Allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Ken Greenleaf, and I’ve been involved with our union for decades. I have worked in the Hannibal Central School District for 34 years, most recently as the cleaning supervisor. I have been proud to serve our members as Unit president for the past 20 years and have worked my way up our union ranks to serve in many voluntary leadership roles at the Local, Regional and Statewide levels.
As I start this new chapter in my CSEA activism, I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to now serve as your CSEA Central Region President.
Ralph Nader has said, “I start with the premise that the function of Leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”
This is how I feel about leadership. I also believe that it doesn’t matter what title you hold. No one is any more important than the next. Leadership is demonstrated through the actions you take, not the position you hold. All a title does is give you different responsibilities. At the end of the day we are all members and we can all be leaders.
Moving forward, I will lead with Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty -- the same values I have always led with. I will continue to try and inspire others by setting a good example, and providing an atmosphere of mutual respect, support and clear communications. All of these are things I feel we need to improve on as a Region.
Along with our officers, executive board, committees and members, I will be evaluating every aspect of Region 5 so we can make the changes necessary to continue driving forward as one team. I need everyone to be courageous, to be forward thinkers, to help set attainable goals. I would like to see our Region more member-driven. I will value and respect your opinions, even if we disagree.
As we begin this new chapter, let’s all remember that together we will succeed and make great accomplishments. As we re-energize, we will have the ability to be innovative as we face the many challenges that our union will have. I know that, together, Region 5 will continue to “lead the way in CSEA,” bigger, better and bolder than ever before.
In Unity,
About Ken Greenleaf:
Ken Greenleaf is currently serving his first term as our union's Central Region president, having moved up into the position in November 2018. As Region President, Greenleaf oversees the elected union officers throughout 20 counties in Central New York, advocating on behalf of about 45,000 active and retired workers.