ManagerTheNew YorkCity

www.nycmea.org Winter 2015 info@nycmea.com

This January, while other college students are enjoying a long holiday vacation, Arif Khalil will

go to Little Rock, Arkansas, to help rebuild homes destroyed by tornadoes on a trip organized by a Muslim-Jewish interfaith group at New York University.

Helping people in need is just one of this musically-gifted math major’s many passions. Last semester, Khalil made the Dean’s List while still finding time for vocal lessons at NYU’s Steinhardt school.

This year, Khalil’s studies will be helped by a $1,000 scholarship from the New York City Managerial Employees Association’s Career Development Program.

The MEA Organization Committee’s Scholarship Subcommittee awarded a total of over $12,000 through its scholarship program this year. The

money will help 17 students with the growing cost of going to college. Individual scholarships range from $500 to $1,000.

The winning scholars are enrolled in schools ranging from Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., to the University of Michigan — though nearly half attend schools in the greater New York metro area, including New York University, Columbia University and John Jay College.

This year MEA received dozens applications for scholarship awards. The scholarship committee chose the winning students based on objective criteria including grade point averages, scores on the SAT and ACT tests, how long their parents have been MEA members and an application essay.

Khalil is one of four students who received $1,000 scholarships from MEA. The other top-scholarship winners were: Felicia Romain, a first-year student at Syracuse University studying investigative journalism and Mandarin Chinese; Brian Shulman, a first-year student at Georgetown already considering law school; and Ashley Prasad, a Queen’s College honor student and neuroscience major.

These students are grateful for the help MEA has given them and are eager for their chance to give back.

“I can't wait to one day contribute back and continue the legacy,” said Khalil.

Some want to teach while others, like Shulman, want to advocate for your

civil rights— but all four top prize-winners shared a generous desire to make a difference in the world while striving to achieve their goals.

“I believe that education is the key to liberating ourselves and becoming successful beings,” said Romain.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADULTS

MEA’s adult members also have the opportunity to apply for awards from the Career Development Program’s scholarship fund.

“MEA members can apply anytime during the year for scholarships to pursue educational opportunities that advance their careers,” said President Stu Eber.

OmarmAbedalrhman,mAssociate Director of Nursing at Belleview Hospital, was awarded $500. He'll use it to help pay for his tuition and expenses as he works towards a PhD in health care administration at Grand Canyon University.

“Definitely, that will bring me to a higher standard,” said Abedalrhman.

Scholarships for MEA members range from $500 to $1,500. Applicants are typically already enrolled in a course that will not be reimbursed by their agency. Applicants should take particular care to write a solid application essay that describes how the coursework will relate to their current work assignment and career goals. The scholarship committee will also consider how long the applicant has been an MEA member in good standing.

Giving to a Generation of Generous MindsThe MEA Scholarship Program

By Vanessa DeSantis

Arif Khalil, a 2014 MEA Scholarship

recipient, is an outstanding student who is

eager to continue his family’s legacy of

public service.

By Linda A. Barnes, NYC MEA Executive Director

volunteer Corps participants, $100 more; up to nine, $125 more; up to twelve $175 more; and $175 for every three additional new members. The Volunteer Corps was established by our Organization Committee, with approval of our Executive Board, to perform research and outreach tasks to help existing MEA members and recruit new members.

MEA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSWhen you speak to your fellow managers, ask them if they are MEA members. If they say, “Why should I join?” please tell them that MEA has been protecting you since 1968. The MEA has been instrumental in obtaining regular managerial raises, additional health benefits, an adverse action appeals process and improved professional development for over 45 years.

Please let these managers know the benefits that you receive through the MEA, not through the City, including free legal consultation and discounted rates for non-work related problems as well as free representation for job-related issues; Management Benefits Fund (MBF) individual advocacy and

education; on location seminars and updates of MBF and citywide benefits; work related problem resolution assistance; Financial Planning Seminars; free professional pension counseling; and annual scholarships for members and dependent children (see the front page of this newsletter).

