(March 15, 2007)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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In This Briefing: M. J. Burke Appointed as First Executive Vice President of the VA Council

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The AFGE/NVAC Executive Board has appointed Mary Jean Burke as First Executive Vice President of the VA Council filling the vacant position that was held by J. David Cox.   MJ as she likes to be known, started her labor career when AFGE Local 609 in Indianapolis, was consolidated to represent the professionals at her medical center. 

 

MJ Burke Highlights include:

Ø     Appointed by the NVAC in 2002, to serve as a National Safety Representative. 

Ø     Helped formulate, within the 30-day legal requirement, the official NVAC response to the 500 page Title 38 Hybrid “collaboration” process.

Ø     Is an active member on the legislative committee, since 2003.    This committee has been responsible for getting Saturday premium pay for Title 5 employees, and the insertion of the “collaboration” language for hybrid employees.

She is the Secretary- Treasurer of her local, a post she has held since 2004.   In 2002, she received the AFGE 6th District Outstanding Stewards Award.

She graduated from St. Louis University with a BS in physical Therapy in 1988 and she is a Physical Therapist at the Indianapolis VAMC.  She obtained her certification in Athletic Training in 1995, doing her clinical hours at Tennessee State University in 1992- 1994.    In 1999 she became a board-certified clinical specialist, by the American Physical Therapy Association in Geriatrics.     Please welcome MJ to the NVAC Board.