Transition in URA

URA’s August 16 general membership meeting will mark the beginning of Darlene Smith’s tenure as Executive Vice President of Local 1766. At the same time, Nat Bender will move to the position of Communications Director of the AFT New Jersey State Federation.

Darlene was elected by the Executive Board in July, In compliance with Article V of our local constitution  Darlene has been serving as Vice President for the Newark campus since 2007 and Grievance Committee chair.  She is a triple Rutgers alumna (B.A., J.D, and Union Leadership Academy) with more than over 20 years service at the university.  She was a member of the bargaining team for our 2007-2011 contract, our Memorandum of Agreement and several of our side letters of agreement on Rutgers policy.

Nat Bender will continue in an unsalaried capacity as the URA Communications Director, advising and training members in communication strategy and technology.

Darlene will serve as the coordinator of the steward structure, assuming her full-time duties as of August 23.

President Lucye Millerand focuses on managing the Executive Board and committee structure. Each is an important component of this strong local union.