Introducing the United DC37 Retirees Slate

Juan Fernandez is a battle-tested leader and proud DC37 retiree with over 30 years of union service. He was the President of Local 154 at the Human Rights Commission, DC37 Vice President, Trustee of the DC37 Health and Security Fund and DC37 Delegate. Juan is a representative in constituency organizations. He has consistently stood up for working people and retirees.

Juan also served on the Retirees Policy and Governance Committee. He worked with fellow retirees to help create the DC37 Retirees Association Constitution. He is committed to building an organization grounded in the voices, priorities, and power of its members.

As a proud member of the United DC37 Retirees Slate, Juan Fernandez is ready to protect retiree benefits and will fight for stronger benefits for all.

Stephanie Thomas is a proven union leader. She is a former member of Local 2627, where she served the union with distinction as both a Trustee and a Delegate. During a 32-year career as a Computer Specialist with the Fire Department, Ms. Thomas also served for 14 years as a Shop Steward, representing and supporting fellow members.

Her record of service reflects a consistent commitment to workplace safety, equitable promotional practices, and professional guidance. Throughout her years of service, she demonstrated a willingness to address management directly when necessary in support of the membership.

In retirement, Ms. Thomas has remained actively engaged in union service and currently serves on the Policy and Governance Committee.

Ms. Thomas is the mother of two adult daughters and the grandmother of a teenage grandson. She is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, a historically Black college and university, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1980. In 2011, she completed a master's degree in Project Management.

Stephanie remains committed to serving the retirees and will work diligently to push the initiatives of our members.

Martine Ortiz has built her career on service, accountability, and a strong commitment to union members and retirees. An active member of the DC 37 Retirees Association, she has served as co-chair of the Social and Community Engagement Committee since its inception, helping to strengthen outreach, communication, and member engagement. Before retiring, she was a proud member of CUNY Local 384 as a Human Resources Office Assistant and was an IT Assistant in Local 1524 at Queens College.

In that capacity, she and her peers devised an original method for campus access that helped students and faculty return safely to campus during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the team receiving CUNY's highest technological achievement award. She has also worked for the Unified Court System in a variety of capacities providing professional public service first as a court administrator and in other capacities on behalf of numerous courthouses.

She pursued her education while working full time, always continuing to perform related services directly reflecting her educational experience, including but not limited to: Contract Administrator, Procurement Manager and Purchasing Officer, Telecommunications Manager, Bank Examiner Supervisor, Tax Collector, Senior Supervising Trust Administrator, Senior Vice President Compliance Officer.

Her financial service experience in accounting, procurement, regulatory compliance and governmental administration provides her with the fiscal acumen to properly advocate for and protect the earned benefits of retirees.

Her community service extends beyond the workplace. She was selected and participates in the Mayor's program entitled "My NY Story", a joint DCYF and Department of Aging program that mentors and assists students with personal and professional growth. She also participates in her local AARP chapter and has helped organize donations and community support for homeless residents displaced due to fires or unforeseen circumstances.

Martine Ortiz is committed to protecting retiree benefits, defending COLA and healthcare, safeguarding seniors from financial exploitation, and supporting policies that help older adults age in place with dignity. Through her leadership on the Social and Community Engagement Committee, she is ready to continue strengthening communication, protecting member benefits, and ensuring retirees remain informed, respected, and represented.

Page Best-Hardy is a faithful and fearless woman of God whose life reflects service, advocacy, and community empowerment. She is a widow, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, urban sociologist, parent advocate, community leader, actress, and accountant with 15 years of private-sector experience.

A native New Yorker, she has dedicated her career, voice, and leadership to organizing and empowering underserved communities, with a focus on strengthening public systems in education, housing, and environmental justice.

For 20 years, Page served with Local 372 in the New York City Department of Education as a Family Leadership Coordinator in Ocean Hill-Brownsville. She now serves as CEO of FaITH In GOD Consultants, Inc., where she continues her work to elevate and empower parent voices.

