The Executive Board is excited to announce that we have unanimously elected Jessica Stewart to serve as our next SEIU Local 205 President! Maybe you know Jessica’s name or you’ve seen her speak at Activist Day or working a dozen behind the scenes roles at events and meetings. But did you know she’s been part of the union for more than 2 decades? Jessica joined the Local as a member when she worked at MDHA in the 90s. She became a Steward and was part of the team that bargained the first MOU for MDHA. She joined the staff in 2001, and in the 23 years since has worked her way up to Chief of Staff. If there’s one thing that’s clear about Jessica’s background, it’s that she’s one of us. Jessica will be the first female President of our Local. She joins other powerful Black women who are leading the labor movement in Tennessee.
“I’ve spent the last 20 plus years in service to the members of this Local and I am honored to continue to serve in this new capacity,” she told the Executive Board earlier this month. “It’s an exciting time in our country when unions are experiencing a new surge in popularity. It’s exciting to see young people be energized about being part of a union. Our Local 205 is definitely part of this surge and growth.”
We want to express our deepest gratitude to Brad Rayson for leading us as President the last 7 years. Brad has been with the Local for more than 10 years, during which our Local achieved historic wins for working families as we took on big, necessary, hard fights. Under his leadership the Local saw our largest growth in membership in 2023. Although Brad is stepping to the side, he’s not leaving just yet. He will continue to work part time as a Senior Staff Representative, handling negotiations and arbitrations.
We are excited about what’s in store for this year. Please give Jessica a shout to tell her congratulations next time you see her or drop her a note (jstewart@seiu205.org).
In solidarity,
SEIU Local 205 Executive Committee
Greg, Ashlee, Honey, Brenda, Devita, Steven & Jason