Let’s make 2015 the best year in MEA history, with record numbers of members enjoying raises, promotions, outstanding evaluations and expanded MEA members-only benefits.

retention of existing members.

Each member who enrolls five new members during the course of the year will receive $100, plus an additional $100 for each subsequent group of five members. Maximum award per recipient per year is $300.

VOLUNTEER CORPSIn addition, any Chapter that has more than three Volunteer Corps participants will receive an award of $50; up to six

We recruited over 500 new members in 2014. We have recruited about 2,100 new members since January, 2010. We want to recruit at least 600 new members in 2015. We are offering incentives to help us meet our goal. MEA Officers and staff are not eligible to participate.

MEA members will receive $100 for providing good ideas or concepts that can be implemented and result in enroll-ment of new members or

INCENTIVES FOR 2015Happy New Year! 2014 brought us strong winds of change in our City’s government. This year, 2015, looks promising for all managers. Many unions have received raises and MEA continues to meet with the Office of Labor Relations to discuss managerial raises. Managers will also experience good news with career stability, as well as opportunities for performance recognition. For example, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services is moving forward with promotional and open competitive civil service exams to reduce the number of provisional employees. DCAS is preparing an online managerial evaluation system. Our Association will continue to grow.

Pieces&Bits

HOLIDAY SCHOLARSHIP PARTY

LEFT: 2014 Holiday Scholarship Party Chair Cynthia Vail was the event's master of ceremonies.

ABOVE: Retiree Chapter member John Andrezzi and MEA Service and Leadership Award winner Marie Delus.

LEFT: MEA Counsel Stuart Salles, Treasurer Warren Lewis and Executive Vice President Shelly Shulman.

BELOW LEFT: Retirees Chapter Recording Secretary Brenda Hannah, Raymond A Diana Manager of the Year Lisa Fitzpatrick and HRA Assistant Chapter Director Regina Russ at the 2014 MEA Holiday Scholarship Party.

Jenkins Breaks Barriers at HRABy Bendix Anderson

Gary Jenkins is working to remove barriers that hold back the New Yorkers helped by New York City’s Human Resources Administration.

“We are looking at all of our processes or procedures to reduce any types of barriers our clients face,” says Mr. Jenkins, HRA’s new Family Independence Administration Deputy Commissioner.

Mr. Jenkins is now in charge of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and the City’s more than 25 Job Centers, where New Yorkers are able to apply for Public Assistance

It’s a big increase in responsibility for Mr. Jenkins, who in his last job as Assistant Deputy Commissioner ran the SNAP program.

“It’s gives me more opportunity to bringthe two programs together to work more cohesively,” he said.

For example, Mr. Jenkins has already expanded the appointment reminder system that makes robo-calls that reminds people in the SNAP and Cash Assistance programs of appointments

or gives clients who missed an appointment an opportunity to reschedule.

“It prevents a case from closing or being rejected unnecessarily,” he said.

Mr. Jenkins began his civil service career in 1987 as a House Parent in the Administration for Children’s Services. Two years later he became an Eligibility Specialist in HRA’S Family Independence Administration. After becoming an Administrative Manager in 2002, he joined the MEA. “HRA has always been a great source of MEA leadership, including our current President, Stu Eber. MEA advocates for the civil service merit system and promotions from within,” said Mr. Jenkins.

“I was the youngest of eight kids in a single parent household and my family had the benefit of receiving public benefits,” said Mr. Jenkins. He vividly remembers the often unnecessary multiple appointment his mother had to make to different parts of the City.

Many of people helped by HRA already work long hours at one or more low-paying jobs. Unnecessary

appointments can add stress to already stressful lives.

“For me this is not a job, this is something I am passionate about,” said Mr. Jenkins. “I really enjoy waking up each morning knowing that I can now make more of a difference with an outstanding and committed staff that supports me in this new role.”

