State AFL-CIO VP, J. David Cox, elected AFGE National President

Congratulations, Mr. President!

We are thrilled to report that one of our own vice presidents, Jeffery David Cox, Sr, a V.A. nurse and member of Local 1738 in Salisbury, won election as National President of the American Federation of Government Employees!

"Strategically, we’re going to take this union to a much higher level," Cox told the Washington Post in an interview after his election.

"The strength of unity is the only way we are going to fight back against the anti-government and anti-union forces that want to dismantle the vital programs and services federal employees provide each and every day to millions of Americans," Cox said in a press release. "I am honored and humbled that AFGE's members chose me to lead this fight."

North Carolina union members will get a chance to hear from the new AFGE president when J. David Cox delivers the keynote address to delegates and guests at the P.R. Latta Awards banquet during our 55th Annual Convention in Raleigh, next month.

According to his official biography, "Cox is known for his passion for organizing. Since Cox was first elected to national office, AFGE has boosted membership by more than 52,000 members and has increased the union’s political clout by expanding the size and scope of the union's political action committee and its legislative action fund."

Winning election to the top post at AFGE on the first ballot is only the latest (and greatest) recognition of J. David's career of service to military veterans, to federal employees, and to advancing the rights of all workers.

This summer, J. David took a leadership role at the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council. Last Spring, the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center to honored J. David with its prestigious Public Service Award.

J. David was joined in his election by Eugene Hudson, Jr., the new secretary-treasurer, and Augusta Thomas, VP of women’s and fair practices. With 227,000 active members, AFGE is the largest union of federal employees. AFGE is also the largest AFL-CIO affiliate in North Carolina.

Congratulations, J. David!