[ RA Elections ]

Candidates for 2023 NYSUT Leadership Positions

President
Melinda Person

Executive Vice President
Jaime L. Ciffone

2nd Vice President
Ron Gross

Secretary-Treasurer
J. Philippe Abraham

At-Large Directors

1 & 3
Cherylyn Hughes

2 & 44
Michelle Licht

4 & 46
Andrew D. Bogey

5 & 6
Brian Ebertz

7 & 8
Nicole Capsello

9 & 10
Michele E. Bushey

11, 12 & 45
Natalie McKay

13 & 14
Matthew Haynes

15 & 16
Samantha Rosado-Ciriello

17 & 20
Cordelia Anthony

18 & 19
Ronald Verderber

21-22-23
Nancy L. Sanders

24 & 25
Debra T. Penny

26 & 27
Michael Sill

28 & 29
Sean Rotkowitz

30 & 31
Thomas M. Brown

32 & 33
Janella Hinds

34 & 35
Leo Gordon

37-38-39
James Davis

40-41-42
Frederick Kowal

51-52-53
Florence McCue

SRP (5 Positions)
Karen Lee Arthmann
Priscilla Castro
Kim McEvoy
Deborah Paulin
Angie Rivera

Health Care
Anne Goldman

Community Colleges
Andrew D. Sako

Private Sector Higher Education
Stephen Rechner

Higher Education
Pamela Malone
Andrea A. Vázquez

Election District Directors

ED 1
Serena Kotch
Jeff Orlowski

ED 2
Donna Walters

ED 3
Darla R. Schultz-Bubar

ED 4
Jen Austin

ED 5
Adam Urbanski

ED 6
Andrew Jordan

ED 7
John W. Kuryla

ED 8
David A. Chizzonite

ED 9
Jeanette Stapley

ED 10
Laura Franz

ED 11
Joseph Herringshaw

ED 12
Juliet C. Benaquisto

ED 13
Melissa Tierney

ED 14
Sparrow H. Tobin

ED 15
Sean Kennedy

ED 16
Anthony Nicodemo

ED 17
Tomia Smith

ED 18
Frederic Stark

ED 19
Greg Perles

ED 20
John Mansfield

ED 21
Kevin W. Coyne

ED 22
Kevin Toolan

ED 23
Laura Spencer

ED 24
Karen Alford

ED 25
Carl Cambria

ED 26
Mary Vaccaro

ED 27
Amy Arundell

ED 28
MaryJo Ginese

ED 29
Mary Atkinson

ED 30
Anthony Harmon

ED 31
Michael Mulgrew

ED 32
Elizabeth Pérez

ED 33
Victoria Lee

ED 34
Richard Mantell

ED 35
LeRoy Barr

ED 37
Felicia Wharton

ED 38
Penelope Lewis

ED 39
Roberta Elins

ED 40
Alissa G. Karl

ED 41
Jeri O’Bryan-Losee

ED 42
Thomas Tucker

ED 44
Philip Rumore

ED 45
Adam Piasecki

ED 46
Dora Leland

ED 51
Loretta K. Donlon

ED 52
Joan Perrini

ED 53
Thomas V. Murphy

AFT State Delegate/ Alternate State Delegates (4 Positions)
J. Philippe Abraham
Jaime L. Ciffone
Ron Gross
Jeff Orlowski

