State Employees Association of North Carolina
Convention Delegates Elect SEANC Officers
GREENSBORO — Delegates at the 35th Annual SEANC Convention elected officers for 2018-2020 on Sept. 7 in Greensboro. The officers are:
President — James “Jimmy” Davis of Forest City (District 4) retired as a probation parole officer with 29.5 years of state service and is a 29-year SEANC member. He served as First Vice President prior to the election. Davis has served at both the district and state levels, including as State Bylaws Chairman for four years. He is a former District Chairperson of the Year recipient.
First Vice President — Martha Fowler of Mebane (Distict 19) retired from state government after 33 years and is a 34-year SEANC member. She served as Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman last year. Fowler has served as a leader in many capacities at both the district and state levels, including SEANC General Treasurer. She graduated magna cum laude from N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University with a degree in social services. She was also the recipient of SEANC’s first Distinguished Service Award.
Second Vice President — Kirk Montgomery of Burlington (District 25) has 22 years of state service and is a 20-year SEANC member. He is the LIMS Manager at the State Lab of Public Health. Montgomery served as SEANC Treasurer last year. He holds an associate’s degree in civil engineering, a bachelor’s degree in business
administration and a master’s degree in information systems.
General Treasurer — Chevella Thomas of Durham (District 27) retired as an accountant with 33 years of state service with N.C. Central University’s Division of Administration and Finance and is a 33-year SEANC member. Thomas served as Second Vice President last year. She holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and management and a master’s degree in information sciences.
Statewide EMPAC Chairman —
Mark Dearmon of Raleigh (District 39) retired from N.C. State University Communications in 2016 after more than 39 years of service. He has been an active member of SEANC for more than 20 years, during which he has led
numerous committees at the state and district level. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communications from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in education from N.C. State.
Stanley Drewery of Grifton (District 67) will continue to serve on SEANC’s Executive Committee as the Immediate Past President.
The officers were sworn in on Sept. 8. Their two-year terms began on Oct. 1, 2018, except for the EMPAC Chairperson, whose term begins on Jan. 1, 2019.
In addition to electing officers, SEANC recognized Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake) and Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake) as recipients of the Lisa B. Mitchell Legislator of the Year award. Featured speakers at the event included State Treasurer Dale Folwell and State Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson. Convention delegates also contributed more than $15,000 to an emergency assistance fund for members and their families.
SEANC’s statewide officers are (from left) President Jimmy Davis, First Vice President Martha Fowler, Second Vice President Kirk Montgomery and General Treasurer Chevella Thomas.
REPORTER THE
Jonathan owens, Editor-In-Chief Beth Dew, Managing Editor amanDa wise, Associate Editor
State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609
Telephone 919-833-6436, 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org
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Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Janice Smith explains the advantages of SEANC membership to a new employee at the Appalachian State University New Faculty/Staff Educational Mall.
Legislators tour the NCSU Minerals Lab in Asheville
District 3 member Kathy Howell signs up a new member on Aug. 9 at Appalachian State University.
District 9 member Mark Leatherman (left) signs up a new member at the Catawba County D.O.T. Maintenance Shop in Newton on Aug. 13.
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts held a benefits fair on Sept. 25. District 16 Chairman Steve Lawson (right) meets with Melissa Upton, who joined that day.
Then First Vice President Jimmy Davis and then District 2 Chairman Cliff Johnson attended the Polk County Schools Wellness Fair on Aug. 22 to speak with employees about SEANC member benefits.
North Carolina State University Minerals Lab Director Dr. Robert Mensah-Biney (left) and District 2 member Jon Simms (right ) showing Sen. Terry Van Duyn (D-Buncombe) and Sen. John Ager (D-Buncombe) minerals.
Sen. Chuck Edwards (R-Buncombe) (center) poses for a picture with Lab Director Dr. Robert Mensah-Biney and District 2 member Jon Simms.
District 58 supports Wayne Opportunity Center in Goldsboro which provides pre-vocational and basic life skills training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Pictured are Wayne Opportunity Center Executive Director Amy Hartley (left) receiving a monetary contribution from District 58 Chairwoman Pam Hailey (right).
CELIA WILSON
JOHNNY DAVISON
JOHNNY DAVISON
JOHNNY
2018 SEANC CONVENTION
'SEANC is the one and only voice for state employees and retirees'
After attending my first SEANC convention some 20 years ago, I left that convention feeling more passionate about SEANC than ever. I learned a lot as I became active in SEANC and want to thank President Drewery and other past presidents for guiding me through my SEANC state office transitions.
