The Forest Service Council asked each candidate to provide a one-page biographical statement no later than August 10, 2016 to be shared with the NFFE

Transcription

1 The Forest Service Council asked each candidate to provide a one-page biographical statement no later than August 10, 2016 to be shared with the NFFE Forest Service Council Locals. The statements received are provided on the pages below.

2 RANDY L. ERWIN Candidate: NFFE National President Current Office: NFFE National Secretary-Treasurer Randy Erwin is currently serving as National Secretary-Treasurer of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), a position he has held since October of Randy began his career with the NFFE in He joined NFFE Local 2 and eventually became president of his Local, a position he held for period of over seven years. Randy served three years as the Assistant to the NFFE National President before becoming NFFE s legislative director in For over a decade, he served as a public spokesperson and the chief legislative advocate for NFFE. Randy also served as executive director of NFFE from November of 2014 until October of During his tenure with NFFE, Randy has been a tireless advocate for federal workers on Capitol Hill and with the Administration. He played a key role in halting the rampant outsourcing of federal jobs in the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies, repealing the anti-worker National Security Personnel System at the Department of Defense, and protecting the federal workforce from countless attacks to their pay, benefits, and workplace rights. Randy has been quoted in major national papers such as the Washington Post, New York Times, and Los Angeles Times. Key Experiences as National Secretary/Treasurer: Currently serves as the second highest ranking executive in the union. Responsible for managing finances and ensuring the financial health of the organization. Worked with National Executive Committee to pass a balanced budget in his first year as Secretary/Treasurer. Championed numerous internal reforms to trim NFFE s budget and make the organization run more efficiently. Implemented several reforms to increase transparency and accountability. Key Experiences as Legislative Director and Executive Director: Maintained close working relationships with the members of Congress and their staff, the White House, federal agencies and department, media contacts, and allies in labor and other sectors. Developed, coordinated, and lead issue campaigns that included research, policy development, legislative action, public relations, and grassroots education and mobilization. Drafted testimony on numerous subjects to be delivered at Congressional hearings. Conducted public relations for the union, including the production of press releases, media advisories, talking points, op-ed pieces, letters to the editor, and public speeches. Represented NFFE on the AFL-CIO legislative committee, Federal Workers Alliance (legislative co-chair), United DoD Workers Coalition (legislative co-chair), and AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council. Represented NFFE on labor-management boards such as the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations, Department of Defense Roundtable, Federal Salary Council, Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee, and Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health. Education: Randy earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. In 2007, he earned a master s degree at Georgetown studying public policy. In 2012, he earned an MBA/MA in Government dual-degree from Johns Hopkins University. Activities: Serves on the national executive board of Guide Dogs of America. Serves on executive board of Northern Virginia Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. Serves on executive board of Community Services Agency of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO. Authored blog and founded organization emphasizing the importance of buying Made in USA. Why I Am Running: I am running because I love this union. I love the people I work with, I love the members we represent, and I love waking up every day and fighting for workers that help make our country great. I am also running because I love a challenge. I believe that together NFFE has enormous potential, and I am committed to driving the change that is necessary to achieve that potential. We have a lot of work to do to get there though. We must continually strive for more transparency and accountability. We must innovate and find new and better ways to grow the union. We must improve the services we provide. We must find better ways to harness the enormous talent we have within our ranks. We must do all that and more while fighting off enormous threats like hostile lawmakers and mass retirement. None of this will come easy, but together we are ready to take on that challenge. I would be honored to help make it happen as national president. Contact Info: randyerwin@gmail.com; Phone:

3 Dave Stamey Candidate for NFFE National Secretary Treasurer National Federation of Federal Employees I have been one of NFFE s National Business Representative since September I have been a steward, Chief Steward, Vice President and President of NFFE Local I was also elect to a Council Vice President in the Forest Service Council. I am a 24-year member of NFFE. I was a 22 year federal employee working for the U.S. Forest Service. I left the agency to work for NFFE s members. I have 2 sons and have 1 grandchild. In the 7 years as a National Business Representative I have negotiated 14 collective bargaining agreements at 6 different agencies. Numerous arbitrations and administrative proceedings such as unfair labor practice charges with various Locals and agencies. I have participated in organizing and have filed petition in Air Force, APHIS, Army, Forest Service, and GSA. I have participated in training our membership at the Local and in classes at Winpisinger Center. I have spent time on Capitol Hill briefing members of Congress on issues affecting federal employees. We are not done with more challenges, we all must work hard to defend our gains and seek to win more in the future. I believe I have demonstrated that I am up to that task by working on a diversified representational issues and agencies. I have the experience of being at the bargaining table, the grievance meeting, and the hearing room. I want to continue to provide service and assistance to the Locals with their representational needs. You should feel free to call on me for any assistance with any issue you may have with representation matters. It has been an honor and privilege to serve these last 24 years as a representative of NFFE s diverse members. But we all know there is much more work to be done. I am asking for your support and your vote to continue this important work.

