General Information
The APA Nominations and Elections Committee is appointed each year in January as required by the Constitution and Bylaws. The committee will determine the timeline and dates of the election and communicate information to the membership including how many positions and what type are open and explain the nominations and elections process.
Since the APA is part of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association, there are duties associated with these affiliates which include evening and weekend events including the Representative Assemblies and other appropriate meetings to keep the APA informed of actions by these bodies.
The 2024 election Positions
APA Executive Board
Five (5) three-year positions on APA Executive Board serving 9/1/2024-8/31/2027
MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Delegate/Region Council Delegate
Four (4) three-year positions serving 9/1/2024-8/31/2027
One (1) partial term position serving 9/1/2024-8/31/2025
Individuals must be APA members in good standing to nominate or be nominated for office.
2024 Election Information
The election will be conducted through Vote.net.
A Link will be emailed to you when the Election Voting starts.
The election Voting start date is March 7th and closes on March 20th.
You must be a member in good standing (dues-paying) member to be able to vote.
Five (5) Executive Board Positions – serving 9/1/2024 – 8/31/2027
An (I) next to candidate’s name designates an incumbent
Aaron Richmond
MSU Department: ANR Technology Services
Job Title: Information Technologist I
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 11 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 11 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I’ve been working for MSU within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for over 11 years, and have seen the University go through several ups and downs.
Over that time, I’ve paid attention and I’ve learned how to talk to people. Talking to people is part of my job. Specifically finding out what is wrong, and then trying to find a way to fix it that meets everybody’s needs in as painless a way as possible. That has been my job at MSU for over a decade on the service desk. You contact me, tell me your problems, and I do what I can to fix them. When it turns out I can’t, we all get mad together at how useless I am and try to find somebody who can help the situation.
This mindset has increasingly seen me incorporate strong principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into my work. End of the day, we are all united in our tackling of the problems of the future. We do not necessarily have to enjoy the nature of the problems we face, but we must move forward with a mindset that we will all get through it. Together. Each of us bringing our unique strengths to whatever we choose to spend our resources on.
To that end, my resume is peppered here and there with committee positions. I was co-chair of the CANR DEI Committee for the last 5 years, and I was Co-chair of the Community Resources Commission for 4 (I served a total of 6).
All this comes together in a way that I feel could be used quite well in a variety of capacity by the union. I trust my contributions during the negotiation process were helpful, and I hope to be blessed by the community to continue to do more of the uniting advocacy work that I have staked my career on until now!
Alex Dawson
MSU Department: Environmental Health and Safety
Job Title: Health Physicist
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 18 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 18 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I work full time as a health physicist for MSU. I have a passion for safety and am interested in running to help the APA union make the campus more safe. I was in the Navy Reserve and helped form a rugby team in Lansing. I have also volunteered at Sparrow Hospital, McLaren Hospital and at the Unity Thanksgiving Community Meal. I have an eleven year old daughter and we enjoy spending time on the MSU campus, at the dorms, the gardens and other community events. I would like to get evolved in making the campus, not just safer, but nicer as well.
Darius Bradley (I)
MSU Department: MSU IT Office of the ACIO
Job Title: Information Technology Professional
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 32 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 17 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
In my many years of employment with the university, I have truly enjoyed the time since I have become active with the APA union. I enjoy working with and helping others find this same enjoyment in their careers that I have found. I’ve been a Spartan since I enrolled here the fall term of 1988. Spartan Strong
Jim Brinker (I)
MSU Department: Department of Family Medicine
Job Title: Communications Manager
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 13 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 13 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I’m Jim Brinker and I have served as a APA Executive Board Member for the past 3 years; I am also APA Area Representative for past 5 years. I have served on the following committees: Communications, Elections, Constitution and Bylaws, Board Member and Area Representative Recognition Policy committees. During my time serving the Union I have made my voice clear on the issues I find important and make sure our members voices are heard. I hope to continue serving the Union and its members.