Since retiring in November 2022, she remains active in labor and civic leadership. For the past three years, she has served as a DC 37 Political Action Committee Volunteer Member Organizer, providing phone banking and door knocking to inform members and retirees about DC 37's candidate endorsements. She serves as Co-Chair of the DC 37 Retirees Political and Legislative Action/P.E.O.P.L.E. Committee and is an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and the A. Philip Randolph Institute.

Across every platform, including the arts, Page Best-Hardy uses her voice to inform, uplift, and inspire meaningful change. Her accounting background strengthens her leadership in financial stewardship, accountability, and community service, making her a strong selection for DC 37 Retirees Association's Associate Secretary-Treasurer.

Deborah Tyson has dedicated her career to public service, union values, and community leadership. She retired from New York City service in December 2022 after serving in several city agencies, concluding her career at the Human Resources Administration as a Job Opportunity Specialist. A proud member of Local 371, Deborah understands that strong unions are built through active participation, shared purpose, and a steadfast commitment to protecting and uplifting working people and retirees.

Since attending her first in-person DC37 Retirees Association Membership Meeting in April 2025, Deborah has stepped forward to serve with energy and purpose. She expressed interest in committee work and has been an active member of the Social and Community Engagement Committee since July 2025, demonstrating her belief that union leadership and community service go hand in hand.

Her broader record of service includes leadership as Province II President of The Order of the Daughters of the King and service as a founding member and former Recording Secretary of the Corona-East Elmhurst Historic Preservation Society in Queens.

With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Queens College and New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, along with a graduate certificate from George Washington University in Job Placement and Development.

Deborah is the proud mother of an adult daughter and two teenage grandchildren, bringing thoughtful leadership, experience, integrity, and a clear vision to strengthen union solidarity, expand member engagement, and ensure retirees remain connected, respected, and empowered.

I worked for NYC Dept. of HPD for approximately 38 years and have been an active retiree since my retirement in January 2022.

As a retiree I have had the pleasure of being a part of a great team of retirees who worked on the Governance Committee. We created the new retiree constitution which the membership approved. It was an honor to be part of the team that got the retirees on the path of ending the administratorship.

I assisted members preparing to retire when they were feeling confused about the retirement process because I was surprised by the amount of information I did not receive.

As a snowbird spending the winters in Florida, I was able to attend a few retiree meetings and reconnect with a great group of people. I look forward to attending additional Florida meetings.

When I was an active employee, I was Shop Steward for Local 2627 (23 yrs), Delegate to DC37 (22 yrs), Secretary of Local 2627 (14 yrs), Health & Safety Committee (14 yrs) and the Workplace Violence Committee (8 yrs).

I assisted members with the filing of civil service exams and appeals by creating detailed appeal instructions, breaking down the existing rules and policies, holding workshops explaining the proper way to navigate and succeed with the new civil service exam requirements, coaching individual members on changes and the future appeal process, and training, reviewing and providing feedback to help members succeed. Every member I assisted won their appeal.

With all the different roles I have had as an active employee and as a retiree, I have gained significant experience collaborating effectively in group environments.

I am dedicated to protecting and enhancing retiree benefits and services.

I am asking for your vote.

Petrona Graham is a distinguished member of Local 1549 with more than 29 years of dedicated union service. She retired from the Department of Environmental Protection, Clean Water Unit, where she served as a timekeeper and was widely recognized for her exceptional customer service, reliability, and commitment to her colleagues.

Throughout her career, Petrona was deeply engaged in union leadership, serving as a shop steward and delegate, advocating for workers' rights, and supporting her fellow members.

Her commitment extends beyond the workplace into broader labor and community efforts. Petrona has been actively involved with several organizations, including the Jerome Green Democratic Club and the DC 37 Political Action Department, where she served as a Coordinator for the Bronx. She is also an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) where she served as a treasurer, and the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). In addition, she contributes to the DC 37 Retiree Membership and Recruitment Committee, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to strengthening union participation.