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5 Bob Beckley Candidate for NFFE National Vice-President Bob Beckley works for the US Forest Service Technology and Development Program as a multi-disciplinary project leader and public affairs officer. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1982 with a bachelor s degree in political science and Government relations. Bob began his Forest Service career on the Nez Perce National Forest and has worked in timber management, engineering, recreation, and fire. He served as a smokejumper before transferring to the Missoula Technology and Development Center in Most of Bob s Forest Service-related duties are in the fields of safety, Wilderness, heritage, and engineering. Bob is a licensed blaster and provides technical review and oversight for the Forest Service explosives and blasting program. Bob joined the National Federation of Federal Employees in the early 1990s and quickly rose to become chief steward of Local 60. Now he is the vice president of Local 60 and has served in that role for more than 15 years. As the NFFE Forest Service Council Workers Compensation Specialist, Bob has helped hundreds of BUEs with their Federal OWCP claims. Bob also serves on the NFFE Forest Service Council Safety Committee, Civil Rights Committee, and the Legislative Committee. The NFFE Forest Service Council legislative team has been extremely successful in getting legislation introduced and passed through Congress due in part to Bob s working relationships with the Montana delegation, including Senator Jon Tester of Montana. Senator Tester introduced the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, which passed unanimously through the House and Senate and became law with President Obama s signature in During NFFE s 2016 Legislative week, Bob convinced Senator Tester to introduce new legislation to protect the retirement benefits of Federal firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. Under current OPM regulations, these individuals can and do lose a portion of their retirement when they become injured and disabled in the line of duty. This new legislation is titled The Fair Retirement Act. Bob s family has long standing Union roots going back to the 1920s. Although Bob may be ready to retire from the Forest Service sometime in the next few years, he s not ready to retire from his Union. Bob still has the desire and the dream to continue fighting for what s right and to bring his dedication and experience gained from his work for the NFFE Forest Service Council to the next level NFFE National Vice President.

6 Christian Casteel 302 Berry Drive Wake Village, Texas Statement of Qualifications for Christian Casteels Candidacy For NFFE National Vice-President When I am elected to serve as one of seven NFFE VPs, I will be your strongest advocate for organizing and growing our Locals. The old way of doing business is not working. Flat membership growth at most NFFE Locals is a big problem. I will personally travel to NFFE Locals to work with Local leaders and together we will sign up new members. I know how to do it. NFFE Local officers will also get the financial resources they need to grow our membership and organize. Union Experience: United Steelworkers (USW) : Working at Lone Star Steel in Lone Star, Texas, I served as a Steward, Chief Steward and Trustee. I handled grievances and negotiated pay and benefits and working conditions for this large Local. Teamsters Union, : Working for United Parcel Service in Texarkana, I was an active Teamster and gained valuable insight into their approach to organizing and negotiations. National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) Local 2189, : I signed up with NFFE the day I began working at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas. No one had to convince me to join the Union. Serving as Steward, Conductor Sentinel and now as first Vice-President, I have been an essential member of the Local s leadership team. Organizing has always been my top priority. Due to the large number of members who are term and temporary employees and subject to frequent layoffs, recruitment of new members is done every day at my Local. Organizing is a way of life. In addition, I played a key role in the Machinists Union s successful effort to organize over 1000 mechanics employed by contractors at the Red River Army Depot. I am currently leading Local 2189 s efforts, along with organizers from the Machinists Union, to bring 600 Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) government employees into Local Union Education: In addition to the training I received from the Steel Workers; Union, I have taken eight representational courses at the Winpisinger School.

