LABOR UNION CSEA SEES FIRST NEW PRESIDENT IN MORE THAN A QUARTER CENTURY

ALBANY, NY (11/01/2019) (readMedia)-- For the first time in more than 25 years, CSEA, one of New York's largest and most influential labor unions, has a new President at its helm.

Following the retirement of longtime CSEA President Danny Donohue on Thursday, October 31, 2019, former Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan was sworn-in as president on Friday, November 1, to serve out the remainder of Donohue's seventh elected term, which expires on February 29, 2020.

Sullivan has been a union activist for more than 35 years, starting her career as an employee of the Herkimer County Department of Social Services, and advancing through the union ranks, serving at the local, regional, and statewide levels.

Sullivan first held statewide office when she was chosen in 1986 by CSEA's statewide Board of Directors to fill a vacancy as treasurer of the union. Sullivan was elected executive vice president in 1994, serving in that role for the past 25 years.

With her ascension to president, Sullivan becomes the first CSEA activist from a local government municipality to become the union's statewide president. All CSEA's previous presidents began their union careers working in state government. She is also only the second woman to fill the union's top spot.

"I'm proud to be leading our great union forward as president," Sullivan said. "Under my leadership, we will build on our many accomplishments, be even more inclusive, and even more engaged with our members."

-30-

News Link: Photo of swearing-in ceremony

Bio Link: Read Mary's full biography at: http://cseany.org/csea-president-mary-e-sullivan

About CSEA: The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) is one of the largest and most influential unions in New York and the United States. CSEA has about 300,000 members and represents state, county, municipal, school district, child care, and private sector employees. Formed in 1910, CSEA has improved the lives of hardworking New Yorkers for more than 100 years, and is the largest affiliate of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). For more information, go to CSEANY.org.