Executive Board Elections

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, the Federation holds officer elections during the spring term each year. As elections approach and proceed, the candidates, their statements, descriptions for each position, and results will appear below.

SP26 Election

Officer Elections (SP26)

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution and By Laws, the Federation is holding officer elections during the SP26 term. The following positions are open: Vice President, PT Vice President, Grievance Chair, and Treasurer. These are two year terms, with the exception of PT Vice President which is a one year term. See descriptions of positions below.

Election Results

Vice President: Troy Moore
PT VP: Christine Jun*
Treasurer: Lars Kjeseth
Grievance Chair: Erica Brenes

*The Elections Committee determined that Christine Jun is not eligible for the position because Christine was not a member for at least one year prior to the election. The Federation Constitution Article 4, Section 2, states the following for eligibility:

Faculty members in good standing as members of the Federation for at least one year prior to the election shall be eligible as candidates for Executive Vice President, Part Time Faculty Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Grievance Chair, and Communications Chair.

The Election Committee apologizes for not catching this error sooner and has recommended to the E-Board that a new election for the PT VP position be held in Fall 2026.

On March 10, the E-board appointed the election committee and consists of John Baranski, Nic McGrue and Krysti Rosario. The elections committee met and approved the following guidelines and timeline:

March 24, 2026: Email call for nominations.

April 6, 2026 (11:59pm): Deadline for submitting candidate declaration form and optional statement to eccfederation@gmail.com. Candidate statements are limited to 500 words and should be emailed with candidate declaration form to eccfederation@gmail.com. Elections committee may reject or request modifications for statements that exceed 500 words, engage in personal attacks, engage in discrimination, etc., at the committee’s discretion.

April 10, 2026: Candidates and statements will be posted on the spring 2026 elections page.

May 8, 2026: Elections committee will use ElectionBuddy to begin elections. All eligible members will receive a unique ballot from ElectionBuddy. When you cast your ballot, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a ballot, and you are a member, please send a note to eccfederation@gmail.com and we will work to get your ballot.

May 18, 2026 (11:45pm): Voting ends. Winners must get 50% plus one of the ballots cast. ElectionBuddy will be set up for ranked choice voting in races with multiple candidates.

May 19, 2026: Election committee will email election results. Members can also use their original ballot email to see results.

Candidates

Vice President:

Troy Moore

Janice Pon-Ishikawa

Part-time VP:

Marcelo Cabral

Laila Dellapasqua

Christine Jun

Treasurer:

Lars Kjeseth

Ryan Turner

Grievance Chair:

Erica Brenes

Candidate Statements

Vice President:

Troy Moore

Hi, I’m Troy. I’ve been a FT Chemistry Instructor at ECC since 2016 and VP of the Federation, our faculty union, since 2020. I’m running for another term as VP because I have never been more experienced in, qualified for, and determined to continue the work required to build a strong union that improves and defends the working conditions and compensation for the faculty labor force at ECC.

When I was hired at El Camino College, it was not difficult to see that our contract was far behind other districts in categories ranging from compensation and healthcare to sick leave and PT faculty rights. Accordingly, I became involved in the Federation and have served as a primary author and negotiator during bargaining for our last three full contracts (CBAs 2020-2022, 2022-2025, and 2025-2028) and nearly every MOU during that period. In these negotiations, working with an exceptionally talented and thoughtful team and our members, we’ve been able to achieve competitive salary (minimum of 29.8% increase) and healthcare advances for both PT and FT faculty, non-instructional and instructional alike.

For brief comparison, FT healthcare caps were put into place in 2012. In the next two contracts, the previous Federation teams failed to negotiate any increases to healthcare for FT or PT faculty, resulting in us falling well behind our peers. Specifically, for the entire 8 year period from 2012-2019, the District contributed only $15,936 per year for FT family healthcare plans and a total of $20,000 per year for all PT healthcare benefits. In the 3 contracts (2020-2028) that followed, we’ve successfully bargained consecutive increases so that now the District contributes up to $27,000 per year for FT family healthcare plans, a 70% increase from the previous cap, and $650,000 per year for PT healthcare, an increase of over 30-fold from previous spending. We are back to a comparable space with our peers. I am proud to have been an integral part of this work that has materially and substantially benefited all faculty.