NEA State Director
Dora Leland

NEA Alternate State Director
Melissa Tierney

President
Melinda Person

Executive Vice President
Jaime L. Ciffone

2nd Vice President
Ron Gross

Secretary-Treasurer
J. Philippe Abraham

At-Large Directors

1 & 3
Cherylyn Hughes

2 & 44
Michelle Licht

4 & 46
Andrew D. Bogey

5 & 6
Brian Ebertz

7 & 8
Nicole Capsello

9 & 10
Michele E. Bushey

11, 12 & 45
Natalie McKay

13 & 14
Matthew Haynes

15 & 16
Samantha Rosado-Ciriello

17 & 20
Cordelia Anthony

18 & 19
Ronald Verderber

21-22-23
Nancy L. Sanders

24 & 25
Debra T. Penny

26 & 27
Michael Sill

28 & 29
Sean Rotkowitz

30 & 31
Thomas M. Brown

32 & 33
Janella Hinds

34 & 35
Leo Gordon

37-38-39
James Davis

40-41-42
Frederick Kowal

51-52-53
Florence McCue

SRP (5 Positions)
Karen Lee Arthmann
Priscilla Castro
Kim McEvoy
Deborah Paulin
Angie Rivera

Health Care
Anne Goldman

Community Colleges
Andrew D. Sako

Private Sector Higher Education
Stephen Rechner

Higher Education
Pamela Malone
Andrea A. Vázquez

Election District Directors

ED 1
Serena Kotch
Jeff Orlowski

ED 2
Donna Walters

ED 3
Darla R. Schultz-Bubar

ED 4
Jen Austin

ED 5
Adam Urbanski

ED 6
Andrew Jordan

ED 7
John W. Kuryla

ED 8
David A. Chizzonite

ED 9
Jeanette Stapley

ED 10
Laura Franz

ED 11
Joseph Herringshaw

ED 12
Juliet C. Benaquisto

ED 13
Melissa Tierney

ED 14
Sparrow H. Tobin

ED 15
Sean Kennedy

ED 16
Anthony Nicodemo

ED 17
Tomia Smith

ED 18
Frederic Stark

ED 19
Greg Perles

ED 20
John Mansfield

ED 21
Kevin W. Coyne

ED 22
Kevin Toolan

ED 23
Laura Spencer

ED 24
Karen Alford

ED 25
Carl Cambria

ED 26
Mary Vaccaro

ED 27
Amy Arundell

ED 28
MaryJo Ginese

ED 29
Mary Atkinson

ED 30
Anthony Harmon

ED 31
Michael Mulgrew

ED 32
Elizabeth Pérez

ED 33
Victoria Lee

ED 34
Richard Mantell

ED 35
LeRoy Barr

ED 37
Felicia Wharton

ED 38
Penelope Lewis

ED 39
Roberta Elins

ED 40
Alissa G. Karl

ED 41
Jeri O’Bryan-Losee

ED 42
Thomas Tucker

ED 44
Philip Rumore

ED 45
Adam Piasecki

ED 46
Dora Leland

ED 51
Loretta K. Donlon

ED 52
Joan Perrini

ED 53
Thomas V. Murphy

AFT State Delegate/ Alternate State Delegates (4 Positions)
J. Philippe Abraham
Jaime L. Ciffone
Ron Gross
Jeff Orlowski

NEA State Director
Dora Leland

NEA Alternate State Director
Melissa Tierney

PRESIDENT

Melinda Person
NYSUT President

I am hopeful for the future of public education, for our students and those we serve, and for all of the amazing NYSUT members working in service to our communities. It is the difference our NYSUT members make every day that strengthens my confidence in the future of our union.

In just the last few years, we have faced historically significant challenges — a global pandemic, violence in our schools, non-stop extremist attacks on education and unions, school staffing shortages, chronic underfunding, and threats to our economic and retirement security. Public education is truly at a crossroads.

So, why am I hopeful given all we’re up against? Educators have always been my heroines and heroes, and I know firsthand what they can mean for students and a community when they have the support they deserve. Educators are called to this profession by a singular purpose: an unwavering, unequivocal commitment to our students’ learning, well-being, and potential. This is the spirit that is driving me to take this next step to help lead our union in the years ahead.

