SEIU 521 Members Elect Executive Board for 2013-2016

Member leaders pose for a photo on Jan. 23 after being elected to various posts. Clockwise: Brian O’Neill, Executive Board Delegate; Matt Nathanson, Region 2 Vice President; Gwyn Harshaw, Local 521 President; Yong Soung, Region 6 Vice President (with niece); Rosemary Romo, Executive Board Delegate; Luisa Blue, Local 521 Chief Elected Officer; Karen Nakatani, Local 521 Secretary; Lesbia Reclosado, Executive Board Delegate.

Vaughn Flaming observes ballot count — 521 Member Vaughn Flaming observes the vote count on Jan. 23. The ballot count was managed by the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

Luisa Blue was elected as Chief Elected Officer of SEIU Local 521 Wednesday.
Luisa Blue is SEIU 521’s second CEO, following the retirement of Kristy Sermersheim, effective March 2013.

More than 2,000 members participated in the local-wide election of the second 521 Executive Board. Votes were counted on Wednesday, Jan. 23 in our San Jose office and broadcasted live via video conference to the Bakersfield, Fresno, Salinas and Visalia offices.

AAA worker opens ballot box — A member of American Arbitration Association opens a ballot box during the vote count.

Members from SEIU 521’s six regions voted for local-wide Officers, Executive Delegates, and Trustees for the 2013 – 2016 term of office, and to amend the Local 521 Bylaws. Amendments to the bylaws were approved by voters.
Click here to read the amendments to the 521 bylaws.

Meet your new leaders:
2013-2016 SEIU Local 521 Executive Board Booklet (PDF)
The top 5 local-wide elected officers are listed below; for a complete list of Delegates and Trustees, click here (PDF). The new Executive Board were installed on March 2, 2013.

Top 5 local-wide elected officers

Chief Elected Officer: Luisa Blue
“I want to recognize all of the candidates that ran for office and I look forward to working with all of you to build our great union. Thank you for entrusting me to serve as your Chief Elected Officer of our mighty union, SEIU Local 521. The next few years promise to be full of opportunities for us to fight for workers’ rights, retirement security, and affordable healthcare for all. Together, we must build on the successes of leaders who came before us and continue to win for all workers in 521, in California, and in our nation. I am proud and honored to be a part of that and I look forward to meeting our challenges together.”
— Luisa Blue, Chief Elected Officer

President: Gwyndolyn Harshaw
“I’m very excited to be part of the new leadership team. We’ve done a lot of great things up until this point, and things are just going to get better from here.”
— Gwyn Harshaw, President

First Vice President: John Gutierrez
“Thanks to all union members who took part in this election by running for office and by voting. Your activism is what makes us strong. The debate and discussion of issues invigorates our Local. Now we continue the struggle of winning for members and the people we serve. The attacks on workers and on public services continue. What we won in November and through the past three years has given us hope of change. Now again our Local is part of that hope. Let’s get working and thank you for your confidence in me as one of your leaders.”
— John Gutierrez, SEIU Local 521 First Vice President

Secretary: Karen Nakatani
“I’m really excited about working with the new Executive Board. With my new position I have a lot to learn and I aspire to represent our membership well. I am honored to serve all the members of SEIU Local 521.”
— Karen Nakatani, SEIU Local 521 Secretary

Treasurer: RoseAnn Dominguez
“I’m happy and honored to be allowed to dedicate another 3 years to the membership and moving SEIU 521 forward.”
— RoseAnn Dominguez, Treasurer