The USA Elections Board is pleased to announce the candidates running for Stewards Council, Treasurer, MTA Annual Meeting and NEA Representative Assembly positions. Candidate statements are below for you to review before casting your ballot. If you have interest in joining the Elections Board, email usa@umass.edu.
The balloting period for the University Staff Association Elections begins Monday March 9th at 9am and will end on Monday March 16th at 5pm. Dues-paying USA members will receive an email containing a personal voting link and password from usamta@votingplace.net.
If you are a non-dues paying member or are unsure of your membership status, please learn more about joining USA on our website and contact Membership Coordinator Antonia Lynch. You can also check your latest paystub in HR Direct – USA dues appear as “Amh MTA Dues F/T” in After-Tax Deductions:
To ensure that this email lands in your inbox and not spam, please add usamta@votingplace.net to your contacts!
If you do not see your ballot in your inbox or spam folder on the 9th, please contact the USA Office or the Elections Board chair David Litterer (litterer@umass.edu, 545-4503) for assistance.
Voting Tips:
- While voting, do NOT press ‘Enter’ at any time during the balloting. That will immediately submit your vote, and there’s no way to let you finish your voting. Press ‘tab’ after entering any write-in votes.
- You can click “i” next to any candidate’s name to see their candidate statement.
- WRITE-IN VOTES: You cannot click the check box. Just write in your written vote and press TAB (NOT “Enter”!). The check box will then be automatically clicked for you. Do NOT click in the box labeled “Placeholder”.
- Keep scrolling down until you have voted on the last question. The “submit vote” button will be at the very bottom of the ballot.
Stewards Council (Vote for up to 13)
Sue Davis
My name is Sue Davis; I’ve been working at UHS for three and a half years. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges we face-everything from contract enforcement to workplace safety and fair scheduling-and I believe a strong responsive steward can make a real difference. I’m running for steward because I care deeply about our union and our rights. I’m committed to being accessible: I’ll return calls/emails promptly, keep members informed, and fight for what the contract promises us. If elected, my priorities will be:
- Building better communication between members and leadership
- Ensuring fair application of the contract and workplace rules
- Supporting members through disciplinary issues or disputes
- Advocating for safer, healthier working conditions
I believe in solidarity, transparency, and putting members first. Together, we can make our workplace better and our union stronger. Please vote for me as your steward, thank you for your support and for everything you do every day. In solidarity, Sue Davis
Heather Deirdre
I have worked on the Amherst campus since 1993. I began my UMass Amherst career with three years in Health Services, followed by 29 years at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Throughout my time on campus, I have come to deeply appreciate the vital importance of strong union representation, meaningful support during difficult and painful situations, and opportunities for training and growth. I became involved with the USA/MTA because I believe in paying it forward and protecting workers’ rights. The dedication and hard work of our union members are invaluable to the success of this campus. Over the years, I have participated in many MTA Summer, Winter, and ESP Conferences and served as a delegate to numerous MTA Annual Meetings. I served on the All-UMass Unions Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Bargaining Team and on multiple Contract Bargaining Teams. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote to continue serving as a Steward. I look forward to continuing to represent and advocate for our members.
Adam Feldman
Hello fellow USA members! I am asking for your vote to continue working in my position on the Stewards Council and to serve as a Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly. I have been working as the Bookkeeper for the Chemistry Department for a little over a year and became involved with USA while serving as an SBR during our last round of contract bargaining. Finding the process frustrating, I decided to get involved rather than complain and worked at first with the Organizing Committee for which I now sit a co-chair. I also serve as a Steward for District 10, a position that I hope to keep through this elections process, though I would proudly serve any district in USA. I find helping co-workers in a time of difficulty to understand that we are all in this together and have rights under our collective contract to be both energizing and rewarding. I hope that I can count on your vote to continue to strengthen our Union. I also wish to bring this same energy to the NEA Representative Assembly in July as serving as a delegate for a national conference is something that I have always wanted to do. I ask for your vote so that I can learn better strategies to help us grow even stronger as a Union!
