CHICAGO — Nearly 150 CSEA delegates joined thousands of union members from across the country in Chicago for AFSCME’s 47th International Convention.
Under the theme “Built for This Moment,” delegates came together to set priorities for our international union, take action on issues affecting working people and build solidarity across the AFSCME family.
The convention also marked AFSCME’s 90th anniversary, celebrating nine decades of fighting for public service workers and working families while looking ahead to the challenges facing the labor movement.
New AFSCME leadership
Delegates elected Patrick Moran as AFSCME International President and Nicole Pollard as International Secretary-Treasurer, succeeding President Lee Saunders and Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride.
CSEA supported Moran and Pollard in their election to lead our international union. Moran most recently served as president of AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and an AFSCME International Vice President, and Pollard served as a special assistant to Saunders.
They will serve the remaining two years of Saunders’ and McBride’s terms, through AFSCME’s 2028 Constitutional Convention.
Delegates also elected CSEA Capital Region President Shana Davis as an AFSCME International Vice President, giving CSEA another strong voice in the leadership of our international union. CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan and Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett also serve as AFSCME International Vice Presidents.
Standing strong
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan introduced a resolution honoring former CSEA President Danny Donohue, who dedicated more than 50 years to CSEA and continued fighting for working families until his passing on Aug. 10, 2025. Delegates voted to adopt the resolution. AFSCME members will carry that legacy forward by continuing to fight with the same grit, boldness and vision Danny demonstrated. CSEA delegates also stood strong on the floor to speak on other resolutions affecting union members.
Saunders and McBride retire
Saunders and McBride were honored at the convention as they concluded their service as AFSCME leaders. Saunders retired after a lifetime dedicated to the labor movement and working people, including years as a strong national voice for public service workers and a steadfast partner to CSEA, AFSCME’s largest affiliate.
McBride was also recognized for her years of dedicated service and leadership on behalf of AFSCME members across the country.
Together, their leadership helped strengthen our union family and ensure that the voices of CSEA members were heard on the national stage.
“Lee and Elissa have dedicated their lives to strengthening our union and standing up for working people,” said Sullivan. “It has been an honor to know Lee, work alongside him and call him a friend. I am grateful to both Lee and Elissa for their leadership, partnership and unwavering commitment to our AFSCME family, and I wish them nothing but the best in this next chapter.”
— Bryan Miller