New York is routinely ranked the best state to be a teacher, and that’s because of our strong unions and what we’ve won over decades. In my time at NYSUT, we’ve modernized our advocacy and member engagement, built out powerful regional political operations, and fought back against politicians trying to destroy public education and our union. Through our Pipeline Project we’ve elected NYSUT members to all levels of government including the State Senate and Assembly, propelling educators directly into seats of power. State leaders are poised to implement the NYSUT-supported funding formula that will put more than $2.7 billion in additional funding to work in schools across our state this year, finally fulfilling the promise of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit.

We won these things together. I’m proud of our victories to date and eager to keep fighting to continue accomplishing our goals alongside so many of you. I’m ready to put my more than two decades of experience in education and advocacy to work on behalf of NYSUT members, as a fierce advocate and dedicated public school parent with a strong track record of results in my roles as Executive and Political Director of our union.

I have a vision for education here in New York, pre-k through post-grad, built through conversations with so many of you. I’m focused on creating workplaces where students and educators can thrive, ensuring our professions are enticing and sustainable career choices, and growing NYSUT’s power — because the more powerful we are, the more we can win together.

Public schools bring students together from all backgrounds, incomes, races, and religions–and it’s in our public schools where they socialize, play, learn and grow together. Our divides are not unbridgeable. People can disagree and still see each other’s humanity. We should be moving not left, not right, but forward.

I hope that I can continue to earn your support in this election. Over the coming months, I look forward to many opportunities to engage with you about the future of our union and of public education in New York State. We’re facing major headwinds, to be sure, but I am confident that together we can accomplish anything.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Jaime L. Ciffone
NYSUT Executive Vice President

As far back as I can remember, I had dreamed of becoming an educator, always playing “school” with my stuffed animals and dolls. Coming from a large family who have held various roles in schools, my passion for teaching and learning was ignited early on. A graduate of Pelham Memorial High School, the University of Scranton, the College of New Rochelle and the College of St. Rose, I hold licenses and certificates in Elementary Education, Literacy, and School Leadership. I also have acquired credits toward my degree in Multi-Lingual/Multicultural Education. I consider myself to be a life-long learner and am an avid reader and traveler. I enjoy experiences that allow me to learn about other cultures and see the world through multiple perspectives.

Over twenty-two years ago, I entered the teaching profession and have been a NYSUT member since the start of my career. My experience includes ten years as a classroom teacher of English Language Learners and six years as a school-based Literacy/Instructional Coach at a PreK through eighth grade school in a diverse neighborhood of the Bronx. During my time as a classroom teacher, I served as grade leader, coordinator of the after school program, and mentor to new teachers. I also was a recipient of the Teachers of American History Grant (TAH) in which New York City Museums are used as a “third” partner in curriculum and instruction.

After becoming a United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Teacher Center school-based Instructional Coach in 2011, I joined the Central Staff Team in 2017. Through my work with the UFT and New York State Teacher Centers State Leadership Team, I have had the opportunity to support teachers and paraprofessionals through a variety of professional learning sessions and series. I have used adult learning theory and models to design and implement professional learning on both the elementary and secondary levels. I have also held the roles of Field Liaison and Instructional Specialist, supporting other Teacher Center Instructional coaches and their school communities across multiple districts in the Bronx and have worked in partnership with the Teacher Leader and Mentoring offices in New York City. For the last six years, I have facilitated and coordinated the American Federation of Teachers Center for School Improvement Conference, supporting members and their teams nationally and have participated in Train the Trainer courses in English Language Learning to support educators and students throughout the nation.

Throughout my educational career, I have been a respected union advocate for all members including safety and conditions in workplaces. I serve as a UFT Local 2 Convention Delegate for both NYSUT and AFT. I am committed to connecting to and representing all NYSUT locals and members to support them to organize and take action. I strive to support, unify, inspire and spread hope and joy as we continue to grow as a union and strengthen our work in our communities and across New York State.

I’m a true believer that leaders build leaders and in empowering both students and educators by lifting and raising up voices. We are stronger as a union when united and I am grateful and humbled for the opportunity to partner and serve in this role for NYSUT.