For more information on the various specific items that I have been a part of bargaining at ECC (PT paid PD, PT paid OH, load banking, lab-lecture parity, etc.), a selection of other work that I’ve done with the Federation to defend and protect faculty, or to endorse me, please visit my website here: https://sites.google.com/view/TroyAtECC

Thank you for your time and for considering my candidacy. Thank you for your participation and engagement in the Federation–it really does matter and makes our union stronger! My hope is that the work I have done, the results achieved from that effort, and the way I’ve acted to conduct that work ethically and transparently have earned your confidence and your vote. I’m excited to get back to the work of moving forward together as faculty colleagues.

In Solidarity,

Troy Moore, FT Chemistry Instructor, Federation VP

https://sites.google.com/view/TroyAtECC

Janice Pon-Ishikawa

Bringing Heart and Accountability Back to Our Union

Throughout my 16 years at El Camino College, I have worked with the primary purpose of changing students’ lives. My work at our college comes from a place of love for our community and a deep belief in the transformative power of the work we do.

I am running for Vice President of the El Camino Federation of Teachers because I believe our Union needs a leadership style that mirrors the care we provide our students. I know that our students can only truly thrive when our faculty is supported, respected, and protected.

My commitment to you is real representation. To me, representing you is more than just a formal obligation—it is a sacred trust. It means that every faculty member—Full-Time, Part-Time, Instructional, and Non-Instructional—deserves a seat at the table and a voice that is heard before decisions are made. I will ensure no voice is sidelined.

I promise to always include compassion in my leadership. As a counselor, I approach every student appointment with empathy and active listening. I promise to bring that same heart to the E-Board. We are a diverse campus with diverse needs; you deserve a VP who leads with curiosity and care, not just policy and procedure.

Transparency and inclusion are also a critical component to our union. No faculty member should ever feel like an outsider in their own Union. I will advocate for open communication, member-led surveys, and a focus on making sure our Union’s actions are based on what the faculty actually tells us they need, not just on what a few people think is best.

El Camino is more than just a workplace—it is a community. I am passionate about our future, and I am ready to work tirelessly to ensure that our Union protects, respects, and represents all of us.

I value your perspective and want to hear about the specific challenges in your department. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at jponishikawa@elcamino.edu, 310-660-3593 ext 3433, SSVC 264 to share your thoughts.

I ask for your vote to bring a fresh perspective and a compassionate heart to our Federation

and ensure our Union represents ALL faculty.

Part-time VP:

Marcelo Cabral

Hello Federation colleagues! My name is Marcelo Cabral. I have served the ECC community since Fall 2015 as a part-time counselor. As the current part-time faculty liaison to the Federation for the Counseling Division, it has been a pleasure to represent 57 part-time counselors.

I’m running to be your next Vice President of part-time faculty to strengthen representative democracy for all of my part-time colleagues—instructional and non-instructional.

I believe a strong union is built on listening, transparency, and community. My leadership style centers on active listening and collegiality, especially during challenging moments, to recognize our shared humanity in every situation, find common ground, and move forward together. I’m committed to building an inclusive, collaborative culture where every voice is heard and valued.

If elected, I will:

Advance pay equity and fair compensation for instructional and non-instructional part-time faculty.
Improve communication and transparency through regular listening sessions and clear, timely updates on part-time health care and working conditions.
Build bridges across divisions to address workload, scheduling, and access to professional development.

I hold deep respect and admiration for all the hard-working faculty at ECC and the important work we do as educators. It would be an honor to serve and advocate on your behalf. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, transparent, and united Federation.

Marcelo Cabral

Laila Dellapasqua

I would be honored to serve as your Federation Part-time Faculty (PTF) VP for another term. I have worked countless hours with our Executive Board colleagues and fellow negotiation team members to fight for unity and solid faculty contracts. As a result of gains, grit and a growth-mindset, the work and momentum continue.

GAINS

Since 2022, my primary roles have been on the Federation Executive Board and on the Federation Negotiations Team. In addition to these capacities, as Chair of the Federation PTF Committee, I have organized First Friday Federation Meetings for PTF. Through these meetings, PTF have become better informed of their contract rights and more actively engaged with our union.

Equally important are the contractual gains the team and I have been able to successfully negotiate and implement into our current collective bargaining agreement. PTF can now benefit from additional steps on the salary schedule. Compensatory gains in areas such as PTF office hours and PTF professional development are in place. More than ever before, PTF have more options for healthcare support. In addition to that historic win, paid jury duty now applies to PTF. And PTF now benefit from the new accelerated accrual rate for sick leave.

