Sisters and Brothers, it is my honor to be writing to you as the 24th President of our great union.
First, I would like to take this opportunity to wish my brother Danny Donohue a happy, healthy and long retirement. I’m sure he will enjoy this opportunity to spend more time with his family and friends. Thank you, Danny, for your leadership and your service to our members.
Under my leadership, we will enter a brand-new day for CSEA. I will try very hard as your president to continue Danny Donohue’s dedication to the members, while at the same time doing things differently. I know that many of our members are seeking positive changes moving forward, and I intend to meet those expectations.
Those of you who know me know that I’m not shy in speaking my mind, and where I see changes needed, I intend to work alongside our leadership, staff, and all of you to make them happen.
Moving us forward, I plan on enhancing many areas of our union’s operations, including: more open communications; being more inclusive; and welcoming new ideas and suggestions from anyone who has them to offer.
I also plan on continuing our very important member outreach. We have led the way across our nation in making sure our members understand the reasons why they have a union in the first place, the values we share, and what’s at stake if unions and workers lose power. I have participated in our “blitzes” to engage with our members, and I will continue to make sure we are not only talking with our members but listening to them as well. It’s how we will keep making sure we are meeting their needs into the future.
Those who know me also know that one of my passions is advancing our leaders and giving them the tools to be the best representatives they can be for our members, making as many resources as we have available to them. That’s why I helped to create our Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) program, and I will continue to support that program and look for additional opportunities to support our union leadership at every level.
I also believe very strongly that as union leaders and union members, we need to hold each other accountable. As union members, we must demand that our leaders do everything they can to be the best representatives of our needs. As union leaders, we must encourage our members to participate to whatever extent they can, and make sure that they are informed and educated about what’s going on in our union. Mutual accountability is the key to our future success.
In the next few months, I will be going around the state to meet with our members and our leaders, and I hope that you will take the opportunity to reach out to me and let me know what you think I can do as your president to improve our great union. I’m looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you and I look forward to your support, as together we build a better union.
