United to Lead, to Promote, to Secure, and to Defend

United to Lead, to Promote, to Secure, and to Defend

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

Region 7 Director
Oregon Associate Staff Organization

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

Region 4 Director
California Staff Organization

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

Communications Director
Alabama Professional Staff Organization

At-Large Director – Professional
United Staff Association of New Jersey

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

Region 6 Director
The Education Minnesota Professional Organization

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

Region 5 Director
United Staff Union of Wisconsin

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

Treasurer
Eric Watson-Urban
Ohio Professional Staff Union

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

At-Large Director – Associate
Ohio Associate Staff Union

Region 1 Director
United Staff Association of New Jersey