NAPE members elected delegates to attend the 47th Biennial AFSCME Convention which took place in Chicago, Illinois in August. Our delegates participated in debate and decisions on AFSCME constitutional amendments, 85 resolutions submitted by locals from around the country, and cast our local’s votes to elect a new AFSCME President & Secretary-Treasurer.
Our delegates included NAPE President Melissa Schmid (DHHS, Fremont), Vice President Brandon Brown (Revenue, Lincoln), Dawn Archuleta (Corrections, Lincoln), Ashley Augustin (Veterans’ Affairs, Kearney), Justin Hubly (Executive Director, Lincoln), Erika Robles (Revenue, Lincoln), La’Trisha Turner (DHHS, Lincoln), and alternate Dan DeJong (Water, Energy, & Environment, Lincoln).
Nearly 3,000 delegates from around the country attended the convention, representing votes from more than 1,000,000 AFSCME members. Due to the retirement of AFSCME President Lee Saunders and Secretary-Treasuer Elissa McBride, an election was held to elect new officers to complete the unexpired terms.
The delegates elected Patrick Moran (Maryland) as International President and Nicole Pollard (Washington, DC) International Secretary-Treasurer. Patrick is a lifelong union organizer who shares our commitment to growing for power at the bargaining table. Nicole is an attorney who previously served as Executive Assistant to President Saunders. In other business, delegates adopted 54 resolutions, and amended our constitution. For a full recap of convention business, click here.
NAPE Vice President And Government Affairs Committee Chair Brandon Brown (Revenue, Lincoln) was honored to pump up the delegates and kick off the day 4 business session about the importance of electing pro-worker candidates to office, regardless of their party affiliation. “It was an incredible opportunity to address thousands of delegates on behalf of our NAPE members,” Brandon said. “I was honored to kick off the day for all the members in attendance.” You can watch a recording here.
Dan DeJong (DWEE, Lincoln) got to share fun facts about Nebraska with the delegates, and encouraged delegates to get involved in local elections and vote! “It was awesome to get to share my Nebraska pride with the delegates,” Dan said.
First time delegate Brianne Bushlow wasn’t sure what to expect when she was elected, but found the experience motivating. “There were so many people from all around the country, and we have so much in common,” Brianne said. “I’m so glad I decided to run to be a delegate, and I was honored to represent NAPE in Chicago.”
For Executive Director Justin Hubly, the actions the delegates took in Chicago put us on a great path forward. “I’m proud that we elected Patrick and Nicole as our leaders,” Justin said. “Having worked with them both, they share the vision that we have in our NAPE strategic plan: organizing, growth, and power at the bargaining table for workers.”
The 2028 AFSCME Convention will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana.