SEIU 1021 members gathered at the San Francisco union hall last Saturday, March 22, to swear in our new executive board. Excitement filled the air as the weight of the challenge set in. The incoming board will be leading the fight to protect workers’ rights and public services at a critical moment. 

In jeopardy are countless programs that the public relies on, including those many SEIU 1021 members provide, from healthcare and education to public infrastructure. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who attended the executive board installation with his wife, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, attested to this. 

“You know that people are worried, they’re fearful, they’re anxious, they’re concerned, they’re nervous — rightfully so,” shared Bonta. ”The headwinds from Washington, D.C., are significant. I am absolutely committed — and I know you are too — to making sure that we continue on our path of progress here in California.” 

SEIU International President April Verrett, who led the new executive board in taking their oath of service, echoed that sentiment.

“Attacks on unions and attacks on our movement…are true attacks to the very heart of our democracy,” said Verrett. “There is no room for divisive tactics and strategies that completely distract us…What I do know we have time for, SEIU 1021: We have time to build power and we have time to fight back.”

The installation of the new board was bittersweet, as many members of the executive board leadership who committed many years of service to the union in their positions transitioned off the board. SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford shared her gratitude and reminded them their work is not over yet.

“I want to thank everyone again who is leaving. Just because you are leaving the executive board does not stop you from being a leader. So let’s continue that together as a team,” said Rutherford.

Incoming executive board members expressed their excitement at stepping into their new roles at such a pivotal moment.

“I support SEIU 1021 completely. To be here today is just to see the amazing energy of the people that are incoming, the people that are already here. I feel very privileged to be here,” said Steven DeSalvo, a newly elected SEIU 1021 board member representing the North Coast region on the budget and finance committee.

View the complete list of new officers and executive board members here.