ALBANY — For the first time in more than 25 years, CSEA has a new President at our helm.
Following the retirement of longtime CSEA President Danny Donohue on Thursday, October 31, 2019, former Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan was sworn-in as president on Friday, November 1 at our union’s Albany Headquarters, to serve out the remainder of Donohue’s seventh elected term, which expires on February 29, 2020.
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan
Sullivan has been a union activist for more than 35 years, starting her career as an employee of the Herkimer County Department of Social Services, and advancing through the union ranks, serving in many roles at the local, regional, and statewide levels.
Sullivan first held statewide office when she was chosen in 1986 by CSEA’s statewide Board of Directors to fill a vacancy as treasurer of the union. Sullivan was elected executive vice president in 1994, serving in that role for the past 25 years.
Making union history with her ascension to president, Sullivan becomes the first CSEA activist from a local government municipality to become the union’s statewide president. All CSEA’s previous presidents began their union careers working in state government. She is also only the second woman to fill the union’s top spot.
“I’m proud to be leading our great union forward as president,” Sullivan said. “Under my leadership, we will build on our many accomplishments, be even more inclusive, and even more engaged with our members.”
