Endorsements

Additional endorsements are being added as they come in!

Danny Stockdale, sr. system application analyst: “I am writing to express my wholehearted endorsement and support for Jennie Olson as the president of Local 328. The platform presented by Jennie, Jen, Cassie, Claire, and Haley places emphasis on outreach and member-driven decision making, improved organization and planning, and building a diverse, unified, and engaged base. With great enthusiasm and support, I encourage all members to vote for Jennie Olson and her running mates, to build a union that truly represents and advocates for its members.” (Read Danny’s full endorsement here.)

Dorota Potrzeba, privacy compliance specialist 2: “When Jen Laverdure takes on a project, I know she will deliver results. She will listen, find and offer solutions, and engage those involved. She will do the right thing because she cares.”

Kerry Moore, pharmacist: “I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse Jennie Olson for president, Jen Laverdure for vice president, Cassie Barton for secretary, Claire Irvan for treasurer, and Haley Wolford Davis for chief steward of AFSCME Local 328. Their dedication and combined experience as union members, executive-board members, stewards, and bargaining-team members demonstrates their deep commitment to our union's values and principles. I am confident in their ability to address the diverse needs of our members in the many different roles and work units at OHSU, listen to members’ concerns and prioritize members, bring greater inclusivity and strength, improve transparency and accountability, and ensure our union is functioning at its best at all levels.” (Read Kerry’s full endorsement here.)

Heather Calderaro, sr. system application analyst: “I endorse Jen Laverdure for vice president, along with the slate of Jennie Olson, Cassie Barton, Claire Irvan and Haley Wolford. I’ve worked in the same ITG group as Jen for several years. She is articulate, personable, results oriented and a natural leader. I personally support Jen and have faith in her leadership abilities. I’m impressed by the work of the bargaining team over the past few years, including the commitment and perseverance the team exhibited in the most recent contract in 2022. I’m happy to see members from that bargaining team on this slate. I agree with increasing our union’s strength and membership numbers while focusing on members’ voices.”

Angelica Dominguez, administrative coordinator: “I fully endorse Jennie Olson for president! I’ve worked with Jennie for a few years now and from what I’ve learned about her I know she’s someone who will work hard for us, listen to us, do all she can to help us in a tough spot, and go to bat for us. She’s a dedicated union steward and is committed to our union values. I know she will make a great president. I believe in the platform Jennie has built with her running mates and I support their bid for leadership.”

Catherine Hogan, sr. grants & contracts coordinator: “I would vote for Jennie, and her slate of running mates, because of her attention to detail, her concern for her fellow union members, her ability to communicate with members and management with compassion and understanding, and her knowledge of the contract and of the contract-negotiation process. Jennie is incredible and she would be a great union president.”

Olga Emerson, system application analyst: “I would like to take this time to endorse my dear colleague, Jen Laverdure, for the office of vice president within this great union, Local 328; furthermore, I would also like to add endorsements for the entire slate of candidates for the upcoming term. I have worked with Jen for over 10 years and can attest that whatever project she takes on has always been completed with great care and valor. I am very confident that this group of candidates will strengthen our union and will take the time necessary to listen to member concerns and issues and make them heard.”

Kate Stout, project coordinator: “I have known Jennie Olson for 10 years in a professional and personal capacity. Her dedication to the union, her colleagues, and her clients is beyond reproach. She is a respectful and self-aware leader who cares immensely about her responsibilities. I fully endorse her to be the next AFSCME president!”

James Ofsink, sr. system application analyst: “I fully support the 328 for the Members slate! I have been fortunate to work with Jen and Claire through our local’s political action committee and I know that their dedication to AFSCME members is exemplary and that their drive to do right for OHSU workers is exceptional. As members I know we can trust the 328 for the Members slate to always prioritize what is best for OHSU workers and to be transparent with all of our union. This is a great slate and I’m proud to endorse them.”