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8 Mark Davis Biography Candidate for NFFE National Vice-President Mark began his federal career as a Forest Service employee at the Forest Products Lab in Madison, WI in He joined NFFE in 1996 and was appointed as a steward for Local 276 in He subsequently served as Local 276 s Chief Steward and Local President. Mark became active at the national level when George W. Bush rolled out his outsourcing initiative in As a member and later Chair of the NFFE Forest Service Council (FSC) Legislative Committee, he authored Congressional testimony and numerous briefs and led several delegations to Washington, DC to meet with Congressional representatives and staff on this and other issues. This work resulted in a number of national victories for the union. More recently, as a NFFE Vice-President, Mark has focused on putting our union on a firm financial footing with solid business practices. If elected to a 2 nd term, he is committed to increasing transparency and accountability as NFFE moves into its second 100 years. National Offices, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) : Member, NFFE-FSC Legislative Committee : Chair, NFFE-FSC Legislative Committee : Vice-President for Research, NFFE-FSC : Member, NFFE-FSC National Negotiations Team : National President, NFFE-FSC 2012-present: National Vice-President, NFFE Some Accomplishments In 2001, GW Bush rolled out a big push to outsource work performed by Federal employees. Mark led the charge against outsourcing in the Forest Service and ultimately secured legislation to shut it down completely. This success served as a model that was used to extend the outsourcing moratorium to all Federal agencies. Mark led negotiations to expand Family and Medical Leave Act entitlements, available by law only to spouses and their children and parents, to a wide range of family members, including domestic partners. Working with former NFFE Communications Director Cory Bythrow and firefighter John Lauer, Mark played a key role in successfully pressuring the Obama administration to make temporary seasonal wildland firefighters eligible for Federal employees health insurance. He following up by successfully lobbying to have the benefit extended to temporary employees in all Federal agencies. Until recently, temporary and term employees were barred from competing for jobs under merit promotion like other employees, regardless of how long they had served. Mark drafted a bill and shepherded it through Congress to give long-serving temporary and term employees of land management agencies the same shot at career advancement that other Federal employees have. He continues to work to extend it to all agencies. As your representative on the NFFE Executive Council, Mark has worked tirelessly to improve the finances of the organization and provide it with a firm foundation to thrive as a strong advocate for employees moving forward. He looks forward to continuing this work, should you honor him with election to a second term. My priorities for the next 4 years are transparency and accountability. Can I count on you support for this agenda? Please see my Facebook page at Mark

9 Roosevelt Davis Candidate for NFFE National Vice-President Greetings to you all, my brothers and sisters! My name is Roosevelt Davis; I am currently the President of NFFE LL 2102 in Atlanta Georgia. I am running for National Vice-President for FD-1 because I CARE about the future of this organization. I have been with the VA Hospital System for 18 years. My legacy is that my dad was a Union president for upwards of 25 years. I remember the day he came home from Columbus Foundries all bloody for their stance to get the Union started at his job. These things stick with you and are not forgotten. As the old saying goes, if someone does not want you to have it that bad, it must be worth fighting for because IT MATTERS! It is a passion of mine to live out his creed and a creed of my own by helping others. You see I am a pharmacist by trade and later went on to school to get my law degree not knowing that one day I would have to use it to protect the rights and privileges of my fellow co-workers. It has been a joy for the past four years stepping up for them and letting management know that we are here and that WE CARE about my brothers and sisters wellbeing at work and their safety. On the local level, I have been instrumental in taking the lead and successfully filing ULPs, grievances and local negotiations on issues affecting our bargaining unit employees. I have also participated in contract negotiations on the national level for the VA Council. To continue to do what I do, I need your help to get elected to bring a new perspective and a way for doing things at FD-1. I want to look at real issues that affect us with a fresh vigor. We need to be more mobile and a cohesive group and I want to be part of the council that take us there. For example, when I joined NFFE LL 2102 we had about 30 members, then we had an increase to about 80 members. We, meaning my administration, moved our bargaining membership up to 280 as of our last remittance. This all occurred during my tenure as the local president during the past three years during my presidency. Our goal is to reach 300 members before the end of this year. As you can see we are doing things and making waves down here in Atlanta and we want to take what we ve done to Washington to grow a new seed there. People who know me know that I creatively attack a situation diplomatically first before the strong arm approach. We have to always keep in mind why we are here to help not only our members but also our constituents. For me it is my members and the veterans alike. Vote for what matters and there are no limits to what matters. IF IT MATTERS I CARE. Thank you all and I solicit your vote in September at our National Convention. In Solidarity, Roosevelt Davis, RPh, JD NFFE President LL 2102 Ext. 6773