GRIT

In this leadership role, I receive the gamut of feedback and energy from faculty - from confidence to unconstructive criticism, from support to slander, from positivity to the PERB charges, from professionalism to poop emojis, from civility to cynicism, and from love to libel. To all the healers and haters and everyone in between, all of you give me the grit to move forward, to fight for more gains for faculty, and to maintain clarity and focus on what benefits the greater good for today and the future.

A GROWTH-MINDSET

The Labor Movement is not only about securing fair wages, better working conditions, and equitable power dynamics between bosses and workers, but the Labor Movement is also about preserving these rights for future employees.

Since 2022, I have been involved in California Federation of Teacher Committees, where state leaders provide legislative and local updates that impact PT faculty. As a result of my cross-district collaboration, I have learned about issues that can be addressed at El Camino College. For example, just this past December, the One Faculty Resolution, whose mission is to abolish the two-tier faculty labor system, was unanimously passed by the Federation Executive Board. Thanks to the expertise and guidance from our CFT labor leaders, the ground work is currently underway at El Camino College, and the pursuit of filling in the gaps between faculty groups continues.

Staying informed at the state legislative level and positively engaging with other union leaders allows for future growth within our union and faculty. With your continued support, we can achieve much more for our collective.

Christine Jun

Hello everyone,

My name is Christine Jun, and I have been an adjunct instructor in Political Science at El Camino College since 2018. After many years of observing the Federation’s work from the sidelines, I feel ready to do my civic part and take a more active role in improving both the working and learning conditions on our campus.

In many ways, this sense of responsibility has grown stronger in light of our increasingly unpredictable political climate. From a pedagogical perspective, my decision to run for Part-Time Faculty Vice President is also about modeling what I encourage in my students: the importance of active participation in civic life to ensure meaningful representation and a strong democracy.

I am committed to advocating for part-time faculty and working collaboratively with all members of our community. I am ready to put in the “sweat equity” to help bridge our Federation by strengthening connections between both full-time and part-time faculty, because we are always stronger together. I am equally committed to ensuring that all faculty receive the full rights, recognition, and respect they deserve from the district. This is paramount especially since I am witnessing a neoliberal approach in the funding or investment of our education by the state and nation. This is particularly unsettling as teachers unions’ integrity has been questioned or even maligned.

While challenges and tensions may arise, I believe these moments reflect a healthy, inclusive process where all voices are heard. They do not diminish our shared purpose—our collective dedication to student success. It would be an honor to have your support and your vote for Federation Part-Time Faculty Vice President.

Thank you for your consideration.

Treasurer:

Lars Kjeseth

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Treasurer of the ECC Federation of Teachers. My experience managing the finances of three different federal and state grants gives me confidence that can fulfill the duties of the Treasurer listed in the ECCFT Constitution.

Why am I running now?

First, congratulations go to our most recent negotiating team. Not only did they secure a strong contract, but they also agreed to develop a shared revenue agreement with the district. Shared revenue agreements, where existing and new general revenues for salaries and benefits are split proportionally among employee groups, providing stability and predictability to future negotiations, but also shared oversight and responsibility

between the district and our bargaining unit. These agreements are complex and I wish the best for the new negotiating team selected by the Union President as they embark on their journey.

Once I learned we were moving toward developing a shared revenue agreement with the district, I investigated the Los Rios Community College District, where a shared revenue model has been in place for decades. I examined not only Appendix A and Attachment 1 of their current contract, which describe the details of their “Bucket System”, but I also looked at their union’s constitution and their published minutes to understand the make-up of the union’s E-Board and its relationship with both their membership and their negotiating team. One thing became clear to me after examining minutes over several years: within their shared revenue system, even as the union’s negotiating team struggles with the district, the union membership negotiates through their union’s E-Board, to ensure that diverse needs of its members are considered. How do they do so? Part of the answer may be their E-Board designed with a high level of inclusion (19 members from four colleges) and accountability (published minutes that include outlines of debate and attributions). Also, interestingly, the chief negotiator is an ex-officio member their E-Board and may not vote.

For our ECCFT, moving to a shared revenue model will change the game entirely. Success will require that we, as a union, investigate how well we work for all are members and reform our constitution, as needed, in terms of inclusion/representation, communication, and accountability. What works for Los Rios is not likely to be what works for us, but I believe reform is urgent.

Serving as Treasurer would allow me to offer my analytical skills during this time of

major transformation.

-Lars Kjeseth

Ryan Turner

I have served as treasurer on the ECC Federation Executive Board since 2019. I am the first elected treasurer to manage the Federation’s accounts, pay the bills, and maintain the financial health of the Federation with the help of the Executive Board. I consistently and transparently give a yearly budget report as well as monthly budget updates. I have gone to multiple CFT Treasurer Trainings, am versed in the use of Quickbooks, and understand the regulations and requirements necessary to keep our union in financial and legal compliance.