Lia Sebring, program technician 2: “I have had the pleasure of working with Jennie Olson as a Local 328 steward, executive-board member, and 2022 bargaining-team member over the last five years and have consistently been impressed by her tenacity, person-oriented leadership style, and remarkable dedication to what is right. She thoughtfully engages members and seeks to understand their diverse experiences, and is courageous in her advocacy for the rights and needs of our members. I enthusiastically endorse Jennie Olson for president of AFSCME Local 328, and fully support the platform crafted in tandem with running mates Jen Laverdure, Cassie Barton, Claire Irvan, and Haley Wolford Davis. I have witnessed each of these individuals spend countless hours supporting our union, strengthening our organizing power as a union, and prioritizing the most important issues to our members in their work. Local 328 would be excellently served by electing these candidates and I encourage all members to vote for them in our September election.”

Judit Takacs, grants & contracts coordinator: “Jennie Olson is a great candidate for president of AFSCME Local 328! Having worked closely with her for almost a year, I have had the privilege to witness her unwavering dedication, unmatched commitment, and unparalleled knowledge in our field. She approaches every challenge with meticulous attention to detail, and I would only expect her to give the same level of expertise toward issues that matter to our members. In my opinion, there is no better candidate than Jennie for the role of AFSCME president!

Justin Isla, administrative assistant: “I fully endorse Jennie Olson for president of Local 328. In the time that I have worked with Jennie, I have always been able to count on her to provide the latest Local 328 news, keeping our members informed with what is going on. Additionally, she is a wonderful person, and a delight to work with. I am also in full support of Jen Laverdure for Vice president, Cassie Barton for secretary, Claire Irvan for treasurer, and Haley Wolford Davis for chief steward. I have seen and worked with them in meetings, and have always felt that they have their fingers on the pulse with what is happening with the union, and are all willing to go above and beyond to take action and accomplish the tasks at hand.”

Leah Witte, sr. application engineer: “I have worked with Jennie, Haley, and Claire for many years now as part of our Local 328 steward program and with Jen in ITG for nearly two decades. I can speak confidently about each of their commitments to our union, as well as to addressing issues our union may encounter in an organized, inclusive, and pragmatic way. I appreciate the perspectives shared in their candidate statements, looking to improve communication with and from members. I agree that we need to be focused on continuing to increase membership and member participation. When I read their statements I found honest, pragmatic, and hopeful insight into our union’s problems and needs, and a willingness to examine these issues and listen to our members’ questions and concerns. I believe that interest sets this panel of candidates far apart from what I have experienced from other candidates. (Read Leah’s full endorsement here.)

Heath Oetken, pharmacist: ”We are only as strong as our collective members and those we elect to represent us. This slate of candidates has a proven track history of working to strengthen our union and protect the contract rights of our members across all work groups. I believe they will continue to lead us through this contract period and leave a legacy of a more organized and united union. I give my strongest endorsement for Jennie Olson, Jen Laverdure, Cassie Barton, Claire Irvan, and Haley Wolford Davis as the next AFSCME Local 328 leadership team.”

Nicole Ernst, sr. grants & contracts coordinator: “I support Jennie Olson and her team. I’ve worked with Jennie for several years, and appreciate her patience, thoroughness, attention to detail, and professionalism. She is also such a great advocate for all our union members, and I really appreciate her ongoing service to our members. I believe she has the skills and motivation needed for the position of Local 328 president.”

Aaron Kawamoto, IONM specialist 2: “I have proudly been an active and observant member of multiple hospital unions for over a decade. As a 2022 bargaining-team member, unit steward, and Market Based Wage Committee member, I have had the privilege of working alongside of all of these candidates. Their all-encompassing perspectives are the balanced approach our remarkably diverse 8,000+ members need and deserve. Collectively they have decades of union leadership experience that will advance Local 328 to new levels of growth and solidarity. I fully endorse the following candidates: Jennie Olson (president), Jen Laverdure (vice president), Cassie Barton (secretary), Claire Irvan (treasurer), and Haley Wolford Davis (chief steward).”

Jason Jaworski, grants & contracts administrator: “Jennie is far and away the best union steward I have ever had. Her passion and activity towards our continued improvement through the union is readily apparent, and I am extremely grateful to have her as our steward. Jennie’s awareness of the challenges to unions and of the relationship between employees and OHSU, and her engagement with our AFSCME community make her an ideal Local 328 president.”