I have always stood up for the rights of our members and will continue to make SEANC a member-driven association as your president. SEANC is the one and the only voice for state employees and retirees. Let us stand together today and every day for our association.
We have faced hard times and weathered many storms together, but our fight continues. There are leaders in the legislature who want to see SEANC fold up and go away. I ask you this: Can you picture yourself the day after the bill passes removing our dues deduction? Or, the day after the bill passes that would further reduce benefits packages? Or, the day after there is no one to speak up for you?
STATE PERSONNEL CASES: PROTECTING STATE EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
Representing State Employees in Grievances, Court of Appeals, and NC Office of Administrative Hearings
■ Disciplinary Appeals
■ Grievances / Just Cause
■ Exempt Designation
■ Health Care Registry
■ Whistleblower Cases
■ Dismissal Appeals
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State employees are good people. But even good people make mistakesmistakes that violate your rights as a career employee, discriminate against you, or cost you a promotion or job.
My practice is restricted to state personnel disciplinary and licensing matters. I have litigated personnel cases in the Office of Administrative Hearings since the 1990s.
If you have a grievance, disciplinary appeal, or any state employment matter, call (919) 865-2572 or email me at michael@mbyrnelawnc.com.
Learn how I put 20 years of experience and consistent success in state personnel cases to work for you - when your rights are on the line.
LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL C. BYRNE
As your SEANC president, I will lead the fight to protect and enhance the rights and benefits of current, retired and future state employees and strengthen our relationship with likeminded legislators.
By strengthening EMPAC, we can hold legislators accountable. We must send a strong message to those who oppose SEANC — those who intend to stop us — that we cannot and will not be silenced!
One of SEANC’s accomplishments this past year in which I’m most proud, is our prison reform committee. After five correctional officers were killed in prisons while on the job, SEANC took a strong stand by establishing this group. Through this committee, Department of Public Safety employees can express their concerns and tell their stories confidentially. These listening sessions have already lead to reforms and increased pay, but there is much more work to be done.
I plan to establish similar committees for other state employee groups because member insight can make a difference in our fight.
Thank you to this delegation for having the faith in me to elect me as your next SEANC president. I promise I won’t let you down.
Thank you District 4 for everything you’ve done! You have been my rock, supporting and encouraging me. Past President Shirley Bell has been my support and did my seconding speech. I appreciate it so much.
Thank you to my family for being here today for me. It means a lot.
SEANC is the greatest and the strongest state employee association in North Carolina and in surrounding states. Now, I ask you as the SEANC association that I fell in love with 20 years ago, let’s work together and show the General Assembly who’s boss in Raleigh.
The following are excerpts from SEANC President Jimmy Davis' candidate speech and acceptance speech during the 35th Annual SEANC Convention on Sept. 7.
SEANC President Jimmy Davis
2018-2019 SEANC BOARD
President
Jimmy Davis
District 4
Forest City
Department of Public Safety (retired)
First Vice
President
Martha Fowler
District 19
Mebane
UNC-Chapel Hill (retired)
Second Vice
President
Kirk Montgomery
District 25
Burlington Department of Health and Human Services
Treasurer
Chevella L. Thomas
District 27
Durham
North Carolina
Central University (retired)
Immediate
Past President
Stanley W. Drewery
District 67
Grifton
Department of Public Safety (retired)
Piedmont Region
Chenell Rose
District 12
Charlotte
Department of Public Safety
North Central Region
Patsy Acquista
District 41
Raleigh
Johnston Community College
South Central Region
Jeremy Register
District 23
Whiteville
Department of Transportation
Eastern Region
Rita Woods
District 68
Creswell
Department of Public Safety (retired)
Western Region
Tony Smith
District 5
Morganton
Department of Public Safety
Retiree Council
Chairman Benny Brigman
District 58
Hookerton
Department of Public Safety (retired)
Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman
Janice Smith
District 3
Fleetwood
Appalachian State University
President’s Assistants
Secretary Betty Gautier
District 38
Benson
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (retired)
Parliamentarian
Roy McGalliard
District 5
Collettsville Western Piedmont Community College (retired)
Parliamentarian
Joyce B. Shaw
District 69
Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City State University
District 1
Mark Haskett Cullowhee
Western Carolina University
District 2
Bill Danielson
Arden Department of Commerce
District 3
Anne Castro
Bakersville
Mayland Community College (retired)
District 4
Jerry Bridges
Polkville
Department of Transportation (retired)
District 6
Sonya Akbar Morganton Department of Health and Human Services (retired)
District 7
Henry Belada Morganton
Department of Health and Human Services (retired)
District 8
Julie Jenkins
Hiddenite
Department of Public Safety
District 9
Jamie Robinson
Taylorsville
Department of Transportation (retired)
District 10
Tonia Warnic
Huntersville
Department of Public Safety
District 11
Kenny Brower
Wadesboro
Department of Transportation
District 13
Mary Clark
Charlotte
Central Piedmont Community College
District 16
Steve Lawson
Belews Creek
Department of Transportation (retired)
District 17
Kemrey LaMarr McLeansville Department of Transportation
District 18
Pam Locklear
Shannon Department of Public Safety
District 19
Anthony Weaver Rougemont
Department of Public Safety (retired)
District 20
Jacque Chatman
Red Springs Department of Public Safety
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
2018 CONVENTION
State Treasurer Dale Folwell and SEANC Executive Director Robert Broome take a moment to smile for the camera.
