Mary Short Named OPEIU Vice President

Union, New Jersey – The Executive Board of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, CLC has appointed Mary Short to serve as Vice President for Region II on the Executive Board.  Short is the President of OPEIU Local 32 in Union, New Jersey. 

“Mary has been a dedicated union leader for many years who has worked diligently to improve wages and conditions for working families in New Jersey and surrounding areas,” said OPEIU President Michael Goodwin.  “Her experience at Local 32, defending members and negotiating higher pay and benefits, makes her the perfect person to represent the members of Region II on the OPEIU Executive Board.”

Short has been employed by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) since March 3, 1980 and has been a dedicated union leader since helping to organize its clerical workers in 1989.  She has served as the unit’s chief steward since their first contract was negotiated that same year.  Short has held a number of positions with Local 32, including executive board member, recording secretary, vice president, and her current position as president. 

“I thank God, President Goodwin, Secretary-Treasurer Mahoney, the OPEIU Executive Board and Local 32’s Executive Board for their support and the opportunity given to me by this appointment to continue serving OPEIU members and future members,” said Short.

Short fills a vacancy left on the board by the death of Allen Byron in February 2012. Byron had represented OPEIU Region II and served as Secretary-Treasurer/Business Manager of Local 32 since 2006.  He had served on the OPEIU Executive Board since January 2010.