Karyn Trivette, physical therapist: “I have been a dues-paying member of our union for 15 years, and personally have worked with all five of these candidates in some form or fashion. I endorse this slate of people who have a common goal of listening to Local 328’s members and working to strengthen our growing numbers. It’s a new and much-needed approach to have a group of member leaders with a specific vision and ability to work together. These candidates have spent time in different roles within our union and have a working knowledge that will allow progress for our union. Each one has her own skills and abilities that will allow sharing of the heavy work that is union work. Listening to our membership is key, and all of these individuals are capable, compassionate, and committed enough to do something better for our people. Having an organized platform such as what they have put forward shows the thought they have put into running for these positions, and shows where our union can go with a solidified leadership. I endorse having Jennie Olson, Jen Laverdure, Cassie Barton, Claire Irvan, and Haley Wolford Davis as our union’s executive committee, and believe this is a movement forward we all will benefit from.”

Joan Ribeiro, finance & accounting analyst 1: “Jennie has always shown compassion for any work/project she has taken on, and I know she will do the same as AFSCME president. I have also worked with Haley, and know she has the same compassion as Jennie, which will give our union a great team.”

Tabatha Milican, finance & accounting analyst 2: “From my start at OHSU, Jennie Olson has been a strong steward and committed union member. I’ve seen and experienced her advocating for workers with good outcomes. She identifies, mentors, and guides members in becoming stewards and leaders in the union. She is committed to fairness and pushing OHSU management to do what’s right. I believe that she can lead our union to become more unified and stronger!”

Mehrdad Motamed , system application analyst: “I wholeheartedly endorse Jennie for president of our local union. As a dedicated union steward in our Business Services Group (BSG) community group, she has consistently demonstrated great support for our members and a deep understanding of the complexities of union operations and contract negotiations. Her responsiveness and extensive knowledge make her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance on union matters. I am confident that with Ms. Olson leading the way, our union will do great and remain a strong advocate for the rights and welfare of every member.”

Michael Padden, grants & contracts administrator: “Jennie Olson has been an invaluable resource during her years of service as an AFSCME unit steward and secretary on the executive board, and consistently demonstrates one of the most important values of a union: solidarity. My ideal candidate will possess a genuine passion for people, experience, and the drive to continue protecting member rights, which is why I am endorsing Jennie as the next president of AFSCME Local 328.”

Tuan Trinh, pharmacist: “I’m happy to hear Jennie is running for president of Local 328. From my own experience in navigating through the grievance process at OHSU, I could see Jennie is caring, attentive, hard working, and excellent at attention to details. She is thoroughly knowledgeable of OHSU regulations and our union contract details with the hospital. This vast knowledge, in combination with her caring and protective nature of our union members, helped me a great deal in making a successful case against the allegation. I strongly approve of Jennie’s character, work ethics, and professionalism, and I believe she’ll make a great president for our union.”

Jennifer Barker, finance & accounting analyst 2: “I’ve been active in our union for about 15 years and I strongly endorse Jennie Olson, Jen Laverdure, Cassie Barton, Claire Irvan, and Haley Wolford Davis. I’ve worked with all five of them on our union’s executive board; with Jennie, Claire and Haley on the 2022 bargaining team; and with Cassie and Haley on the Employee Benefits Council, and can speak to their dedication to our union and members, their integrity, and their enthusiasm to make our union and workplace better. I can’t think of a better group of member leaders to help guide Local 328 in the coming years.”

Ryan O’Brien, cook 2

Lisa Ridley, program technician 1

Brenda Mount, sr. system application analyst

Bernadette Battilega, executive specialist

Angela Nutt, business intelligence architect

Chad Burns, sr. system application analyst

Nate Leviner, health unit coordinator

Jackie Lombard, physical therapist

Dana Hendricks, executive specialist

Madhavi Nukala, sr. application analyst

Raj Shah, unit grants & contracts administrator

Troy Winslow, respiratory care practitioner 2

Kelly Hartle, program technician 2

Casey Parr, respiratory care practitioner 2

Katy Holmes, pharmacy technician 3

Nathaniel Guard, vet research/health tech 3

Mary Miller, sr. application engineer

Alisa Mukai, unit grants & contracts administrator

Elizabeth Goetzinger, AFSCME Local 3580 chief steward, former Local 3580 president (2016 - 2022), former Oregon AFSCME Council 75 president (2021 - 2022)