08/03/2026
What's a meaningful moment you've had as a member of our Executive Board?
Jerry Philpot, President: “Watching the Board come together to help battle HB 267. 2025 will always be one of the most inspiring things that I ever witnessed. Watching everyone put their differences aside and come together as one united front was an awesome thing to witness.”
Shykell Ledford, Recording Secretary: “I was an E-Board member while the SLC library workers were organizing, which made me privy to their efforts behind the scenes. The library workers are a Master Class in solidarity and endurance. It felt special to be able to meet with them in strategy sessions, support them in public meetings, and to celebrate their wins with them. I guess I love an inspiring story and I don't know that I could've been as close to this one without being on the E-Board. ”
Shelley Bilbrey, At Large: “The most meaningful experience was going to the Capitol for the first time to sit in on the legislative bill to help fight the ban on unions and collective bargaining. The other most meaningful is helping employees have their voice.”
Benjamin W. Jordan, At Large: “As part of the Board, we vetted candidates for many local elected positions this year. Prospective as well as incumbent officials, from city council members up to state representatives come to our union for our endorsement, our PAC funds, and our volunteers.”
Ivy Smith, Secretary-Treasurer: “Being on the Board in general has been so meaningful to me. Because we at the library are new to AFSCME, I was appointed to the Board rather than elected, and it means a lot to me that I was trusted in that capacity. The feeling increased 10x over when I was trusted to be Secretary-Treasurer!”
Jerry Dunaway, Vice President: “In my own work group, we have had some questionable situations as far as what management was doing. Getting involved and getting to know the MOU and policies better have allowed me to have many conversations with my management team. With this everyone has a better understanding and allows conversations to happen before concerns become problems.”
Ben Oyler, At Large: “Before contract negotiations with the City, we got ready for negotiations by learning about what matters most to our employees regarding the key points of our MOU. It was wonderful to hear how supportive they are.”
Gary Petit, At Large: “Being voted onto the board.”
Cory Lawrence, At Large: “The day HB267 got repealed.”