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Ron Gross
NYSUT Second Vice President

It is with great pleasure and humility, that I announce my candidacy to serve another term as NYSUT Second Vice President. The last three years have been one of the most difficult, inspirational and transformational times we have ever encountered and, as always, we have met every challenge and fought to better the lives of our 650,000 members.

My office and Program and Constituency Services have been responsive to the issues and concerns of our members, and we will continue to be innovative in how we can reach an even greater audience. We have reinvented ways in which we connect with our 250k retirees. We doubled down on bringing our School-Related Professionals the dignity and respect they deserve. We witnessed our members struggle with fatigue and anxiety, so we created a Peer Support Line to give them an avenue for hope.

Our mission has and will continue to be a union that rallies around the common theme that “Public Schools Unite Us.” We will be proactive and remove the obstacles that prevent any of us from achieving our greatest potential. I appreciate all the support you have given me over the past three years and along with Melinda, Jaime and Philippe, I will always strive to carry on the tradition of making NYSUT a “more perfect union” not only for ourselves but for generations to come.

SECRETARY-TREASURER

J. Philippe Abraham
NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer

Five years ago, the NYSUT RA delegates bestowed upon me one of the greatest honors of my life by electing me as an officer of our great union. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside two teams of officers and our fantastic staff to successfully lead NYSUT through some very challenging times, including the Janus decision, the COVID-19 pandemic and a slew of other education, labor and political issues.

We advocated and fought for public education and our K-12, higher education and health care members, garnering some great victories along the way. We strengthened NYSUT’s financial standing by being good stewards of your hard-earned dues money and looking for additional streams of revenue by renting portions of our headquarters building. We developed and offered an array of social justice programming and trainings to assist our members, the students and the communities we serve. My involvement in unionism began over 30 years ago. That foundation made me the leader I am today. I pledge that if you give me your vote, I’ll continue to utilize my drive, experience, dedication and skills to help take NYSUT to greater heights, make it stronger and an even more powerful voice in the Labor movement. I’m your current Secretary-Treasurer, and I humbly ask you to re-elect me so that I and the other members of the Unity slate can continue to fight for us all!

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR STATEMENTS

Michelle Licht
At-Large ED 2 & 44

It has been a privilege to represent WNY on the Board for the past six years. As a current local president I am able to ensure the perspective of local leaders continues to be heard at the Board level. Working on the Board has enabled me to advocate for locals and facilitate communication with the leadership team in Albany. We have faced challenging issues during my time on the Board but our collaboration and willingness to work hard has helped NYSUT to find our way forward. I humbly ask for your support as I seek re-election to the Board.

Brian Ebertz
At-Large ED 5 & 6

I am seeking re-election as it has been my privilege to serve as E.D. 5 & 6 At-Large Director the past three years. Working with locals from the 5 & 6 region, it is clear that our members are strong believers in our union. Having the opportunity to bring pertinent issues to NYSUT on behalf of our region has been incredibly beneficial. Our NYSUT officers value the advocacy for our locals and it has been an honor to serve as a conduit for important issues. I will strive to continue this important work.

Nicole Capsello
At-Large ED 7 & 8

It has been a privilege to serve as CNY’s ED 7/8 At-Large Director for eighteen months and I proudly volunteer to serve a second term. As an elementary special education teacher, and the president of a local that encompasses educators, SRP’s, nurses, food service, and other integral staff, I bring a unique perspective on how the decisions we put forth impacts all our members. I sit on AFT’s PPC, and Staff Shortage Task force. I sit on on the Greater Syracuse Labor Council and NYSUT’s Women’s Committee. I look forward to continuing this work and ask for your vote.

