,
Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf (who
accepted the award on behalf of the region), and CSEA
President Mary E. Sullivan.
participating in PEOPLE is one of the
most powerful steps they can take
after joining CSEA, one of the easiest
ways to become an active union
member.
“One of the most important things
you can do after signing your CSEA
membership card is signing up for
PEOPLE,” Cottrell said. “Ask your
local or unit officers how to get
involved.”
Central Region receives
PEOPLE Cup
Cottrell’s success in recruiting new
PEOPLE members helped the Central
Region secure the PEOPLE Cup and
inspired a new wave of activism
across the state.
“This isn’t about competition —
it’s about commitment,” said CSEA
Central Region President Kenny
Greenleaf. “For Ali and the region
to receive these honors reflects the
dedication of our entire region to the
PEOPLE Program and to the ongoing
fight to protect public workers.
Region 5 members understand that
when we all give a little, we build the
power we need to defend what we’ve
earned.”
14 The Work Force — Nicholas Newcomb
December 2025