The Maryland Classified Employees Association held its Annual Convention in Ocean City, Maryland located at the Holiday Inn Ocean Front from October 12, 2015 through October 14, 2015. Hundreds of Delegates were greeted by their union brothers and sisters at registration who presented them with gift bags that were created by President Linda Day and her committee members. This year’s convention celebrated 80 years of our union’s untiring efforts in improving the quality of life for State and County employees.
This year’s theme centered on “We move forward today to face the challenges of tomorrow." MCEA President Linda Day called the convention to order and Delegates from across the State rolled up their sleeves and promulgated enthusiastic discussion and debate on what those challenges are, while offering viable solutions to overcome those challenges. Many thanks to the Committee Chairs and members, who worked diligently throughout the year to move MCEA forward.
Elections for the MCEA Executive Board and Board of Directors were held, and after much political posturing the results are as follows:
Executive Board:
- President, Linda Day
- Vice President, Agnes Valenzia
- Treasurer, Marilyn Miller
- Secretary, Teresa Neal
Board Members:
- Barbara Thompson
- Anadi Naik
- Dale Maddox
- Wyman Taylor
- Dawn Rowe
Congratulations to the newly elected Executive Board and the Board members. It is no surprise that Linda Day was elected for an unprecedented third term. She has earned the respect and confidence of this organization through her commitment and vision in moving MCEA forward.
Another highlight of the convention was the impressive slate of guest speakers which included:
- Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards;
- Baltimore City Councilman, Carl Stokes;
- Director of Human Resources for Harford County, Jim Richardson;
- President, AFT-Maryland, Marietta A. English;
- Director, AFT Public Employees Division, Christianne Y. Runge; and
- President, Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO, Fred Mason.
We also thank our Patron Sponsors and Vendors for their continued support.
What's a Convention without some fun? Members and officials attended the President’s Reception and the dinner dance which featured great food, live entertainment, and dancing.
* * * Click here to see more photos from the event on Facebook. * * *
Awards and recognition were given for those members and staff who demonstrated a commitment of excellence to MCEA. To highlight a few, the member of the year award was given to Bernice Brown, President of the Retirees Chapter #152 who has served MCEA for 43 years. Jack Nelson, MCEA Executive Director was honored for his valuable contributions to the MCEA in his 30 years of service. Mr. Nelson announced that he will be retiring this year. Linda Day, President of MCEA was given an achievement award from Chapter #045 for her many years of service throughout the years.
MCEA is committed to facing the challenges that working men and women are enduring. Whether they are the constant attacks against our right to unionize, the attempts to raid our pensions, health care benefits, and wages, or the attempts by the far right to demonize and demoralize State and County employees, MCEA will continue to fight back and overcome these challenges.