10 Lisa G. Foust, Candidate for NFFE National Vice-President Ms. Lisa G. Foust is an eighteen year member of the National Federation of Federal Employees International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (NFFE- IAMAW) Local 178. For the past ten years, she has been President of NFFE-IAMAW Local 178 prior to that position she was the Recording Secretary for the Local. NFFE- IAMAW Local 178 is recognized as a compliant Local with the Department of Labor, IAMAW, and NFFE National. Under Ms. Foust s robust and diverse leadership based on open dialogues for communication, education of our members, and transparency, NFFE- IAMAW Local 178 has increased membership, visibility, and empowered the members at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Local 178 established an active Labor Management Partnership Forum which was briefed to the Office of Personnel Management in November NFFE Local 178 has also been actively involved in diversity and inclusion at the Command level at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Recently the Local settled the FLSA Overtime Grievance for the bargaining unit employees of the US Army Contracting Command. The Local is currently working on settlements for the employees that we represent in the other four commands. She is currently the Secretary Treasurer for the Maryland-District of Columbia State Council of Machinist and the local delegate for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council AFL- CIO Unions. In March 2016, Ms. Foust received the Trailblazer in the Women's Labor Movement Award from the Baltimore Teacher's Union. Ms. Foust is currently a Program Manager at the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center located at the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. With over 32 years of experience in the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical field, she is actively involved in developing and executing the Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness Executive Workshop for Government Managers and Executives, as well as a variety of tabletop and field exercises. Ms. Foust graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Manufacturing from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University located in Greensboro, North Carolina and is a member of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Ms. Foust is a graduate of the Quality and Reliability Assurance Intern Program and the Women's Executive Leadership Program. For her work in technology transfer, Ms. Foust has received the National Partnership for Reinventing Government and The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer Award. She is very active in several national and local civic organizations. Lisa is an active member of the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland where she serves as on the Female Usher Board Ministry and is and advisor for both the Youth and Children s Usher Board Ministries. She is a chief judge for Howard County Board of Elections for the past ten years and she serves as a chaperone for the Caring for Young Minds, Inc. Historical Black College Tour for the past sixteen years. Ms. Foust is a 27 member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ms. Foust is a member of the North Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Protocol Team; Current Chair of both the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Protocol and Nomination Committees and is the former treasurer of the Epsilon Omega Foundation, Inc.

11 Patricia LaSala, Candidate for NFFE National Vice-President Dear Forest Service Brothers and Sisters, Thank you Melissa for this opportunity to introduce myself to the Forrest Service. For those of you who don t know me, I have been a Nurse at the San Francisco VA for 36 years. Wow! I have been with Local # 1 since 2000 when I was asked to temporarily take over the Union post a raid by AFGE. Then we only represented Nurses and we had about 12 members. Now, we represent 31 Professional groups of employees, from architects to engineers to nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists and the list goes on. As of today there are 627 members. I have been National VP for F.D. # 1 for 12 years. I have served on many committees and completed projects from Organizing, to teaching a module at Winpisinger on How to Grow a Local. I also have been asked by F.D. #1 to assist IAMAW in Organizing and I successfully completed those assignments. One in Oregon and one in Minnesota. I am also the Legislative staff member for the VA Council and go to Lobby Week every year to address both veteran and labor issues for VA employees. Local # 1 has been awarded several prestigious honors for its outstanding work in the field of veteran care and Labor Management Relations. In 2008 we won the Secretary s Award for Labor Management Relations. This is the highest award the Veterans Administration gives to Labor. This covered all Locals from Guam to Puerto Rice. The Local won because we were able to demonstrate that working in concert with management, improved veteran care. That was a great honor for Local #1. Also, in 2015, I was awarded The Margery Gootnick Labor Management Cooperation Award by the Society of Labor Employee Relations. On May 31, 2015 I retired from Federal Service. On June 1 st of 2015 I accepted a WOC appointment, without compensation, and I work at least 20 hours every two weeks. Working for the Labor Work Force in the Federal Government is my passion. I get a tremendous amount of joy helping the American Working man and woman. It is my desire to continue doing that both at Local #1 and F.D. # 1. For that to happen, I ask for your support. I have enclosed an u-tube interview that I was asked to do by F.D #1 last winter. It addresses who I am and why I do what I do. Looking forward to seeing you all next month: Thank you, Patti Patricia R. La Sala RN.MS. National Vice President, NFFE F.D.# 1 Chief Steward, NFFE Local # 1 Trustee, NFFE Local # 1 San Francisco V.A. Medical Center Phone ext Fax Cell

