Changes Afoot at SDC
by LAURA PENN Following the 50th Anniversary last year, the Union has continued to examine the goals and objectives necessary to advance the priorities set by your Executive Board. Commitment to our Membership is strong and clear. Managing contracts and expanding jurisdiction is at the core of what the Union does. We must also be mindful of the running of the business of the Union so we can continue to further the services that you expect the Union to provide. Speaking of services, creating a department to look specifically at how and where the Membership is served is an important next step. To accomplish these goals and have staff resources align more fully with these priorities, there will be a shift in how the Union office is structured. There will now be three distinct departments in the office: Contract Affairs, Finance and Administration and Member Services. Mauro Melleno, as Director of Contract Affairs, will continue to manage the contract department which will now have a regional focus (Eastern, Midwest & Western). This focus will serve us well in advancing our organizing efforts, and realigning responsibilities on the contract desks will make it easier for Members to find their advocate. Cole Jordan, Director of Finance and Administration, has taken the reins since his arrival in June, ensuring we meet the current and future business requirements of the Union, he will find ways to improve office systems and efficiency.
Effective September 1, Barbara Wolkoff will move from the Contract Department into her new role as Director of Member Services. Working alongside her will be Gretchen M. Michelfeld, as the Associate Director of Member Services. Gretchen has already made huge advances in this area for SDC during her tenure as Membership Coordinator. Barbara’s contractual knowledge and experience over her thirteen years with SDC combined with her expert ability to lead, organize and tackle challenges, make her more than an ideal candidate for this new role. Now, together, Barbara and Gretchen will take Member Services to the next level. Gretchen and Barbara have a deep commitment to our Members and we are going to feel the impact of their partnership immediately.
Thank you in advance for your support in this transition. As always, any feedback is deeply appreciated. Happy fall! |