Kandy Slack (I)
MSU Department: Human Resources
Job Title: Information Technology Professional/APA Membership Chair
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 10 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 10 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I got involved in the union early in my MSU career, starting as an Area Representative, then appointed to a vacant executive board seat, of which I’ve been re-elected for two consecutive terms and seeking a third. This has included being an elected MEA/NEA delegate for our members for state and national Representative Assemblies. I have been full time release as the APA Membership Chairperson for the last five years meeting with new members to learn about the many benefits of being in our union, member engagement and social events. Recently, I have been added as a member of the MAHE (Michigan Association for Higher Education) Board of Directors.
I grew up with horses, showing in 4-H for many years and was a founding member of my high school equestrian team. I have a 3rd year college student, studying ecology, evolution and organismal biology at SVSU. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats and a snake!
Kasey Wilson (I)
MSU Department: Libraries
Job Title: GIS Professional
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 9 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 8 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I grew up in North Carolina where unionization is low and not well regarded. Spending some years in Canada and now Michigan, I have seen the power of collective bargaining at work. This new understanding led me to become an Area Representative for APA members in the MSU Libraries in 2019.
Since then, I have served on several APA committees and joined the Executive Board as an interim appointment in 2023. It has been a privilege to amplify the voices of my colleagues and see how our shared voices raise each other up and provide tangible benefits. I hope the membership will see fit to elect me to a full term so that I can continue to serve our members and help improve our working lives.
Leo Sell (I)
MSU Department: MSU IT Services
Job Title: Information Technologist I
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 32 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 32 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I have worked at MSU since 1992 and for all but the very first year been engaged and active on the APA Executive Board. My initial job was with the MSU Computer Lab where I produced a newsletter called ACRONYMS (during the early years of the internet). After the unit moved to more online communication and eliminated the printed newsletter, I moved into a user support role.
From 1994 through 2008 I served as the president and chairperson of the APA. In that capacity, I was instrumental in creating a problem-solving labor culture, as well as being a large part of the negotiations of numerous APA and health care bargaining agreements. In addition to the APA leadership role I served 10 years as an Michigan Education Board of Directors member, enhancing the visibility of the APA within the state and national associations.
In mid-2008 I returned to my former department, now called MSU IT Services, and to a similar end-user support role. I have had a senior analyst position at the service desk for most of the time since my return.
My public service in the community includes a nearly 10 year stint as an East Lansing Planning Commission member and several years on the Planning Commission. As an avocation I sing as a lyric bass and have been active in various adult choral ensembles in the area.
Sally Gatlin
MSU Department: Division of Student Life & Engagement
Job Title: Lean Enterprise Manager
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 16 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 5 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I am Sally Gatlin, MA, the Lean Enterprise Manager in the Lean Enterprise and Assessment Unit in the Senior Vice President’s Office, Division of Student Life & Engagement at Michigan State University. I received my bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and my master’s degree from the MSU College of Education.
My focus in my position is continually working toward Enterprise Excellence through problem identification and resolution utilizing lean thinking, structured assessment programs, and business analytics. The focus of Lean is on Respect for People, and I believe that working with the APA Executive Board will help me fulfill this obligation toward all members of the APA.
I worked with the Negotiations Committee and was at the bargaining table in our most recent contract. I feel that I can do so much more for the greater MSU community APA team members.
I am a triathlete and finished Ironman 70.3 Michigan just last year. I love golf, traveling, and spending time with my grandchildren!
I look forward to being your representative at the Executive Board table.
Four (4) MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Delegate/Region Council Delegate serving 9/1/2024 – 8/31/2027
An (I) next to the candidate’s name designates an incumbent.
Alex Dawson
MSU Department: Environmental Health and Safety
Job Title: Health Physicist
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 18 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 18 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I work full time as a health physicist for MSU. I have a passion for safety and am interested in running to help the APA union make the campus more safe. I was in the Navy Reserve and helped form a rugby team in Lansing. I have also volunteered at Sparrow Hospital, McLaren Hospital and at the Unity Thanksgiving Community Meal. I have an eleven year old daughter and we enjoy spending time on the MSU campus, at the dorms, the gardens and other community events. I would like to get evolved in making the campus, not just safer, but nicer as well.