John Folliard
Hi, fellow USA member. My name is John Folliard, and I am asking for your vote for Stewards Council. It has been my privilege to serve our members as a Steward since September, and I appreciate you supporting me to continue building my skills in enforcing our contract and representing our members
Camille Godbout-Chouinard
As Chief Steward, I have continued to grow your Stewards Council and support new stewards. Stewarding work is critical to keeping our contract strong and ensuring you and your colleagues are treated fairly and equitably in your workplaces. Having assertive and confident stewards is necessary as UMass continues to become increasingly hostile to their employees. Please vote for me to continue serving as a steward and representing USA at the MTA Annual Meeting. At last year’s meeting, I supported Casey Krone in putting forward a proposal to start a committee investigating food and housing insecurity for MTA members. I hope to represent the interests of Higher Ed classified staff this year as well! Thank you
Thor Hansen
My name is Thor Hansen and I’m running for election as Steward, MTA Annual Meeting Delegate, and Treasurer. I’ve been employed at UMass Amherst for 26 years at what is currently called the Facilities Service Center, and active in the union as a Steward and MTA Delegate since 2017. I was also one of the many SBRs who got an up-close look at bargaining last year. I hold accounting degrees from our Commonwealth’s flagship university, but they go mostly unused in my current job. I figure it’s time to dust them off and put those skills to work for the union. Thank you for your consideration.
Jacob Ketchakeu
My candidacy is built on a foundation of empathy and collective strength. From Allison Pugh’s The Last Human Job, I’ve learned the profound value of “connective labor”—the idea that “there is nothing like being in the worst moments of your life and being met with comfort by someone you don’t even know.” This human connection is what sustains us in our profession. However, sustaining each other requires more than just comfort; it requires the kind of courage Malcolm Gladwell describes in David and Goliath. He reminds us that “courage is what you earn when you’ve been through the tough times and you discover they aren’t so tough after all.” I have unfortunately earned that courage through experience, and I am ready to use it on your behalf. We must never forget our collective power. As the character Hopper warns in A Bug’s Life, “You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one. if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life!” When we stand together, we outnumber the challenges we face. And when the status quo tries to count us out—I borrow a line from Norman Osborne, “Out, am I?” I am ready to be your champion. For Stewardship, and as your representative at the MTA and NEA conferences, I ask for your vote.
Andrea Lydick
If I had not self-nominated and been elected to the Stewards Council two years ago, I would have missed finding so much purpose in my role here at UMass. I enjoy my normal job, however the work I do for University Staff Association is more fulfilling and makes every day feel more meaningful. I have learned so much about the rights of workers, our contract, organizing, and the labor movement because I volunteered two years ago and I am so happy to be stepping up again. This time I am running for the Stewards Council and the NEA RA. I have been serving as a Steward for District 13, representing members and defending our contract as needed while also taking on more responsibilities as Co-Chief Steward (in training) with Camille. Hearing about all the member issues on campus can be frustrating and disheartening, but knowing that we as a group – Stewards, Grievance Committee, and all our members – are looking out for one another empowers me every day to keep fighting.
Jason Norman
No statement provided.
James Poro
My name is James and I am seeking your vote to remain on the USA Stewards Council! I’ve been a steward for one term over these past 2 years and hope to continue to serve you in that supportive capacity. I’ve been at UMass as a Farm Superintendent for 12 years, previously earning my A.S., B.S., and M.S. From UMass. I think my experience working with students, faculty, staff, and administration over this period has provided me with a good understanding of when to put out fires and when to light them (figuratively of course!) UMass can be a great place to work, but I’ve learned as I’m sure you have, it’s not always smooth sailing. I have a lot to continue to learn in this role should you choose to vote for me, but I hope to continue to support you as a colleague and fellow USA member. I don’t promise to know or have all the answer, but I do promise to be a strong cog in the USA machine that fights for what we’ve earned and support your just causes.
