Lasting Legacy—New Beginnings
By Richard L. Green Jr.
Eastern Region Vice President
What a great convention! We met at the Gaylord Texan and what a glorious time we had. After a one-year delay due to COVID-19, we were able to meet in person and conduct the business of NAPS. Over 1,000 delegates were in attendance; there was a great spirit of togetherness in the room.
The Texas delegation did an excellent job leading the opening ceremonies and hosting NAPS. There were solemn moments as we observed members lost over the past three years and moments of excitement as we recognized over 180 first-timers in attendance. I am excited about the new members in attendance—they are the future of NAPS!
As we celebrated President Brian Wagner’s retirement, I reflected on and am thankful for the legacy he leaves. Brian left the organization in a better place with a pay agreement for the first time in years (see page 18) and numerous other accomplishments. As an Executive Board member, I am grateful for his style of leadership, which was inclusive and allowed all voices on the board to be heard before decisions were made.
His inclusive leadership led to an historic legal filing to address issues that could not be solved using the fact-finding process. My personal belief is that negotiating from a position of strength led to the new pay agreement that addressed a multitude of issues of pay for members across the country. Brian, thank you. I wish you and Carol a great retirement, lots of travel and, of course, lots of ice cream!
And as we celebrate our new president, Ivan D. Butts, I look forward to working with him to address the needs of our members across the country as we move forward. The pay agreement is not the end, but a new beginning, I believe, in our relationship with USPS Headquarters.
There is much work to be done. With our new leadership team of President Ivan D. Butts, Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore and Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden, I am confident we have the team in place to lead us into the future. My charge to you, now more than ever, is that you continue to be engaged, as well as informed about all NAPS issues.
As we begin to move to in-person meetings, be prepared and well-versed in all things NAPS to discuss with your members. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your local leaders for answers. Local leaders, if you have questions, reach out to your area or regional vice presidents for clarification. We all are in this together; we are stronger when we are together on the issues.
Lastly, I would like to thank members of the Eastern Region for reelecting me Eastern Region vice president. I am very humbled by the opportunity to serve and do not take lightly the trust you have placed in me. My promise to you is to be your voice on the Executive Board as I serve you.
Fighting for you!
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