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Council 13 delegates play ball, handle business at 49th Convention

By William Kauffman on October 25, 2021

Delegates to the 49^th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention covered all the bases at FNB Field in Harrisburg during what was a memorable, unique, and sometimes rainy event on October 23, 2021.

Just like nothing stops AFSCME members from getting the job done, nothing stops Council 13 from holding its Convention, especially not a little rain. Attendees embraced the “Challenge of Change” and weathered all conditions to move Council 13 forward.

Delegates representing 76 local unions throughout all eight of Council 13’s District Councils were in attendance wearing their favorite sports apparel to hear remarks from Council 13 Executive Director David Henderson, AFSCME International President Lee Saunders, Council 13 Executive Board President Jane Gill, and a member from each District Council who shared the story of their struggles on the front lines throughout the pandemic.

The 49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention was held at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA, on October 23, 2021.

The action began bright and early as the District Councils hosted tailgates in the parking lot of FNB Field and delegates got themselves registered. Members perused vendors and had photos taken leading up to the opening pitch, which was thrown by former Council 13 Executive Director and current AFSCME International Vice President David Fillman. Fillman then passed the ball to President Saunders, who called Executive Director Henderson to the field before symbolically passing the ball to him. Fillman hollered “play ball!” and the convention was called to order with the bang of a gavel by President Gill.

Jamar Johnson, President of AFSCME Local 1224 (PHEAA), performed a powerful rendition of the national anthem before Rev. Dr. Linda Green, representing AFSCME Local 2456 (State Professionals – District 8), delivered an uplifting invocation.

Between speeches, delegates passed several resolutions covering a wide range of initiatives, including Growing Through Engagement, Opposing the Closing of Polk and White Haven Centers, Supporting Liz Schuler and Fred Redman, Protecting Public Sector Workers, Honoring Front-Line Heroes, Remembering Lives Lost to COVID-19, and Thanking David R. Fillman.

With another home run in the books, Council 13 looks forward to convening again in April. Thank you to all the members, leaders, and staff who made this convention possible, who never let any challenge or change keep them down, and who always knock it out of the park in the name of public service and union solidarity.

David Henderson is presented with two baseball bats and a home plate signed by Convention attendees in honor of Henderson's first Convention as Executive Director. Pictured left to right: DC 87 Director Kerri Gallagher, DC 83 Director Mickey Sgro, DC 90 Director Darrin Spann, DC 88 Director Tom Tosti, Executive Director Henderson, DC 85 Director Shane Clark, DC 86 Director Zollie Rayner, and DC 84 Director John Galuska.

49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

Left to right: David Henderson, Lee Saunders, and David Fillman at the 49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

Dave Fillman throws out the first pitch.

Fillman passes the ball to AFSCME International President Lee Saunders.

Executive Director David Henderson takes to the field.

President Saunders passes the ball to Executive Director Henderson.

Left to right: David Henderson, David Fillman, Jane Gill, and Lee Saunders at the 49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

Left to right: David Henderson, Lee Saunders, and David Fillman are ready to play ball!

"Play ball!"

President Gill bangs the gavel.

Jamar Johnson, President of AFSCME Local 1224 (PHEAA), performs a powerful rendition of the national anthem.

Rev. Dr. Linda Green, representing AFSCME Local 2456 (State Professionals – District 8), delivers an uplifting invocation.

Council 13 Treasurer Shawn Makar takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 83 Joette Dudeck takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 85 Howard Thompson takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 86 Heidi Diem takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 87 Joe Hickey takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 88 Anne Radakovits takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 89 Michele Brookins takes to the field.

VP Representing District Council 90 Helen Elliott takes to the field.

VP Representing City Employees Randy Procious takes to the field.

VP Representing County Employees Bill Jones takes to the field.

VP Representing School District Employees Jeff Frontera takes to the field.

VP Representing Other Political Sub-Divisions Sue Zepp takes to the field.

VP Representing Healthcare Employees Laurie Fisher takes to the field.

Council 13's Executive Board is introduced at the 49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

AFSCME District Council 83 Director Mickey Sgro presents the report of the Rules Committee.

AFSCME District Council 88 Director Tom Tosti presents the report of the Credentials Committee.

AFSCME District Council 87 Director Kerri Gallagher presents the report of the Resolutions Committee.

Jon Heller of Council 13's IT Department performs "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes during a moment of recognition for COVID-19 victims.

Council 13 Executive Director David Henderson at the 49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

AFSCME International President Lee Saunders at the 49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

Faylynn Hall, member of District Council 83, Local 3157 (Merakey), speaks about the challenges that her and her fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Craig Sippel, member of District Council 84, Local 2719 (City of Pittsburgh), speaks about the challenges that he and his fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AFSCME District Council 90 Director Darrin Spann presents the report of the Constitution Committee.

49th Annual AFSCME Council 13 Convention at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA on October 23, 2021.

Sam Santana, member of District Council 85, Local 2206 (City of Erie), speaks about the challenges that he and his fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shawn O'Dell, member of District Council 86, Local 2360 (Lock Haven University), speaks about the challenges that her and her fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joe Hickey, member of District Council 87, Local 2370 (State Supervisory – District 4, Dept. of Labor & Industry), speaks about the challenges that he and his fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Margie Kizina, member of District Council 88, Local 1147 (Southeastern PA Veterans Center), speaks about the challenges that her and her fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Fillman is honored for his years of service to AFSCME and the entire labor movement.

Bill Jones, member of District Council 89, Local 1738 (Lancaster County Prison), speaks about the challenges that he and his fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regina Young, member of District Council 90, Local 1420 (Commonwealth of PA), speaks about the challenges that her and her fellow members have endured on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.