RECIPIENT SCHOOL AMOUNT MEA MEMBER AGENCY

Anish Baweja University of Michigan $750 Krishan L. Baweja DOT

Alyssa Curcio SUNY Binghamton $750 Peter Curcio Retiree Chapter

Jeanine O. Day John Jay College $750 Dawn Picone ACS

Raj A.Desai Columbia University $750 Ajay Desai DEP

Juliana Guzman Iona College $750 Braulio Guzman HHC

Catherine Justice SUNY Farmingdale $750 Sealy Justice HRA

Joseph S. Simmy SUNY Buffalo $750 Shaji K. Joseph FDNY

Arif A. Khalil New York University $1000 Ata A. Khalil Parks & Recreation

Frederick J.Maley IV Babson College $500 Frederick J. Maley III School Construction Authority

Chinyere Okogeri Colgate University $500 Yolanda Robinson-Okogeri Teachers Retirement System

Edward K. Padilla Cornell University $500 Edward Padilla HHC

Ashley Prasad CUNY Queens College $1000 Varuna Prasad DEP

Gail A.Quintos Hobart & William Smith Colleges $500 Gloria Quintos HHC

Felicia Romain Syracuse University $1000 Phil Romain HHC

Brian E.Shulman Georgetown University $1000 Sheldon Shulman HHC

Elizabeth Squassoni-Jachimczuk

Fairleigh Dickinson University $500 Laura C. Squassoni Retiree Chapter

Manager:Omar Abedalrhman

Grand Canyon University $500 HHC

2014 MEA Scholarship Recipients

Deputy Commissioner Gary Jenkins

2014 MEA CHAPTER ELECTIONS

Agency 2013 CHAPTER DIRECTOR Date of Meeting New Chapter Director New Assistant Chapter Director

SCA Richard Eiden 1/28/14. Richard Eiden Fred Malley

Corrections Vacant 2/6/14. Veronica Scudder Vacant

HHC Gloria Bent 2/19/14. Diana Santos Donna Sutherland

FDNY Vacant 3/12/14. Louis Cendagorta Daniel McBeth

Retirees Larry Konstan 3/18/14. Adrienne Leaf Sam Borkow

Comptroller Wasyl Kinach 3/20/14. Constantine Kokkoris Wasyl Kinach

FISA Vacant 3/27/14. Edgar Landas Eric Reitzel

DOE Eileen Cotter 4/10/14. Robin Frazier Bernard Orlan

DOITT Sherri Porcu 4/24/14. Sherri Porcu Amy-Jo Sabo

DOT Randolph Harris 5/1/14. Randolph Harris Raynard Edwards

NYCHA Carl Walton III 5/15/14. Carl Walton III Andre Cirilo

NYPD Vincent Taddoni 6/5/14 Vincent Taddoni Vacant

Finance Vacant 6/19/14. Vacant Vacant

Buildings Waheed Dughman 7/10/14. Bernard Kirk Danny Cornell

ACS Colin Scantlebury 7/31/14. Colin Scantlebury Vacant

DCAS Tina Ramsey 8/14/14. Tina Ramsey Raymond Schnetzler

Design & Construction Joseph De Luca 8/28/14. Michael Mitchell Vacant

DEP James Luke 9/11/14. James Luke James Caggiano

DHS Carol David 9/29/14. Carol David Sonya Williams

DOHMH Wanda Newton 10/9/14. Cynthia Mont Bourbon Ann Marie Ashmeade

HRA Pamela Ross 10/17/14. Pamela Ross Regina Russ

HPD Darrell Sims 10/23/14. Darrell Sims Mario Guerrero Jr.

Municipal Chapter Marie Delus 12/17/14. Marie Delus Evelyn Marrero

Parks Recreation Laurence Major 12/16/14. Laurence Major Iris Rodriguez-Rosa

New York City Managerial Employees Association42 Broadway • Suite 1945New York, NY 10004