2024 Labor Power Players

For nine years, Kate has led Equity into a more activist era, in which artists view themselves as workers, new ideas are often the best ideas, and the industry’s worst practices are called out as unacceptable. An award-winning actor, she’s starred in four Broadway shows, two national tours, and regional productions from coast to coast, and has appeared in numerous film and TV projects. She is a Northwestern alum and lives in Astoria.

What led you down your current career path?
The standard response to an aspiring actor is “if there’s anything else that would make you happy, go do that.” It’s a very tough way to make a living, and I wasn’t surrounded by the profession growing up; my high school didn’t have a stage! But I’m fascinated by the human experience, the sociology and the artistry of exploring it. And I love telling stories.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
Well, we’re organizing. The energy of workers who’ve just decided to unionize is like a drug. We always want more contracts that pay living wages, and don’t rely on arts workers to subsidize bad business practices. We’re also very focused on getting the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act across the finish line, reelecting the most pro-union president in my lifetime, and finishing 2024 with pro-worker majorities in Congress. This one’s for all the marbles.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides? 
From an early age, actors and stage managers are relentlessly conditioned to equate “getting a job” with “luck,” which has all kinds of toxic consequences when it’s time to make a living. To me, one of the most valuable things our union can do is to constantly reframe that paradigm. Sure, sometimes preparation meets opportunity, but you deserve success – and livable wages, safety, benefits – because you’ve worked your ass off to get here.

President Mary E. Sullivan was reelected to her second consecutive four-year term in February 2024. For more than 35 years, Sullivan has fought tirelessly for working people’s interests at the grassroots, statewide, and national levels. By mobilizing workers and encouraging communication, Sullivan strengthened CSEA’s position as one of New York’s largest and most influential unions. She’s been a driving force behind CSEA’s LEAD program, helping to mold and mentor the next generation of union leaders. 

What led you down your current career path?
My professional career started as an employee of the Herkimer County Department of Social Services. I then went on serving in leadership roles first locally, then regionally. In 1986, I was chosen to fill a statewide vacancy as treasurer of CSEA. I was then elected executive vice president in 1994. In 2019, I became the second woman president of CSEA, and in February 2020, I was elected to my first full term as statewide president.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
Our union always strives to be proactive in representing and advocating for our members’ benefits and livelihoods in all job titles across the state. We are focused on retaining our current members and growing our union by recruiting new members and expanding our membership into new areas such as cultural workers. We are also partnering with NYS Civil Service for recruitment and easier access to public sector jobs.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
A core strength of our union is the power in our numbers at the bargaining table with employers. We know that union workers earn more for doing the same jobs as non-union workers. Our members are also safer on the job, as safety and health are a cornerstone of labor. Union members feel more secure about their retirement because we advocate for strong pensions, expanded Social Security benefits and equity in wages.

Since joining Local 153 in February 1995, Jessica Timo has been an unwavering advocate for labor rights. Her tenure at the United Federation of Teachers marked the beginning of a distinguished career that led to her appointment as president of Local 153 on May 16, 2023. Her journey through roles such as negotiation team member, shop steward, executive board member, and finance committee chair culminated in the local receiving the 2023 Douglas Award for exceptional union organization.

What led you down your current career path?
My journey into labor leadership was inspired by a deep-seated belief in fairness and the collective power of voices. Starting in 1995 at Local 153, each role, from negotiation team member to president, was a step towards realizing a vision where every worker’s rights are recognized and respected. This path, driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to our members, has been both a personal and professional calling, rooted in humility and service.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
In 2024, Local 153 aims to fortify our community through a robust organizing strategy, ensuring every worker’s voice is heard and valued. Central to our mission is the continuation and enhancement of in-house training programs, empowering our members with the skills and knowledge needed for advocacy and leadership. Our commitment to these objectives will strengthen our collective bargaining power and foster a more equitable workplace for all.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
Union membership with Local 153 offers a range of benefits that underscore our commitment to the workforce. Through collective bargaining, we secure higher wages, fair pay, and benefits that support work-life balance, such as paid parental leave and flexible hours. Additionally, our union provides avenues for career progression and access to professional development resources, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to grow and thrive in their career.

After time in government service, Bob has been representing public and private sector labor, consulting and technology clients for almost 3 decades. Amongst his clients are the FDNY Firefighters, FDNY EMS, Nassau Fire Marshals, Building Trades Employers Assoc., NYS Nurses Association, NYC and Dutchess County Deputy Sheriffs, Nassau County Police Medics, Local 246 NYC Mechanics, FDNY Dispatchers, Nassau COBA, Westchester COBA, Suffolk COBA, NYC Staff Analysts and numerous other public and private sector organizations.

What led you down your current career path?
I grew up in a political house. My dad ran campaigns, a political organization and was a pollster for many years. I worked my first campaign when I was 10 and never looked back. I guess it was in my blood. After leaving government I opened my law office and quickly morphed into a lobbying practice that I have enjoyed for many years. Having great clients has served as my inspiration over the years.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
We hope to continue to serve our clients with hard work and integrity. We hope to participate in passing new laws that will add to the safety, health and security of our clients members, employees and families.  We will continue to guide our private sector clients in dealing with the labyrinth of the legislative and executive branches of state and local government and to achieve the goals of all of our clients.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
Unions make the workplace safer and healthier for their members and families. Unions unite individuals and give them the collective power to do great things. To fight for better wages for working people, to fight for better benefits to protect not only members but also their families in case of crisis. Unions give the individual the power of hundreds, of thousands, of millions.  Unions stand tall & strong for hardworking people throughout our State.

