Steve Howard named VSEA executive director

Steve Howard will step up to the top job at the union representing state workers, the board of trustees of the 5,400-member Vermont State Employees' Association decided this week.

Howard, 42, of Montpelier, has been the union's legislative director since January 2013. He replaces Mark Mitchell who has resigned to move to Florida.

In a written statement, Howard said he would continue the work that Mitchell undertook to grow membership and mobilize members at their work sites.

Howard explained in a phone interview that mobilizing members means finding leaders at work sites and helping them build their power to not only defend workers' rights as spelled out in the union contract, but to improve working conditions and make sure workers' voices are heard.

There are several issues that concern the union, Howard said, citing state government's use of private contractors and retaliation against whistleblowers.

He will be spared immediate involvement in negotiating a contract because a new, two-year contract is just taking effect.

"I am very excited to assume this new role with the VSEA, and I look forward now to using my years of campaign, advocacy and union work to help advance the goals and mission of this great organization and its members," he said in the email announcement of his promotion.

Prior to joining the VSEA in 2013, Howard was a victims' advocate in the Chittenden County State's Attorney's office.

He has extensive political experience. He represented Rutland in the House from 1993-1999 and again from 2005-2010. He chaired the Vermont Democratic Party from 1995-1997. He was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010.

Contact Nancy Remsen at 578-5685 or nremsen@freepressmedia.com. Follow Nancy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nancybfp