FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andy Gussert Elected President of AFT-Wisconsin
Message of Labor Unity Overwhelmingly Endorsed
MADISON, Wis. - Andy Gussert was elected President of AFT-Wisconsin -
along
with Kathy Kreul as Secretary and Deb Ausman as Treasurer - at the annual
convention in Oconomowoc last Friday.
Gussert adjourned the annual convention thanking delegates, saying "You've
sent a clear message. We are stronger when we stand together, and we have
power when we unite." Rank-and-file delegates representing over 16,000
members endorsed the message, with Gussert receiving 76 percent of the
vote,
the largest margin of victory in a contested election in decades. He ran
on
a platform of bringing together diverse factions within the organization,
and bringing more young leaders into the organization.
"Our strength is in our diversity," said Gussert. "Our members give so
much
back to the community - everything from teaching our children to
retraining
displaced workers to researching stem-cell technologies and representing
the
underprivileged. I'm honored to work people who are devoted to public
service." AFT-Wisconsin is a union of professionals, representing
employees
in over 500 different job classifications, including doctors, dentists,
pharmacists, attorneys, administrative staff, teachers and professors.
Gussert, age 36, takes over at a time when organized labor is struggling
to
appeal to appeal to younger members, while retaining the expertise and
experience of long-standing labor activists. Many new leaders under the
age
of 40 were also elected, including Michael Childers, Richard Hay, Chris
Romine and John Burger.
"We are passing along the baton to a new generation," said retiring
President Bob Beglinger, who is leaving after six years of service as
leader
and over 30 years of service on the executive board. "Andy Gussert
represents our future, and our future looks bright."
AFT-Wisconsin's Newly Elected Executive Board
a.. President, Andy Gussert
b.. Secretary, Kathy Kreul
c.. Treasurer, Deb Ausman
d.. Vice Presidents At Large: Mary Alsteens, John Burger, Michael
Childers, Art Foeste, Gary Hjelm, James Leppi and Christopher Romine.
e.. Senior Vice-President, Art Foeste
f.. Vice President Graduate Employees, Richard Hay
g.. Vice President Higher Education, Ray Spoto
h.. Vice President K-12, Judith Hack
i.. Vice President Paraprofessional and Related School Personnel, Pam
Campbell
j.. Vice President State Employees, Kevin Steffens
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