During my 6 years of service as elected treasurer, I have worked with our accountant to solidify our financial stability and security. We went from accounts shrinking month-to-month due to rising operational costs to a healthy savings account with which we have been able to defend our contract and support the work of the union.

I have always believed that teamwork is the key to successfully completing the work of the union. Our ability to work together makes or breaks not only our E-board but also our ability as a collective to win fair and competitive contracts. I have had the joy of working with various iterations of the Executive Board over the last 6 years and believe the contract wins we have amassed are due to unity that we have built. That solidarity has resulted in a 29.8% minimum raise in compensation over the last 3 contract cycles. I personally had the pleasure of leading a group of faculty in fighting for lab-lecture parity in the 2020 contract cycle, uniting faculty from biology, auto tech, art, physics, welding, and more for the common purpose of being paid correctly for the work we do.

I humbly request your vote to continue to fight for fair wages and working conditions for all faculty. If you cast your ballot for me, I promise to continue striving for excellence, transparency, and solidarity.

Grievance Chair:

Erica Brenes

Since 2015, I have been proud to not only teach Composition, Rhetoric, and Literature at El Camino College but also to be a member of our unionized workforce. Even when the email exchanges get heated, our COLA gets denied, and the health care prices for my family of 4 rise and rise, I remain proud to labor beside colleagues who I regularly find deeply inspiring, which is precisely why I have decided to run for Grievance Chair.

Up to this point in my ECC career, I have chosen to advocate for my colleagues and help evolve our college into a more faculty-centered, faculty-empowering institution by serving on hiring committees, speaking at college council and board meetings (shout out to the ongoing fight for sabbaticals and academic freedom), leading within the Academic Senate, and offering professional development (shout out to New Faculty Learning Academy and Teaching Academy for Continuous Learning). I have also published research and provided presentations at teaching conferences throughout the country on the interplay between community college culture and faculty efficacy and the ongoing labor of Faculty Change Agents. Notably, you may have also seen me marching beside you on Crenshaw Blvd, demanding our rights and fair pay, proudly wearing red head to toe, time and again, even in the rain.

These professional, intellectual, and personal efforts, although they may appear divergent, are, to me, rooted together in my most core beliefs about education. I believe that satisfied, protected faculty are the cornerstone of any healthy college. Successful faculty make successful students, and bottom-up, faculty-led decision making keeps campuses forward facing, student-centered, healthy places to work and learn.

So I’m running for Grievance Chair because I believe in, respect, and deeply appreciate my fellow faculty, and I hope I can stand beside any one of them and offer them comfort and clarity if they ever regretfully face a difficult moment which they must grieve. And, lastly, I hope I can bring to the e-board a sense of comradery and unification that is needed now, possibly more than ever.

Officer Duties

The duties of Executive Vice President shall include:

Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President.
Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
Acting as co-signer on all financial accounts.
Performing review of monthly reconciliations for all accounts.

The duties of Part-Time Faculty Vice President shall include:

Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President.
Serving in a liaison capacity as one of the primary communication links representing part-time faculty interests and concerns within the Federation leadership.
Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
Attend conferences that address part-time related issues.
Chair Part-Time Faculty Committee.

The duties of the Treasurer shall include:

Maintaining the complete financial records of the Federation.
Acting as a co-signer on all financial accounts.
Depositing all incomes in the name of the Federation and paying all affiliate PerCaps and paying all expenditures as authorized by the adopted Federation budget or by action of the Executive Board.
Preparing all reports in a timely manner as required by government agencies as well as the AFT and CFT.
Preparing monthly budget reports for the Executive Board.
Preparing an annual financial report for the membership following the close of the Federation’s fiscal year.
Calculating and reporting yearly changes in dues (including AFT, CFT, and LACFL PerCaps, associated insurance policy changes, etc.) to the membership and district payroll staff by June of each year.
Preparing proposed operating budget at least one month prior to the close of the current Federation fiscal year for consideration and adoption by the Executive Board.
Serving an additional three months as an ex-officio (non-voting) executive officer (“Past Treasurer”) after the conclusion of the elected term.

The duties of the Grievance Chair shall include:

Coordinating the enforcement of the contract.
Coordinating grievance trainings for new and existing grievance officers who serve our members.
Chairing, as needed, a committee to do the work of contract enforcement.
Consulting and informing the Federation Executive Board committee about grievances.

