The National Staff Organization (NSO) harnesses the expertise and dedication of its members through its diverse array of working committees. These committees are the backbone of the organization, drawing from a broad spectrum of NSO members across the United States, from various divisions and job categories. Each member’s appointment reflects a careful selection process, led by the NSO president with the concurrence of the executive committee, to ensure a wide-ranging representation and expertise. The committees are pivotal in:
- Researching, Developing, and Executing New Business Items (NBIs): Often, NBIs from the NSO’s Representative Assembly are tasked to these committees, who meticulously work on researching, developing, and executing these initiatives.
- Handling Standing Assignments: Beyond NBIs, the committees are responsible for a variety of ongoing assignments or requests from the NSO Executive Committee, which may include policy development, strategic planning, and other critical organizational functions.
- Facilitating Collaboration: Through regular virtual meetings and the annual “All-Committee Weekends,” members collaborate intensively, sharing insights and strategies to forward the NSO’s objectives.
Structured to foster collaboration, innovation, and strategic action, these committees meet regularly throughout the year, ensuring continuity and momentum in their endeavors. The “All-Committee Weekends” serve as a cornerstone for these efforts, providing a ique opportunity for in-person collaboration and planning.
For NSO members looking to join a committee, keeping abreast of committee vacancies via the NSO website and social media is crucial. Engaging with a committee not only contributes to the NSO’s mission but also offers an enriching professional development experience.
Click on a committee below to learn more.
The Research Committee is charged with collecting, storing and distributing contract research data to NSO affiliates, maintaining the research database, and working with affiliates on relevant reports and up-to-date information for bargaining issues.
Committee Members
Naomi Chisolm, North Carolina, Professional
Julian Quinonez, Washington State, Professional
Jackie Riggins, Pennsylvania, Associate
Kelli Williams, Oregon, Associate (chair)
Greg Yordy, New Jersey, Professional
Contact Person
The NSO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee was founded in 2022 to serve as a source for professional learning and education around issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The purpose of the committee is to provide additional pathways to amplify NSO member voices to ensure equitable opportunities and diversity of thought throughout the organization. The work of the committee is divided into three parts: an organizational charge, consultative charge, and membership charge. NSO members and leader with questions or requests for assistance should contact their Regional Director.
Committee Members
Lama Chikh, Washington, Associate
Tina Dove, Maryland, Professional
Gina Gullo, Pennsylvania, Professional
Rose Tapp, California, Professional (co-chair)
Contact Person
The Communications Committee develops and maintains structures for communicating with NSO members, both internally and externally, for the purpose of educating and supporting member engagement. The committee maintains the NSO website and social media platforms, publishes the “NSO Contact” newsletter, provides training, and covers events.
Committee Members
Rylee Ahnen, Oregon, Professional
Miriam Garcia, NSO-Retired, Associate
Tom Hayden, New Jersey, Professional (co-chair)
Jesse McDaniel, Alabama, Professional (co-chair)
Sydney Slifka, Colorado, Professional
Jillian Toy, Pennsylvania, Associate
Mike Wiser, Iowa, Professional
Contact Person
The Pension & Benefits Committee is charged with informing affiliates and pension plan trustee members of fiduciary responsibilities, training to pension plan trustees, and developing criteria and strategies for the establishment and/or improvement of affiliate pension and/or welfare plans.
Files
Committee Members
Anthony Dias, Massachusetts, Associate
Sarah Favinger, New Jersey, Professional
Dan Gottheimer, Maryland, Professional
Lorri Hayes, New Hampshire,
Michael Monroe, NSO-Retired, Professional
Matt Ryg, Minnesota, Professional (co-chair)
Kristen Sedlacek, Nebraska,
Michelle Washington, California, Professional (co-chair)
Contact Person
The Organizing Committee is charged with promoting organizing in NSO affiliates and for conducting organizing campaigns at the direction of the NSO President and Executive Committee.
Committee Members
Quinn Chesir, Wisconsin, Professional (chair)
Will Klatt, Ohio, Professional
Colleen O’Connell, NEASO, Professional
Saul Olvera, Washington, Professional
Matt Polk, Vermont, Professional
Mike Prehoda, Illinois, Associate
Dorian Prier-Piloto, Michigan, Professional
Kira Schuman, Maryland, Professional
Contact Person
The Investment Committee is charged with reviewing NSO’s investment strategy, including asset, liability, and risk management guidelines, policies, limits and procedures as well as reviewing and proposing changes to the organization’s investment policy.
Committee Members
Eric Watson-Urban, Ohio, Professional (chair)
Brad Darjean, Maryland, Professional
Kelley Clouser, Pennsylvania, Professional
Jack Janizec, Illinois, Professional
Louis Golden, Washington State, Professional
Tammy Whitaker, Florida, Professional
Contact Person
The Special Services Committee is charged with adding value to membership by developing programs, making products, services, and benefits available exclusively for NSO members, including NSO retired and their families.
Committee Members
Kristi Baker, Alaska, Associate
LaTasha Ball, Ohio, Associate (chair)
Norma Reaves, North Carolina, Professional
Patrice Rust Logan Zekqiel, Colorado, Associate
Contact Person