Dora Ramos
I’m Dora Ramos, Clerk V for Athletics and have been involved with MTA/USA in different facets throughout many years. I have served on the Executive Board and Stewards Council, as General Secretary, Chief Steward, ESP Committee, represented you at the State and National Levels and on the Bargaining Team. I have made my voice heard for our members and welcome the opportunity to be a voice again. We need strong representation to have our voices heard! By standing together we were able to accomplish so many things. We need to make sure the USA is being represented in all levels and with a lot of changes we need to hold this University accountable. In Solidarity
Ian Sedelow
My fellow USA members, My name is Ian Sedelow, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Program Manager in Film Studies for the past four years. Beyond my role, I am deeply committed to our union’s mission. I currently serve as the Grievance Officer on the USA Board and work as a union steward. As a dedicated USA union member and labor activist, I am asking for your vote for Stewards Council, Delegate to MTA, Delegate to NEA. I would be honored to have your support
Brittany Senn
My name is Brittany Senn. I work in University Health Services and have been here for 13 years. After seeing we do not have a union steward in our building, coworkers advised me to run. I am not afraid to speak up for my fellow USA members and to help them with unfair or bizarre management practices that do not align with our union contracts.
Sam Sharp
I have served as a USA steward for several months now, and I would be honored to continue supporting USA members in their workplaces. Please also consider me for MTA delegate!
Tasha Thompson
Hello USA! I have been a part of the Umass Amherst family since 2024, and I have actively been working as the Office Manager for the Civic Engagement and Service-Learning office. Since accepting my position, I have encountered quite an overwhelming amount of office training for proper business processes as well as working diligently with the Umass faculty, students and community in many facets. Overall, my UMass Amherst campus work experiences have led me to witness that not only are there recurring workplace challenges, but challenges present an opportunity for change. If I am selected to be your newest Steward, I look forward to assisting fellow employees resolve current and overlooked conflicts and unfair work practices. I seek to create and implement strategies that will lead to a harmonious and fair working environment for all. Let us make the years 2026 and 2027 the Turning Point to move forward with progress. Therefore, I, Tasha Marie Thompson, announce my candidacy to become your newest USA Steward. Kindly, I am requesting your vote! Thank you for your time and consideration.
Chris Weeks
In my first term as union steward, I began to learn what it takes to help defend our members and our contract, and I look forward to continuing this journey for better working conditions for all UMass staff. Stewards Council is growing stronger every month, and we are hearing more about the workplace issues that affect you and your union siblings. I feel more empowered to help in conjunction with our Grievance Officer Ian Sedelow, by continuing to attend MTA and WMALF trainings, and by connecting with our PSU counterparts. Thank you for your support!
General Board Positions
Treasurer (One-year term)
Thor Hansen
My name is Thor Hansen and I’m running for election as Steward, MTA Annual Meeting Delegate, and Treasurer. I’ve been employed at UMass Amherst for 26 years at what is currently called the Facilities Service Center, and active in the union as a Steward and MTA Delegate since 2017. I was also one of the many SBRs who got an up-close look at bargaining last year. I hold accounting degrees from our Commonwealth’s flagship university, but they go mostly unused in my current job. I figure it’s time to dust them off and put those skills to work for the union. Thank you for your consideration.
Classification Specialist (One-year term)
None. If you are interested, please contact the USA Office!