SP25 Election

Officer Elections (SP25)

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, the Federation is holding officer elections during the SP25 term. The following positions are open: FT President, PT Vice President, Secretary, and Communications Chair. These are two year terms, with the exception of PT Vice President. The results, candidate statements, and descriptions for each position are below.

Election Results

President: John Baranski
PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua
Secretary: Anna Brochet
Communications Chair: Hong Herrera Thomas

Candidates

President:

Shane Ochoa
John Baranski

PT VP:

Laila Dellapasqua

Secretary:

Laura Saldarriaga
Anna Brochet

Communications Chair:

Hong Herrera Thomas

Candidate Statements

Shane Ochoa:

I marched in my first picket line when I was around 9 or 10. My father worked as a
telephone repairman for Pacific Bell (I’m aging myself!). In what would eventually last three
weeks (I remember my parents’ fear vividly at that time) that first introduction to the
importance of unionizing and fighting for a better quality of life became an integral part of
who I am. While marching on the days I could, I remember my father and his colleagues
explaining why they had not been working and why it was so important that they stay united
against unfair pay and dangerous workplace conditions. My father and his coworkers/
friends became a tight community, and I experienced it firsthand: how a labor union that
stays together, wins together. It could have also been the time my father taught me one of
his favorite lessons: “always fight for the underdog,” a mantra that has stayed with me for
35+ years.

If I am honest, I stay up late some nights worrying about the future of education in this
country. And not just in education, as marginalized people throughout the country are
facing danger or uncertainty. The underdogs then, in our case, are those with no voice and
little cultural capital. I know in my heart that community colleges and labor unions are the
answer. We must work as a unified front in this fight and fight for students and ALL workers
at El Camino. Fair pay and a better quality of life are non-negotiable, especially as prices for
everything continue to rise! Despite a turbulent run as Comms Chair, I really respect Kelsey
and the entire executive board. I have learned so much during my time as your
Communications Chair and even if my approach might not be your cup of tea, I hope you
know that my heart and fight is for justice for all workers here at our college. We cannot
forget that FACULTY/STAFF/ CLASSIFIED CARE IS STUDENT CARE (sorry for yelling) and our contracts should reflect and respect all we are doing.

I want to help strengthen our Union and hope to guide us in a more egalitarian and inclusive
direction. I believe that we can make this Federation a true community – one that sets the
standard for all other colleges around the state. I can’t pretend that I have Michael Jordan’s
secret sauce, or I will come in and the District will magically become swift negotiators. But I
can promise you that my focus will stay at El Camino College during my tenure as
Federation President. I have no aspirations to become an Administrator, Dean or Trustee.
My work is in the classroom with students, my colleagues and all who work at El Camino! If
you would like to sit with me or ask me specific questions, I am here for it! Please email me
at shaneochoa@gmail.com or swing by and visit me in Comms Chair office hours.
¡Justicia laboral, ya! ¡SI SE PUEDE!

John Baranski:

Hi, I’m John Baranski. I have taught in the history department and been a Federation member since 2015.

I am currently serving my second elected term as the Federation’s Grievance Chair for the Federation Executive Board. As Grievance Chair, I have continuously monitored and enforced the provisions of our contract. I’ve educated members about their rights and protections and created and led union trainings, represented members in grievance meetings, and facilitated spaces for Federation dialog in divisions across campus.

Aside from my core duties as Grievance Chair, I have worked to improve the structure and effectiveness of our union’s administration, strengthen the union’s financial position, and build relations with individuals and organizations off campus. I have also served on the bargaining team for the previous two full contract negotiations, where with member support and direct actions we achieved historic compensation increases (24.1% and even more for faculty above step 14) for all faculty as well as substantial improvements in our contractual rights and protections. I have also proudly marched with many of you to improve our contract.

I would be honored if you considered voting for me to be the Federation’s next president. I am committed to working collaboratively with the Executive Board, including respecting the decisions and direction of the Executive Board. I will continue to work in the interests of our members by deploying our union finances strategically, meeting the external legal and financial requirements for public employee unions, and continuing to work with faculty and division representatives to build a culture of solidarity unionism, which to me is grounded in the idea that we are much better off when we are willing to take action together to defend our rights.

