Page 12 - Work_Force_March_2018

Wallace-Russo: ‘I am just doing what feels right.’
ALBANY — New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (Albany) Local President Kim Wallace-Russo has done much to build our union, starting with her local.
but working to make our union stronger.
“I was very young and green, but I was motivated to learn what CSEA was all about,” she said. “I loved
it! Being involved in my union and
helping others was such a good fit for me. I felt like I finally found my niche.”
In addition
to her local
A beloved CSEA activist, Wallace-Russo was recently honored with our union’s State Mission Achievement Award.
The award, presented
last fall at the Annual Delegates Meeting, recognizes activists whose efforts in education and engagement help build our union.
Wallace-Russo, along with other local officers
and an extensive network of
AFT
DR
shop stewards
and grievance
representatives, have worked for many years on building their local.
She also previously served
The state Department of Taxation and Finance (Albany) Local, in many ways, is the union “ideal” that includes well-informed members, active
committees and
a solid working
relationship with
management.
But that wasn’t always the case.
“I got started
in my activism
kind of on a whim,” Wallace-Russo said. “It was a tumultuous time for our local. [Local activists] were split and there was a lot of turmoil. I was asked to come on board as the local secretary and I accepted.”
Wallace-Russo set to work not only learning more about her union,
as our Capital Region treasurer. Wallace-Russo is considered a
mentor, a leader and a friend to many of our members.
Like many altruistic leaders, Wallace-Russo was surprised at
being singled out for recognition.
“When I got the call that I was chosen for the award, at first, I was like, ‘really?’” she said. “I was truly so honored
because being chosen meant being among people I truly respect. I
was wowed to think that I made a difference and people noticed! To me, I am just doing what feels right.”
— Therese Assalian
r r
CSEA President Danny Donohue presents the State Mission Achievement Award to state Taxation and Finance (Albany) Local President Kim Wallace-Russo.
Development (LEAD) Program, which develops the leadership skills of CSEA activists.
T
role, Wallace-
In this 2016 file photo, CSEA state Department of Taxation and Finance (Albany) Local President Kim Wallace-Russo, second from right, and local shop stewards pledge to Never Quit our union. From left are Justine Carey, Del Stephens, Wallace-Russo and Felicia McGill.
Russo serves
as a delegate
and is active
on numerous regional and statewide committees. She is also a graduate of our union’s Leadership
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12 The Work Force
March 2018
Being involved in my union and helping others was such a good fit for me. I felt like I finally found my niche.”