District 57 Chairman Tom Sheen announced the district's contribution to this year's community service project.
SEIU President Mary Kay Henry praised SEANC's accomplishments, including the minimum wage increase for members and many others across the state.
Piedmont Regional Representative Chenell Rose shows her SEANC spirit.
Then President Stanley W. Drewery presided over the delegation as Convention Chairman.
District 65 members (left to right) Cynthia Brown, Mary Johnson, Phyllis Hart and Lina Johnson attend one of the five breakout training sessions.
District 2 delegates (left to right) Kim Roland, Shaketria Lindsey, Aldwin Lance and Sylvia Clement are ready for the business session to begin.
Director of Operations Mitch Leonard gave an update about the State Retirement System and Health Plan to capacity crowds
State Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson, on behalf of Gov. Roy
thanked everyone for their state service and explained OSHR's plans for improving the workplace environment and the lives of state employees and retirees.
Member Reception
Ice Cream Social & Game Night
Thursday, Sept. 6
Convention Hall
Then First Vice President Jimmy Davis thanked everyone for praying for his grandson, Evan, who had been in the hospital.
The first business session began with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Honor Guard presenting the colors while the delegation recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
during his breakout training sessions.
Cooper,
CONVENTION PHOTOS BY AMANDA WISE, SUZANNE BEASLEY AND TAMARA BRIDGES
2018 CONVENTION
Retiree Council Chairman and District 58 member Benny Brigman received the Distinguished Service Award.
Scholarship Foundation Raffle Winners
Grand Prize ($6,000)
Rebekah Bell, District 63
Second Prize ($3,000)
Brenda Clark, District 42
Third Prize ($1,000)
Lewis Sasser, District 62
Membership Contest Winners
First Place ($300)
Ron Fields, District 20 300+ new members
Second Place ($200)
Tracy Webb, District 42 121 new members
Third Place ($100)
Jacque Chatman, District 20 64 new members
District 58 member Willie James Walker received the Member of the Year Award
Then District 62 Chairwoman Laura Overstreet received the District Chairperson of the Year Award
District 7 Chairman Henry Belada accepts the District of the Year Award from State Awards Chairwoman Janice Bass.
District 66 member Spillman Grice (left) accepts the Bob Hopper Retiree Achievement Award from Retiree Council Chairman Benny Brigman.
Then President Stanley Drewery Awarded District 19 member Martha Fowler the President's Award
The Member Relations staff received the Darrell Arnold Award for excellence as SEANC staff members. Pictured: C.J. Stephens, Celia Wilson, Felicia Chaimbiro, Gloria Evans, Lynn Cote, Tamara Bridges, Dennis Hartley, Benny Brigman and Johnny Davison. Not pictured is Carri Derrick.
Member Discount Contest Winners: First Place Tie ($500) — Tim Southard (District 4) and District 7 Chairman Henry Belada with 15 new businesses; Second Place ($300) — Sharron Patterson (District 18) with 9 new businesses and Third Place ($200) — Lena Williams (District 42) with five new businesses.
District 13 Chairwoman Mary Clark received the Gloria M. Upperman EMPAC Activist Award.