A passionate advocate for retirees, Petrona works to organize and empower them to use their collective voice and voting power to ensure their needs are addressed with dignity and respect.

Outside of her union work, Petrona is deeply committed to her faith and community. She is an active member of Bronx Refuge Church, where she serves as Senior Choir Director and as a member of the Trustee Board.

Petrona is the widow of the late Donald Graham and a devoted mother and grandmother. She is especially proud of her three grandsons, who are excelling in their respective fields — medicine, pharmacy, and education. Through her service, faith, and family, Petrona continues to inspire and lead others to stand strong, stay engaged, and make their voices heard.

Neal Frumkin is a dedicated unionist and retiree leader who has served the DC 37 Retirees' Association with distinction for 24 years. He worked as a caseworker in the Department of Social Services and served as a delegate for SSEU Local 371 for more than 30 years.

Throughout his career, he took part in anti-racist and anti-sexist struggles against layoffs, cutbacks, and workfare. Neal has served on the board of the Retirees' Association for 20 years, first as an Associate and later as Vice President for Inter-Union Relations, helping to build solidarity among unions and community organizations.

He currently represents the Association in the Council of Municipal Retiree Organizations, where he continues to advocate for the protection of retiree health care. He was also among the retirees who early on protested efforts to force retirees into Medicare "Advantage" plans. As a trustee on the DC 37 Health and Security Fund, Neal strengthened his work defending retiree benefits.

He also successfully introduced a resolution before the DC 37 delegates' assembly, the AFSCME retiree council, and the AFSCME convention calling for a broad fight against the high cost of prescription drugs.

Neal is married, has three children and five grandchildren, and enjoys birdwatching in Prospect Park.

Jon Forster brings 45 years of distinguished service and leadership to DC37/AFSCME as both a union member and retiree. He has served on the DC37 Executive Board and Executive Budget Committee and held the positions of 1st Vice President and Secretary of Local 375/DC37.

For more than 30 years, he served as a grievance representative, advocating for members and defending their rights with consistency and integrity. He also helped limit the use of Palm Scanners in CityTime and expose fraudulent contracting that returned $500 million to New York City.

In 2014, he helped found the DC37 Climate Justice Committee and has served as Co-Chair ever since, advancing discussion on pension divestment in fossil fuel, impact of Hurricane Irma on Puerto Rico, and climate as a workplace issue.

As a longtime delegate to the DC37 Delegates' Meeting, he has remained active, engaged, and well informed. With proven experience and a lifelong commitment to union values, Jon Forster will work to safeguard retirees' health care, pensions, and benefits to build a stronger future for all DC37 retirees.

Barbara Reeves is a former board member of Local 205, where she served as a Member at Large and Delegate. She worked at Omega Day Care Center in Queens for over 25 years as a teacher and head cook. Barbara also dedicated 17 years as a shop steward, advocating for her coworkers and ensuring their voices were heard.

Her union experience includes serving on the grievance committee and participating in contract negotiations to protect workers' rights and improve conditions for members. She is an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and remains engaged in meetings and political action efforts that support workers and communities.

In the past, Barbara served on the Parent Teachers Association as Vice President and Treasurer. Her service in the PTA reflects her long-standing commitment to serving others and strengthening her community. She enjoys attending workshops to build on her strengths.

As a widow and mother of two sons who serve as police officers, she understands the importance of dedication, service, and standing up for what is right.

Barbara Reeves is committed to working hard to fight for retirees, ensuring they receive the respect, benefits, and support they have earned through years of dedicated service.

Marcell Monroe is a dedicated and committed member of the DC 37 Retirees Association. She is also a member in good standing of AFSCME Retirees and an active AFSCME PEOPLE member.

She retired from the Administration for Children's Services after 30 years of service in a variety of titles and locations. Her final title was Child Evaluation Specialist, Licensed Master Social Worker, in the Staten Island field office.

During her career, Marcell was elected and served as a Delegate/Alternate at several locations in Brooklyn and Staten Island with Local 371. She also served on the Crisis Intervention Team with Local 371.