Michelle L. Bushey
At-Large ED 9 & 10

I seek the position of NYSUT ED 9/10 At-Large Director. It has been the greatest honor to hold this position since December 2022. I’ve found tremendous reward leading my local, Saranac TA, as president/RA delegate; NECLC VP; member of NYSUT Safety; AFT Rural Schools, and involvement with TALAT/Social Justice; and enjoy teaching science at SCS. I promise to make the work of At-Large Director my top priority. Let’s work to fix Tier VI, funding higher ed & public ed, increase funding for mental health programs and increase community schools not charter schools.

In solidarity, Michelle Bushey

Natalie McKay
At-Large ED 11, 12 & 45

I am deeply honored to accept the nomination and the Unity Caucus’ Endorsement for the position of NYSUT At-Large Director for ED 11, 12, and 45. I sought this candidacy because of my passion for public school advocacy and affinity towards small and rural locals. My love for this work has led to my involvement as Schoharie local president, Foothill Area Coalition chair, trustee for NYSUT’s Member Benefits Trust, and NYSUT PAC Coordinator. Please know that I am committed to ensuring that all locals have a strong, statewide voice and we remain united as one NYSUT that is union strong!

Samantha Rosado-Ciriello
At-Large ED 15 & 16

“Union involvement provides opportunities for workers to have a voice in the decision-making process that affects laws, policy and working conditions”.

I’m committed to: Improving national, state and local education policy; advocating for equitable funding and resources, fair teaching practices, safe working conditions, supports for special education and English Language services; promoting social justice issues; and collaborating with other unions and legislators to strengthen the collective voice of labor. 1st Latina President, Yonkers Federation of Teachers • Elementary Teacher • AFT Programs Policy Committee • AFT Latino Issues Task Force • AFL-CIO delegate • Mom and wife.

Florence McCue
At-Large ED 51-52-53

Running for reelection as the Retiree At-Large Director. 3rd grade Yonkers teacher for 33 years as well as 32 year union building rep. Ongoing Yonkers FT executive board Retiree Rep and grievance chair, NYS practicing attorney, and Ex VP of RC 15-16 among other titles and daily obligations. Focusing on political action, social justice and growing the labor movement through making connections and working collaboratively in region, in state and around the country to benefit our members. Keeping our retirees and in service members informed and union strong.

Kim McEvoy
SRP At-Large

My commitment to the union has always been a priority and it is an honor to be a candidate for NYSUT’s SRP At-Large Director. Having been elected many years as treasurer in my local, I also hold the positions of benefit trust administrator, PAC and RA delegate for the Rondout Valley Federation of Teachers and School Related Professionals. I am a proud member of NYSUT’s SRP Advisory Committee, NYSUT’s SRP Political Action Coordinator, statewide NEA RA Delegate and Member Benefits ambassador. I am dedicated to work on your behalf and ask for your support. In Solidarity, Kim McEvoy

Matthew Haynes
At-Large ED 13 & 14

It is with pride that I put my name forward again for the ED 13/14 At-Large Director. I held this position for the previous three years and worked hard in my role. I prioritized communication with local leaders and made it a point to be present at everything I possibly could. Currently, I teach at Tri-Valley in Sullivan County, where I serve as president of the Tri-Valley Teachers’ Association. I am committed to our organization and look forward to the possibility of being a statewide flag-bearer for ED 13/14. Please consider me for your vote in April.

In solidarity — Matt

Cordelia Anthony
At-Large ED 17 & 20

My fellow union siblings, my name is Cordelia Anthony and I am seeking your support as a candidate for NYSUT At-Large Director ED 17 & 20. I have been an active NYSUT local president in Farmingdale since 2017. I was elected At-Large Director for ED 17 & 20 in 2020. It has been my honor to work with Long Island ED directors and for members in both Nassau and Suffolk counties over the last three years. I am excited to continue to share ideas and concerns from my region with the NYSUT board. Please cast your vote for me.