MTA Annual Meeting Delegates (vote for up to 16)
Kyle Chambers
Hi there, Kyle Chambers here! As your Vice President, I’m asking for your vote to represent USA at the 2026 MTA Annual Meeting of Delegates. A year ago, I asked for your vote alongside a strong, dedicated group of candidates on the Grassroots USA slate. Since then, I hope you’ve seen the work we’ve been doing to protect our contract, empower you and your coworkers within your own workplace, and provide more opportunities to not just get involved, but find your place within your union. If you haven’t seen it, by all means, stop me in the hallway in Whitmore sometime — I’m very proud of the work that all of us have done to become more educated and informed of our rights as public employees. It’s my hope to continue seeing USA transform into an organized, fighting union, with the power to not just resist harmful takebacks from management, but to push for a thriving university with success that we can all share. With bargaining our next collective bargaining agreement just a year away, I want to ensure that MTA continues on the path of democracy and organizing to win — so when the time comes, we are ready to fight alongside our allies across the UMass system and across the state for better working conditions and a living wage. I thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to continuing my work with you to build a stronger union on the foundations of cooperation, transparency, and accountability.
Linda Fish
My name is Linda Fish; I work in the DuBois library and have been a USA activist for 30 years. My experience has included: USA Executive Committee Grievance Officer, USA General Secretary, Labor Relations team member, Steward, and Chair of the Stewards Council; MTA and NEA delegate; graduate of the ESP “Emerging Leaders” Program; attendee at MTA Higher-Ed Conferences and at ESP Conferences and MTA Summer Conferences for trainings on how to better represent members in grievances and bargaining contract techniques; member of the Negotiation/Bargaining Teams, and a member of the UMass Higher-Ed Classified Staff Unions Coalition (HECSUC) working on coalition bargaining. I have also served on hearings for the Chancellor’s Workplace Climate and Bullying Panel. My goal as a delegate to the MTA Annual meeting is to continue to represent the concerns of our members when called upon to vote on the budget and other topics addressed at the annual meeting, especially those relating to higher-ed ESPs, from the opening of the MTA Annual meetings to the final gavel at the close of the MTA Annual. I have the years of experience and knowledge, and ask for your vote to re-elect me as an MTA delegate, and I thank you for your time and consideration.
Hannah Fiske
Hello fellow USA members! My name is Hannah Fiske and I’m asking for your vote to serve as a USA delegate to the MTA Annual Meeting. Since joining the UMass community and USA union two years ago, I’ve added my voice to union rallies, hit the streets for actions, and joined the Communications Committee. On the committee I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with my fellow members who are passionate about prioritizing transparency, clarity, and member engagement. Most recently I was able to support the launch of the new USA website, a website that is user friendly, dynamic, and a platform for members to not only learn about all things USA but to hear from each other and get involved. I was galvanized by the growth of grassroots, member-driven actions within USA, and it’s this energy and these values I hope to bring to the MTA Annual Meeting. If elected as an MTA delegate, I will lift up our voices and ensure we are heard at the state level. I have a fundamental belief that our collective power can move our workplaces, our unions, and our communities toward an equity filled future. I hope to be your advocate on our way there. Thank you for your vote!
John Folliard
Hi, fellow USA member. My name is John Folliard, and I am asking for your vote for Delegate to MTA Annual Meeting. Since first getting involved as a Silent Bargaining Representative during our last round of collective bargaining, my eyes have been opened to the power each of us can have when we come together to advocate for ourselves. When your contract negotiations were threatened with mediation, you rallied and brought management back to the table. Just last week, a major increase to your health insurance costs was averted because you were sending emails and making phone calls to your representatives at the statehouse. Last year was my first year at MTA ESP Weekend. I started both the ESP Leadership program and the Bargaining Certificate last year and will be completing both programs in the coming months. With your support, I will represent you at MTA Annual Meeting and bring back what I learn there to further grow our community.
Sheila Gilmour
Greetings! My name is Sheila Gilmour, and I am asking for your vote as a delegate to MTA Annual Meeting. As President of University Staff Association and a longtime union representative, I believe I have valuable insight and experience to help me represent your interests at this crucial meeting. My attendance at previous Annual Meetings has helped me forge relationships with other leaders from around the state, advocate for our unique needs as higher ed classified staff, and better understand the statewide framework that our union operates in. I look forward to serving you again as I continue this work and I thank you for your consideration.