Michael Volforte has served as the director of the New York State Office of Employee Relations since 2013 and worked in the public sector labor field for over 27 years. As director, he oversees collective bargaining and labor management with 10 unions that represent approximately 170,000 Executive Branch employees and implements negotiated compensation and other benefits. As counsel, he also oversees the representation of agencies in contract grievance and administrative matters before PERB.

What led you down your current career path?
While attending law school, I was fortunate to get a law clerk position in the legal department with the Civil Service Employees Association union and fell in love with public sector labor law.  That led me to my career in the State working for the Office of Employee Relations as an attorney, a negotiator and now director.  

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
In 2024, we will complete negotiations to implement Governor Hochul’s initiative to provide 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all State executive branch employees.  We will increase diversity and inclusion training options and commence work with partner agencies on highlighting the benefits of working for the State including making sure prospective and current employees are aware of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
Union membership provides a unique workplace opportunity to discuss and solve problems and implement unique solutions to issues impacting the delivery of service to the public and the work life of our employees.

Kurtis Walker (born August 9, 1959), professionally known by his stage name Kurtis Blow, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record/film producer, b-boy, DJ, public speaker and minister. He is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label. “The Breaks”, from his 1980 self-titled debut album, is the first certified gold record rap song. Throughout his career he’s released 17 albums and is currently an ordained minister.

What led you down your current career path?
The current state of creators in Hip Hop and entertainment.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
Eradicate the injustices and inequities for artists and creators of Hip Hop.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
Educational resources, health/ retirement benefits and intellectual property support for Hip Hop artists.

Anthony Wells currently serves as the president of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371, He reinforces a simple motto to his staff and members that goes “The union job is to get the most for you, management job is to get the most out of you.” With that belief, he has been able to carry his union on throughout the years, not only through his words but through his decisive actions.

What led you down your current career path?
I began my career with the NYC Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) at Spofford Juvenile Detention Center due to the opportunity presented by the city and my personal circumstances of being a young adult living at home with my mother. Throughout the years I have evolved professionally and gained a myriad of experience and clarity about the interests and goals for the union.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
I will continue to protect jobs to ensure our members can feed their families and continue to grow our union. In addition, the union’s goal is to increase member engagement through our various committees and a host of other resources. 

Stephanie Whalen is the president of The Union Labor Life Insurance Company, leading its life and health group. With over 25 years of insurance industry experience, she previously served as vice president of operations for seven years. Ms. Whalen began her career at Ullico in 1998 and has held various positions since. She holds a bachelor’s degree and has completed executive training at the Wharton Business School. 

What led you down your current career path?
I never planned to work in insurance. My dream was to be a police officer and later a detective, but circumstances led me elsewhere. I joined Ullico as a print buyer and spent 25 years growing within the company in various roles, taking over as president in August of 2018. I am committed to our mission and derive great satisfaction from aiding others and championing workers’ rights.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
In 2024, Union Labor Life aims to broaden its presence in the public sector market by offering life and stop-loss products. Additionally, the company seeks to expand its supplemental lines division to provide union members with access to a wider range of union-friendly products designed to safeguard them and their families. This initiative reflects Union Labor Life’s commitment to enhancing the financial security and well-being of its members by offering a suite of protective offerings.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
Union membership provides workers with collective bargaining power to negotiate improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. Members gain access to health insurance, a pension, and job security through contractual agreements with employers. Furthermore, unions advocate for workers’ rights and provide training and professional development opportunities. Membership fosters solidarity, creating a sense of community among workers and empowering them to collectively address workplace issues.

John has been a labor neutral for 16 years, having served as PERB’s deputy chair before his appointment as chair. He is a graduate of Fordham University and of Columbia Law School.  He has authored several books on labor law and on literature. PERB’s jurisdiction has been expanded to include farm laborers and farmers under the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act of 2019 granting workers the right to organize and collectively bargain.

Michelle Zettergren became the first female president of MagnaCare in 2017, leading efforts to provide custom-fit health plan solutions to self-funded clients. She has helped expand MagnaCare’s services for labor, including introducing technology-powered health, trust, and pension administration capabilities, cost-effective provider network solutions, and new communications and programs to support labor. Michelle is most proud of her role in leading a diverse team dedicated to serving clients, including unions and public sector employers.

What led you down your current career path?
My family is deeply rooted in labor, so it is a privilege to work at an organization committed to improving healthcare access to hardworking people and their families. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and take my responsibility as a leader very seriously. I also make it a priority to mentor and empower other women. Women make up 50% of my senior leadership team and 62% of sales and account management.

What does your organization hope to accomplish in 2024?
MagnaCare is a third-party administrator serving self-funded health plan sponsors, multi-employer trusts and unions, Taft-Hartley plans, health systems, carriers, and other TPAs. We have a 34-year history in the New York tri-state area and have expanded nationally in recent years by partnering with organizations like the IAFF Health & Wellness Trust in the Pacific Northwest. We hope to continue our expansion in 2024 while helping our clients provide their members with access to high-quality health care.

What are the benefits that union membership (your union if applicable) provides?
Union membership empowers workers to come together to negotiate for better wages and benefits. Unions improve wages and working conditions for all workers in a sector, whether they are union members or not. Unions help balance the market power of employers, helping workers achieve better conditions. Union members typically make 10-20% more than nonunion workers. They are also more likely to receive employer-sponsored health care and have access to paid sick leave.