Karen Lee Arthmann
SRP At-Large

President of the paraprofessionals at Rush-Henrietta for the past 30 years, I am a long-time member of the AFT PSRP PPC, and a 20 year member of the NYSUT SRP Advisory Committee. My name is Karen Lee Arthmann and I am asking for your support as I run for my 3rd term as SRP At-Large Director. My passion is my union work and my goal is to make life better for our members and their families. If re-elected I will serve SRPs and all NYSUT Members, and fight for the rights we all deserve. Thank you.

Angie Rivera
SRP At-Large

I am the president of the Rochester Association Of Para-professionals. It has been my privilege for the past five and half years to serve NYSUT Members as an SRP At-Large Director. As always, our mission is to safeguard and grow NYSUT to be stronger than ever for years to come. The Board of Directors, NYSUT leaders, and all locals around the state will continue advocating and fighting for all members issues. I will be honored to have your ongoing support.

Andrew D. Sako
At-Large – Community Colleges

I respectfully request your support for my re-election to; At-Large Director representing Community Colleges. My experience and leadership at local, state, and national levels have provided our board a unique community college perspective. As a Professor at SUNY Erie, advocacy for stable funding is essential to student success, which is also our success. Stabilizing community college funding statewide must continue to be one of NYSUT’s legislative priorities.

In many parts of our state, community colleges are for many the lifeline to success that transform our communities. Thank you for your consideration.

Pamela Malone
At-Large – Higher Education

We are in a time of challenge and opportunity. Assaults at every turn against education and educators, academic freedom, civil and voting rights threaten foundation of our democracy. We must be vigilant against these assaults and guard the well-fought gains of the labor movement.

Our union is on the forefront of these struggles. Through collective and united action, we can not only defend against these challenges but grasp these opportunities to build a stronger and more powerful NYSUT.

With your support and vote, I will continue to listen, learn, and serve the membership with a strong voice. Thank you.

ELECTION DISTRICT DIRECTOR STATEMENTS

Jeff Orlowski
ED 1

Now, more than ever, union membership and engagement are at the forefront. If given the opportunity to serve as your ED1 Director, I will provide you with my voice and vast experience as both an educator and unionist and will be effective from the very first day in the position.

Donna Walters
ED 2

Union activism began formally for me in 2001. Since then, I have served as president for my local, vice president/secretary of the Erie County Council of Teacher Union Presidents and a NYSUT PAC Coordinator. Next, I hope to serve those in my district as their NYSUT Director.

Darla R. Schultz-Bubar
ED 3

Advocacy and activism are at the heart of what we do. The importance of fair labor practices, collective bargaining, building coalitions with other locals, and the deep need for unions and their role in the workplace are crucial. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your ED3 Director.

Jen Austin
ED 4

Jennifer Austin currently serves as the ED #4 Director and president of the Fillmore Faculty Association. I have also served as PAC Coordinator of the WNYRO–Jamestown for the past two years. I am a delegate for NYSTRS and a member of the NYSUT MST Committee.

Andrew Jordan
ED 6

It is an honor and privilege to serve as Director. A dedicated teacher of 22 years, local co-president, and tireless advocate for all public schools, I seek to continue bridging the distance between the locals of our ED, communicating your voice effectively, and maintaining robust regional office services and support.

Juliet C. Benaquisto
ED 12

I humbly request support of my run for a second term as ED 12 Director. It continues to be my goal to bring the voice and perspective of members to the NYSUT Officers and BOD, and to in turn, share news of NYSUT’s advocacy, initiatives and available benefits with you.

Anthony Nicodemo
ED 16

As an openly gay coach, educator, advocate and Special Act president I look forward to providing a unique perspective to the Board of Directors. Special Act and 853 locals face challenges that I hope to highlight to fellow leaders.

Loretta K. Donlon
ED 51 (Retiree)

Retirees must exercise our collective voice through NYSUT and its affiliates to fight the relentless attacks on our union, public education, retirees’ lifeline issues like Social Security and quality health care, as well as, America’s democracy. With your vote and work, ED 51 can energize and help lead those battles.