Camille Godbout-Chouinard
As Chief Steward, I have continued to grow your Stewards Council and support new stewards. Stewarding work is critical to keeping our contract strong and ensuring you and your colleagues are treated fairly and equitably in your workplaces. Having assertive and confident stewards is necessary as UMass continues to become increasingly hostile to their employees. Please vote for me to continue serving as a steward and representing USA at the MTA Annual Meeting. At last year’s meeting, I supported Casey Krone in putting forward a proposal to start a committee investigating food and housing insecurity for MTA members. I hope to represent the interests of Higher Ed classified staff this year as well! Thank you
Thor Hansen
My name is Thor Hansen and I’m running for election as Steward, MTA Annual Meeting Delegate, and Treasurer. I’ve been employed at UMass Amherst for 26 years at what is currently called the Facilities Service Center, and active in the union as a Steward and MTA Delegate since 2017. I was also one of the many SBRs who got an up-close look at bargaining last year. I hold accounting degrees from our Commonwealth’s flagship university, but they go mostly unused in my current job. I figure it’s time to dust them off and put those skills to work for the union. Thank you for your consideration.
Jacob Ketchakeu
My candidacy is built on a foundation of empathy and collective strength. From Allison Pugh’s The Last Human Job, I’ve learned the profound value of “connective labor”—the idea that “there is nothing like being in the worst moments of your life and being met with comfort by someone you don’t even know.” This human connection is what sustains us in our profession. However, sustaining each other requires more than just comfort; it requires the kind of courage Malcolm Gladwell describes in David and Goliath. He reminds us that “courage is what you earn when you’ve been through the tough times and you discover they aren’t so tough after all.” I have unfortunately earned that courage through experience, and I am ready to use it on your behalf. We must never forget our collective power. As the character Hopper warns in A Bug’s Life, “You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one. if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life!” When we stand together, we outnumber the challenges we face. And when the status quo tries to count us out—I borrow a line from Norman Osborne, “Out, am I?” I am ready to be your champion. For Stewardship, and as your representative at the MTA and NEA conferences, I ask for your vote
Casey Krone
I have served as the USA Health and Safety Coordinator since May 2020 and I am incredibly proud of the work I’ve done serving our members since then and hope to continue doing that good work. My life mission is to “connect and protect” and that is really what motivates me to work for our members in the health and safety space. I serve on the USA Sick Leave bank Committee and as the USA Trustee on the MTA/BHE Health and Welfare Trust that provides our dental benefits and vision coupon program. I have been representing USA members’ perspectives on the Okanagan Charter Collective and on the MTA Environmental Health and Safety Committee, where I am currently the only member from higher ed. At MTA Annual Meeting 2025 I proposed a Food & Housing Insecurity Task Force which I have been asked to chair.
Dave Litterer
I have served on the USA Elections Board for 36 years, and served on three constitutional review committees and was USA Listserv Administrator for 15 years. I have represented the USA at 20 MTA Annual Meetings and 14 NEA Representative Assemblies. I would like to attend the MTA meeting again so I can ensure that our views are heard, and to also report back to the USA members about the issues discussed and actions taken at these two important events.
Michelle McBride
My name is Michelle McBride, and I am hoping you will support me in my bid to be a delegate to the MTA Annual Meeting this year. I joined the Union when it was first offered to me many years ago. Since that time, I have been an active member of USA. I have held the following positions as recently as last year, USA Board as the Special Projects Coordinator, and I was also a seated member of the bargaining committee. Recently I have volunteered to be a member of the Judiciary Committee. I attend as many trainings as possible and will continue to learn every day. I am very interested in going to the MTA Annual Meeting to continue learning and absorbing information about the MTA. I find it important to be on top of what is going with the MTA and being a part of the decision-making processes. I will be very honored if you would vote for me to be a delegate to the MTA Annual Meeting. I hope to be representing USA during the MTA Annual meeting. Thank you for your support!!