Marcell is especially passionate about fighting injustice, particularly on issues that directly affect retirees' benefits, health care, and labor rights. She is committed to supporting her fellow retirees by helping to maintain, improve, and protect our benefits while also encouraging greater member engagement. We must stand united, so our voices are heard and respected.

Marcell is a proud supporter of Doctors Without Borders and has been a contributing member since 2012. She also holds memberships with Audubon, the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, and other organizations.

Whenever there is an opportunity to make a positive difference in her community, Marcell makes herself readily available.

Bruce Heigh brings a lifetime of proven union service, leadership, and dedication to our membership. From his early years in Local 1549 to 38 years with Local 2627 at HRA as a Computer Specialist (Software). Bruce served as the Treasurer for Local 2627 for 34 years and a delegate to DC 37 and the NYC Central Labor Council. Bruce has built a strong history of leadership, but a continued promise to stand with and work for our members every day.

Bruce has never stopped working for the people of our union. And retirement has not slowed him down. He served on the DC 37 Retirees Association as Office Manager (8 years) and Recording Secretary (6 years), and continued as a delegate to DC 37 and the NYC Central Labor Council.

Bruce is a graduate of CCNY and a family man with two adult children and two grandsons.

Bruce Heigh understands the value of commitment, service, and legacy. He has devoted decades to strengthening our union and advocating for members both during his career and in retirement.

Bruce will continue to bring steady leadership, deep experience, and an unshakable commitment to the members.

John Lewis has been an active retiree for over 20 years. He was instrumental in coordinating and running the West Coast Florida meetings with Carol Rosenblat for over 20 years. He worked with the Association regarding the mailings and fielded calls from members answering their questions and assisting them with their issues.

While John Lewis was an active employee, he was a Shop Steward for Local 372 for 10 years before moving over to HPD as a member of Local 1549. John worked his way up to Assistant Director which he held for 5 years until he retired.

John was very active with the DC37 political action committee for 10 years.

John is very excited to reactivate the Florida retirees. He understands their needs and he is excited to be a part of the new Executive Board now that the administratorship is coming to an end.

Thomas Schechter is a proud member of DC 37 Retirees and Resilient Retirees and has been an active member of Local 371 for over 30 years, with 11 years of involvement in DC 37 Retirees.

During his time at Bronx APS, Thomas was widely recognized as an expert in home care and Medicaid, providing guidance and support across the entire office for many years.  Additionally he was the union delegate in the office as well as a delegate to the Central Labor Council and to the 2012 AFSCME Convention.  Tom is known for his versatility.  He successfully supervised three different units with distinct functions, deadlines, and responsibilities.

Thomas is deeply passionate about retiree benefits and healthcare. His commitment to healthcare advocacy began at an early age, shaped by personal experience, and has remained a driving force behind his dedication to helping others.

Through his experience, resilience, and dedication, Thomas continues to inspire and lead fellow retirees to stand informed, stay engaged, and advocate for the care and benefits they deserve.

With more than 15 years of experience championing community service, compliance, and union leadership, Verone Nelson is a committed member of DC 37 Local 375. She began her public service career with HPD before her program transitioned to the Department for the Aging, where she retired in 2011.

Throughout her career, Verone served as an Eligibility Supervisor for the S.C.R.I.E. (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) Program and later as a Contract Manager for the NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) Program. In these roles, she helped improve services for older adults by resolving complex cases, ensuring accurate benefit calculations to maximize senior eligibility, establishing managerial standards for program utilization and implementation, and monitoring provider budgets while ensuring compliance with program guidelines and senior eligibility requirements.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Verone has remained deeply engaged in union and community advocacy. She currently serves as President of AFSCME Retirees Sub-Chapter 153, where she represents members in Southern Nevada.

As a retiree and candidate for Vice President-at-Large, Verone aims to engage and empower DC37 retirees across the country by helping them understand and expand their rights, access their entitlements, and stay connected to the union community.