Jackson, Dollar named Legislators of the Year
GREENSBORO – EMPAC, the political arm of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, presented its Lisa B. Mitchell Legislators of the Year awards on Sept. 8 to Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake) and Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake).
Statewide EMPAC Chairman Tony Smith of Morganton presented the awards to the lawmakers at the 35th Annual SEANC Convention at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro for their diligence working on state employee and retiree issues in the 2018 session.
Dollar, now a three-time recipient of the award, has a long history of support for state employees and retirees. In his role as the House budget writer, he worked to make North Carolina the first state in the union with a $15 per hour minimum salary for state employees. The budget also included funding for at least a 2 percent increase for all other employees as well
as five days of bonus leave and a retiree bonus.
“He is a true friend,” Smith said of Dollar when presenting the award.
“Everyone wants your attention when you write the state budget. But Rep. Dollar makes time for state employees each and every time we come calling. And he has worked tirelessly to protect state employees from unpleasant surprises in legislation.”
Jackson, now a two-time winner of the award, has remained a strong advocate for state employee and retiree issues throughout his rise in the legislature. In his current role as House Minority Leader, he consistently uses his voice and impressive debating skills to protect state employees.
“Rep. Jackson has done a great job of making sure freshman members of his caucus are exposed to the issues important to SEANC,” Smith said. “He is one of the first people our lobbyists go to when they need help on an issue.”
SEANC ready to help members affected by Hurricane Florence
Delegates worked hard at the Annual SEANC Convention, but they also took a moment to give back with a community service project each year.
This year’s community service project — building up the SEANC Fallen Member/Natural Disaster Fund — had extra importance, as Hurricane Florence was steadily churning just off the coast. Delegates and districts raised more than $15,000 for the fund.
The slow-moving Florence made landfall the weekend following the convention and pounded the state for four straight days. Torrential rainfall caused widespread flooding and more than $17 billion in damage, making
it one of the worst disasters in this state’s history.
State employees stepped up to the challenge. SEANC would like to thank all of the employees who worked tirelessly through the storm and since, including those in N.C. Emergency Management, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Public
Safety and Transportation, who kept vital services running throughout.
If you or a fellow member you know suffered damage to property as a result of Florence, you may qualify for a grant from the SEANC Fallen Member/Natural Disaster Relief Fund.
Grants from the fund are available to SEANC members who can demonstrate a need following the storm. In order to qualify for funds, the affected member must have been a SEANC member in good standing for a minimum of the previous six months from the time of the disaster.
To apply for aid from the SEANC Fallen Member/Natural Disaster Fund, visit www.seanc.org/apply-for-aid.
Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake)
Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake)
1621 Midtown Place
Raleigh, NC 27609
Raleigh, NC
SEANC stands with Folwell on State Health Plan reforms
RALEIGH — The State Employees Association of North Carolina on Oct. 10 announced its support for State Treasurer Dale Folwell’s plan to base provider reimbursements paid by the State Health Plan on a referencebased government pricing model rather than commercial-based model.
“Consumers can’t make informed health care choices without transparency in pricing,” said SEANC Executive Director Robert Broome. “Treasurer Folwell is keeping his promise to State Health Plan members and taxpayers to be open and honest about the cost of their health care, while remaining committed to keeping those costs down.”
The State Health Plan suffers from a severe lack of transparency in payment methodology. In September, Folwell showed SEANC Convention delegates a document he received from UNC Health Care that was supposed to provide details about roughly $270 million in charges to the State Health Plan. The 100-page packet was so heavily redacted that entire pages were blocks of black ink.
“That is wrong. State employees, retirees and other taxpayers have a right to know what they are paying for when it comes to health care,” continued Broome.
Under the current model, the price for some procedures compared to the Medicare reimbursement rate
varies from as little as 71 percent to a budget-busting 994 percent. A strategy that caps reimbursement at an average of 177 percent of Medicare rates will save state employees and retirees more than $60 million. This move will benefit taxpayers as part of Folwell’s plan to reduce overall State Health Plan costs by more than $300 million. This savings will give the State Health Plan the opportunity to freeze or reduce premiums, co-pays and deductibles making the Plan more affordable for state employees and their dependents.
SEANC has advocated for years in favor of a transparent reimbursement model that provides quality health care with affordable pricing that is fair, reasonable and predictable.