Deborah Place
Hello USA members! My name is Deborah Place (she/her) and I’m asking for your vote to be one of USA’s delegates to the upcoming MTA Annual Meeting. I’ve worked on campus for almost eight years in the W. E. B. Du Bois Library and over the past several years, I’ve worked together with fellow USA members on inclusive bargaining as a Silent Bargaining Representative Coordinator, organizing actions for living wages and a fair contract, and expanding our communications through social media and a new website. I’m currently on the Executive Board as your Communications Coordinator, a member of the Organizing Committee, and a member of the MTA Advisory Budget Committee that put together this year’s budget to be voted on at MTA Annual Meeting. I also attended the MTA Annual Meeting last year as one of your delegates which was one of the most rewarding experiences in my time as a union activist. If elected again, I promise to represent and advocate for the interests of our membership by voting for a budget that ensures USA has enough funds for increased organizing and training before and during our next round of bargaining, and on new business items that advance democracy and power in the workplace and our union.
Tim Pyne
I get an unreasonable amount of joy from being part of deliberative democratic processes. While my preference is for groups that tend to be smaller, where there’s more room for dialogue and consensus-building, I also value spaces where people with a wider range of perspectives and experiences come together to make decisions. It’s been gratifying to be a delegate to MTA Annual Meeting and NEA Representative Assembly. The primary value I see for USA having delegates to these is in the seeds of collaboration and solidarity that our delegates plant in the conversations and connections between all the governance, but the importance of our local having a voice in the elections of state and national leadership can’t be understated. I loved being one of those delegate voices last year and would be proud to be a delegate again. I welcome conversation and questions from members who want to know more or would like to talk with me about how I decide to vote.
Dora Ramos
I’m Dora Ramos, Clerk V for Athletics and have been involved with MTA/USA in different facets throughout many years. I have served on the Executive Board and Stewards Council, as General Secretary, Chief Steward, ESP Committee, represented you at the State and National Levels and on the Bargaining Team. I have made my voice heard for our members and welcome the opportunity to be a voice again. We need strong representation to have our voices heard! By standing together we were able to accomplish so many things. We need to make sure the USA is being represented in all levels and with a lot of changes we need to hold this University accountable. In Solidarity.
Ian Sedelow
My fellow USA members, My name is Ian Sedelow, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Program Manager in Film Studies for the past four years. Beyond my role, I am deeply committed to our union’s mission. I currently serve as the Grievance Officer on the USA Board and work as a union steward. As a dedicated USA union member and labor activist, I am asking for your vote for Stewards Council, Delegate to MTA, Delegate to NEA. I would be honored to have your support!
Sam Sharp
I have served as a USA steward for several months now, and I would be honored to continue supporting USA members in their workplaces. Please also consider me for MTA delegate!
Chris Weeks
It was a thrill to attend and participate in my first MTA Annual Meeting last year. The meeting was a whirlwind of activity and sometimes hard to follow, but with the help of some Annual Meeting vets, I did not miss a vote and took pride in helping to steer the direction of the MTA. I look forward to the opportunity to return this year!
NEA Representative Assembly Delegates (vote for up to 5)
Sue Davis
My name is Sue Davis; I’ve been working at UHS for three and a half years. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges we face-everything from contract enforcement to workplace safety and fair scheduling-and I believe a strong responsive steward can make a real difference. I’m running for steward because I care deeply about our union and our rights. I’m committed to being accessible: I’ll return calls/emails promptly, keep members informed, and fight for what the contract promises us.