In solidarity,

John Baranski
Dept. of History

Laila Dellapasqua:

The job is not finished, and the never-ending fight for better working conditions and a fair faculty contract cannot be done alone. Since May 2022, I have served as your Part-time Faculty Vice President and have participated as part of the Federation’s negotiations team for Contract 2022-2025. Collectively, we fought for and obtained historical gains; however, those achievements are incremental because we – as faculty – are still far from what we deserve. For those of you who know me, I dream big, but I cannot dream alone. If my name is only one on the PT VP slate, this is my direct call to you for action – join a Federation committee, serve as a PT Division Representative, and/or learn about the Executive Board Officer positions.

And in the spirit of collaboration, if another PT colleague is elected this election, my direct call to them is to contact me so there is a gentle, impactful transfer of knowledge, tasks and references. The wave of momentum that we, PT faculty, are on must not stop. The job is not finished.

While money talks in a cash economy, in the ecos of faculty contracts, solidarity, engagement and active participation are the currency that talk. Let’s dream big and achieve more gains together. Thank you.

Laura Saldarriaga:

Hi, My name is Laura Saldarriaga and I am running for re-election to the secretary position for AFT1388. As your secretary I will continue to maintain accurate records, organize meetings diligently and ensure that the information is accessible to our members. I also want to continue fighting for a better contract for all of us and to make sure that we are treated with the dignity and respect that we deserve. I would be honored to continue serving as your Secretary. Thank you for your support.

In Unity,

Laura Saldarriaga
Department of Chemistry

Anna Brochet:

I would like to serve the ECC faculty as Secretary of the Federation. In this role, I hope to promote a culture of inclusivity, trust, and unity, ensuring our Federation genuinely represents and uplifts all faculty members. My goal is to foster a positive environment where we can collectively support each other professionally and personally. I believe a strong union is built on transparency, respect, and community, and I am excited to contribute fresh ideas to strengthen these foundations.

One of my key strengths is my commitment to respect and collegiality. I deeply value open dialogue, particularly during challenging times. My curiosity and ability to recognize the humanity in every situation enable me to find common ground. I firmly believe that a union thrives when it embraces the diverse thoughts, talents, and opinions of its members. Even during difficult times, regardless of differing viewpoints, we must maintain space for discourse, especially when advocating for something as personal and meaningful as our working conditions.

My leadership experience in bridging gaps and fostering collaboration will allow me to bring fresh energy, integrity, and a commitment to building a stronger community for our faculty. I hold a deep respect and admiration for all the hard-working faculty at ECC and the important work we do as educators. It would be a privilege to serve and advocate on your behalf. I know together, we can create a more inclusive, transparent, and united faculty community at ECC!

Hong Herrera Thomas:

Hi, my name is Hong Herrera Thomas and I am running for the position of Communication Chair. I have been both part-time and full-time faculty in the History department at El Camino since 2013 and an active member of the Federation. I have also served as one of the BSS Division Representatives for the Federation. 

If elected to this position, I will work with the Executive Board to provide consistent and accurate information to members, while giving space to members to communicate their concerns and questions back to the Executive Board. I hope to continue to do my part to move faculty working conditions forward through active participation in our union. I would be honored to have your support.

Officer Duties

The duties of President shall include:

Presiding at meetings of the Federation, including the Executive Board.
Serving as an ex-officio member of all Federation committees.
Signing necessary papers and documents.
Representing the Federation when and where necessary.
Working in a collegial manner with other groups representing faculty interests.
Reporting to the membership at least once a year summarizing the accomplishments of the Federation and outlining plans for the future.
Acting as co-signer on all financial accounts.
Pre-approve budgeted expenditures before being paid by the Treasurer.
Serving an additional six months as an ex-officio (non-voting) executive officer (“Past President”) after the conclusion of the elected term.
The president position can be held by co-presidents if elected by the membership.
The President will have final oversight of the COPE.

The duties of Part-Time Faculty Vice President shall include:

Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President.
Serving in a liaison capacity as one of the primary communication links representing part-time faculty interests and concerns within the Federation leadership.
Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
Attend conferences that address part-time related issues.
Chair Part-Time Faculty Committee.

The duties of the Secretary shall include:

Recording the minutes of all general membership and Executive Board meetings.
Issuing all notices and answering all correspondence at the direction of the President and the Executive Board.
Acting as the custodian of the seal and the charter of the Federation.

The duties of the Communications Chair shall include:

Coordinating the work of consistent communications with members through the Federation’s website, digital and paper publications, and social media platforms.
Coordinating consistent communications with the campus community and the communities we serve.
Chairing, as needed, a committee to do the communications work of the union.
Attending meetings and delivering reports as directed by the Executive Board (e.g. BOT, