From left to right, CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan, Empire State University Local President Deborah Staulters and Executive Vice President Ron Briggs pose after Staulters received the Danny Donohue Leadership Award for State Government.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — SUNY Empire State University Local President Deborah Staulters describes the moment she learned she had received our union’s Danny Donohue Leadership Award for State Government as “shocking” and “surprising.”
“I’m not a spotlight person,” said Staulters. “I like to get things solved and I like to help members.”
Staulters accepted the award at our union’s Annual Delegates Meeting in October.
In announcing Staulters as the recipient, CSEA President Mary Sullivan recognized Staulters’ “tireless advocacy.”
Given the number of union and volunteer roles Staulter is involved in, “tireless” is an apt description.
Staulters’ roles have included chairing the SUNY Statewide Labor Management Committee and the Statewide Appeals Committee. Her service also includes chairing the Capital Region Women’s Committee and serving on our union’s Standing Women’s Committee. She has also participated in the region’s Education and Program committees, as well as our union’s Board of Directors.
In her personal life, Staulters also devotes time to her local Elks lodge and other volunteer efforts, including staying connected to sports teams that her now adult children participated in during high school.
Staulters said she is happiest staying busy, noting that she is proud of the accomplishments she has been part of in recent years, including her work on the CSEA/SUNY Statewide Labor-Management Committee, where positive results have had an impact across the state.
“I can’t sit still,” said Staulters.
Staulters noted that she also gets satisfaction in sharing her knowledge with other union activists.
“I am very proud to assist other SUNY activists build union power and also to build a more cohesive relationship with SUNY,” said Staulters.
— Therese Assalian
