GAO Employees Organization-Local 1921 Holds Annual Membership Meeting, Unveils New Logo

The GAO Employees Organization, Local 1921, hosted its annual membership meeting this week in Washington, DC. The meeting was the first in-person meeting since the pandemic and was attended by over 300 members, including those in-person in DC, across the country at GAO’s field offices, and virtually from remote worksites.

Local 1921 President/Eastern Federal Area Vice President, Ben Emmel, chaired the meeting and reported on the Local’s continued growth, while Treasurer Heather Rasmussen reported on the Local’s budget and Secretary Vernetta Marquis informed members about the Local 1921 newsletter. Vice President for Dispute Resolution, Rah Cantatore, gave a presentation regarding the services that Local 1921 provides to employees; Vice President for Administrative and Professional Support Staff, Andrea Thomas, reported on the efforts of Local 1921 to ensure equal access to remote and telework for operations staff; and Vice President for Field Operations, Adam Howell-Smith, briefed members on Local 1921’s actions to advocate on behalf of employees in upcoming office relocations.

International President, Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson also gave brief presentations on the outlook of federal employee-related legislative issues expected to be addressed in the incoming 119th Congress, and an update on some of the work of IFPTE locals across North America.

Among the highlights of the meeting were the presentation of awards to past Local 1921 officers, including past President Jose Ramos, and the unveiling of the new Local 1921 logo.

Local 1921 President, Ben Emmel commented, “This year’s meeting was an opportunity for our members to come together in Solidarity to conduct the business of the GAO Employees Organization, as well as to honor our past leaders who helped to make this Local a strong Union. I want to thank all of the officers who gave presentations and all of the members who were able to attend. Finally, it was an honor to be able to present our new Local 1921 logo to all of the members.”