12 Gerard McCarty 2300 FM 3098 Maud, Texas Qualifications for NFFE National Vice-President I am running for NFFE National VP not out of personal ambition but because I believe our Union needs to overhaul our approach to gaining members. My plan will significantly increase our membership and will hold our Union leadership accountable for growth. As a National VP, I will do everything in my power to provide the funding needed by our Locals to grow their membership. My experience in the Union, government and the military qualify me for this position. Union experience: Chief Steward, 2 nd Vice-President of FL 2189 (Red River Army Depot): Oversees and directs representational work performed by 40 Union Stewards at one of NFFE s largest Locals. Regularly conducts Steward training. Personally conducted an arbitration case and Article L trial. Completed five representational classes at Winpisinger School. Chairman, FL 2189 Legislative Committee: Leads ongoing Local 2189 efforts to gain and retain funding for programs vital to the existence of Red River Army Depot. Participates in Lobby Week as well as works year-round to maintain positive relationships with legislators in the four-state area surrounding Red River Army Depot. Work experience: Currently a production specialist, I have also been a work leader, inspector and mechanic at the Depot. 14 years of Federal civilian service. 12 years as a bartender taught me how to deal with people. Military Experience: 26 years in the Army Reserve/Texas National Guard. Still serving with rank of Staff Sergeant. Special insight into issues facing Dept. of Defense Locals.

13 Dear Sisters and Brothers: Elizabeth McDargh Candidate for NFFE National Vice-President I am honored and proud to be running for National Vice President of the NFFE. I have been a FL1450 representative since 2004 serving in various capacities including President of NFFE 1450 for three terms and also as Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Steward and Shop Steward. FL1450 represents HUD employees in California, Nevada & Arizona (7 field offices) and suffered through some extreme union-busting situations which our Local confronted head-on and won, resulting in tremendous success for the local and for HUD. The FLRA has some interesting reading on the worst of the fighting which is how we came to be known as the "Smiley Face Local". From 2004 to 2016 we have weathered many storms and also built lasting relationships. In fact, our Local and HUD were recently recognized with the SFLERP Margery Gootnick Award for Most Improved Labor-Management Relationship. See IAM Article here. For more coverage of NFFE 1450 go to and link to our "news" section. I was first elected to the NFFE National Executive Council as National Vice President at the 2012 Convention and have served on several committees at the request of National President Bill Dougan. I have been actively involved in hundreds of mid-term bargaining sessions and two new contract negotiations which have resulted in very progressive collective bargaining agreements providing our members with such benefits as: three (3) days of telework, phased retirement and incorporated our labor-management forum into the contract and now we have more control of our official time and increased union training time. We even negotiated 100% sit-stand desks for our staff in the HUD Los Angeles office recently (at the FSIP stage), the first HUD office to do so. I have more than two thousands hours of negotiation experience and have participated in dozens of FMCS mediation sessions, represented members in EEO cases, MSPB actions, and grievances. Our local has a 90%+ Arbitration win or settlement rate and one of the highest union membership rates within NFFE. Our Local has been recognized nationally for our organizing efforts which have led to tremendous membership growth recognized by NFFE National with several organizing awards. Our cutting edge communications ( blasts, website and social media) & persuasive articles have also been recognized with three IAM Newsletter awards. Our yearly "Rate Your Boss" surveys were a HUGE success. During the most difficult times such as the 2013 government shutdown, NFFE's Communication team put me (and other NFFE leaders) in front of cameras and radio audiences to tell the story about how we wanted to go back to work. I am honored to have been on the front lines telling our stories (go to YouTube channel NFFE1450 for coverage). In 2014 I confronted my own HUD leadership in an article for GovExec when I felt that our HUD Secretary was painting a flawed picture of the state of our Agency. I will stand up for all of the NFFE bargaining units and fight for what our Federal employees need to do a great job. While I am humbled to be recognized for my communications and organizational skills, I know that all of it stems from having a strong team and support network. I simply asked "how can I help?" and then listen and did something, and in return asked to those I helped to do the same for others. The best stewards are folks who have been in your shoes. Our Local is one of the most visible perhaps because we embody the true democratic spirit and utilize systems that our NFFE founders put in place for us. Things may be a little more hi-tech today but whether we need to get accurate remittance reports from each one of our Agencies or to make sure that dues from NFFE National to our Treasury occur on time, we follow the rules and bylaws and get things done right. And as I promised at the 2012 Convention I have answered every call that has come to me as NVP. Whether the call was about membership building, negotiation tactics or contract language, I have answered the call and helped our NFFE locals and their leaders get smarter, more strategic and empowered. I want to keep doing this work because I love helping folks fight smart and that is why I am asking for your vote! In Solidarity, Liz McDargh More information at

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