Darius Bradley (I)
MSU Department: MSU IT Office of the ACIO
Job Title: Information Technology Professional
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 32 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 17 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
In my many years of employment with the university, I have truly enjoyed the time since I have become active with the APA union. I enjoy working with and helping others find this same enjoyment in their careers that I have found. I’ve been a Spartan since I enrolled here the fall term of 1988. Spartan Strong
Kandy Slack (I)
MSU Department: Human Resources
Job Title: Information Technology Professional/APA Membership Chair
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 10 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 10 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I got involved in the union early in my MSU career, starting as an Area Representative, then appointed to a vacant executive board seat, of which I’ve been re-elected for two consecutive terms and seeking a third. This has included being an elected MEA/NEA delegate for our members for state and national Representative Assemblies. I have been full time release as the APA Membership Chairperson for the last five years meeting with new members to learn about the many benefits of being in our union, member engagement and social events. Recently, I have been added as a member of the MAHE (Michigan Association for Higher Education) Board of Directors.
I grew up with horses, showing in 4-H for many years and was a founding member of my high school equestrian team. I have a 3rd year college student, studying ecology, evolution and organismal biology at SVSU. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats and a snake!
Karissa Chabot-Purchase
MSU Department: Career Services Network and James Madison College
Job Title: Assistant Director, Career Services Network
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 9 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 9 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
Karissa Chabot-Purchase (she/her) is an Assistant Director with the Career Services Network, where she specializes in support for the public affairs students enrolled in James Madison College. A Madison alumna herself, Karissa earned her Master’s degree from MSU’s College of Arts and Letters before working in the Michigan Legislature for over half a decade. She’s approaching nine years in her current role on campus and is seeking to extend her involvement in the APA after volunteering on the Negotiations Committee and bargaining on behalf of all APA members through her service on the Bargaining Team this past fall.
Kasey Wilson
MSU Department: Libraries
Job Title: GIS Professional
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 9 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 8 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I grew up in North Carolina where unionization is low and not well regarded. Spending some years in Canada and now Michigan, I have seen the power of collective bargaining at work. This new understanding led me to become an Area Representative for APA members in the MSU Libraries in 2019.
Since then, I have served on several APA committees and joined the Executive Board as an interim appointment in 2023. It has been a privilege to amplify the voices of my colleagues and see how our shared voices raise each other up and provide tangible benefits. I hope the membership will see fit to elect me to a full term so that I can continue to serve our members and help improve our working lives.
One (1) MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Delegate/Region Council Delegate serving 9/1/2024 – 8/31/2025
An (I) next to the candidate’s name designates an incumbent.
Alex Dawson
MSU Department: Environmental Health and Safety
Job Title: Health Physicist
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 18 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 18 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I work full time as a health physicist for MSU. I have a passion for safety and am interested in running to help the APA union make the campus more safe. I was in the Navy Reserve and helped form a rugby team in Lansing. I have also volunteered at Sparrow Hospital, McLaren Hospital and at the Unity Thanksgiving Community Meal. I have an eleven year old daughter and we enjoy spending time on the MSU campus, at the dorms, the gardens and other community events. I would like to get evolved in making the campus, not just safer, but nicer as well.
Apa Victory
MSU Department: FRIB
Job Title: Technical Buyer
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 6 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 6 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I have been serving as an APA Area Representative for the past couple of years. I have also served in various APA committees. I look forward to continuing to work with the APA and our members if nominated for this position.
Sally Gatlin
MSU Department: Division of Student Life & Engagement
Job Title: Lean Enterprise Manager
Number of years Employed as a Regular Employee at Michigan State University: 16 years
Number of years in the APA Union: 5 years
Email address: [email protected]
Bio:
I am Sally Gatlin, MA, the Lean Enterprise Manager in the Lean Enterprise and Assessment Unit in the Senior Vice President’s Office, Division of Student Life & Engagement at Michigan State University. I received my bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and my master’s degree from the MSU College of Education.
My focus in my position is continually working toward Enterprise Excellence through problem identification and resolution utilizing lean thinking, structured assessment programs, and business analytics. The focus of Lean is on Respect for People, and I believe that working with the APA Executive Board will help me fulfill this obligation toward all members of the APA.
I worked with the Negotiations Committee and was at the bargaining table in our most recent contract. I feel that I can do so much more for the greater MSU community APA team members.
I am a triathlete and finished Ironman 70.3 Michigan just last year. I love golf, traveling, and spending time with my grandchildren!
I look forward to being your representative at the Executive Board table.