Adam Feldman
Hello fellow USA members! I am asking for your vote to continue working in my position on the Stewards Council and to serve as a Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly. I have been working as the Bookkeeper for the Chemistry Department for a little over a year and became involved with USA while serving as an SBR during our last round of contract bargaining. Finding the process frustrating, I decided to get involved rather than complain and worked at first with the Organizing Committee for which I now sit a co-chair. I also serve as a Steward for District 10, a position that I hope to keep through this elections process, though I would proudly serve any district in USA. I find helping co-workers in a time of difficulty to understand that we are all in this together and have rights under our collective contract to be both energizing and rewarding. I hope that I can count on your vote to continue to strengthen our Union. I also wish to bring this same energy to the NEA Representative Assembly in July as serving as a delegate for a national conference is something that I have always wanted to do. I ask for your vote so that I can learn better strategies to help us grow even stronger as a Union!
Jacob Ketchakeu
My candidacy is built on a foundation of empathy and collective strength. From Allison Pugh’s The Last Human Job, I’ve learned the profound value of “connective labor”—the idea that “there is nothing like being in the worst moments of your life and being met with comfort by someone you don’t even know.” This human connection is what sustains us in our profession. However, sustaining each other requires more than just comfort; it requires the kind of courage Malcolm Gladwell describes in David and Goliath. He reminds us that “courage is what you earn when you’ve been through the tough times and you discover they aren’t so tough after all.” I have unfortunately earned that courage through experience, and I am ready to use it on your behalf. We must never forget our collective power. As the character Hopper warns in A Bug’s Life, “You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one. if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life!” When we stand together, we outnumber the challenges we face. And when the status quo tries to count us out—I borrow a line from Norman Osborne, “Out, am I?” I am ready to be your champion. For Stewardship, and as your representative at the MTA and NEA conferences, I ask for your vote.
Andrea Lydick
If I had not self-nominated and been elected to the Stewards Council two years ago, I would have missed finding so much purpose in my role here at UMass. I enjoy my normal job, however the work I do for University Staff Association is more fulfilling and makes every day feel more meaningful. I have learned so much about the rights of workers, our contract, organizing, and the labor movement because I volunteered two years ago and I am so happy to be stepping up again. This time I am running for the Stewards Council and the NEA RA. I have been serving as a Steward for District 13, representing members and defending our contract as needed while also taking on more responsibilities as Co-Chief Steward (in training) with Camille. Hearing about all the member issues on campus can be frustrating and disheartening, but knowing that we as a group – Stewards, Grievance Committee, and all our members – are looking out for one another empowers me every day to keep fighting.
Tim Pyne
I get an unreasonable amount of joy from being part of deliberative democratic processes. While my preference is for groups that tend to be smaller, where there’s more room for dialogue and consensus-building, I also value spaces where people with a wider range of perspectives and experiences come together to make decisions. It’s been gratifying to be a delegate to MTA Annual Meeting and NEA Representative Assembly. The primary value I see for USA having delegates to these is in the seeds of collaboration and solidarity that our delegates plant in the conversations and connections between all the governance, but the importance of our local having a voice in the elections of state and national leadership can’t be understated. I loved being one of those delegate voices last year and would be proud to be a delegate again. I welcome conversation and questions from members who want to know more or would like to talk with me about how I decide to vote.
Dora Ramos
I’m Dora Ramos, Clerk V for Athletics and have been involved with MTA/USA in different facets throughout many years. I have served on the Executive Board and Stewards Council, as General Secretary, Chief Steward, ESP Committee, represented you at the State and National Levels and on the Bargaining Team. I have made my voice heard for our members and welcome the opportunity to be a voice again. We need strong representation to have our voices heard! By standing together we were able to accomplish so many things. We need to make sure the USA is being represented in all levels and with a lot of changes we need to hold this University accountable. In Solidarity.
Ian Sedelow
My fellow USA members, My name is Ian Sedelow, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Program Manager in Film Studies for the past four years. Beyond my role, I am deeply committed to our union’s mission. I currently serve as the Grievance Officer on the USA Board and work as a union steward. As a dedicated USA union member and labor activist, I am asking for your vote for Stewards Council, Delegate to MTA, Delegate to NEA. I would be honored to have your support!
