New York, NY (May 4, 2012) –  The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Nurses Council executive board has elected officers to two-year terms at its meeting held in Dallas, Texas on May 2, 2012.  The OPEIU Nurses Council represents approximately 10,000 nurses affiliated with OPEIU throughout the United States. 

Paige Yates, RN, president of OPEIU Local 22 in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been elected to serve as Council Chair.  Joan Craft, RN, president of the Hawai’i Nurses Association (HNA)/OPEIU Local 50 was elected as Vice Chair, and Dina Carlisle, RN, trustee of OPEIU Local 40 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan was elected Secretary-Treasurer.

“The board has elected officers who care deeply about the future of the nursing profession,” said OPEIU International President Michael Goodwin.  “The OPEIU Nurses Council was established to strengthen our nurses within the industry, both at the bargaining table and in terms of organizing new members, and these officers are dedicated to fulfilling this mission. 

“Solidarity among nurses, regardless of Local Union affiliation and region, makes OPEIU a more effective representative of the nursing profession throughout the country.   It also paves the way to help promote a climate of professionalism within the nursing community, promoting best practices regarding patient care, safety concerns and compensation issues,” continued
Goodwin.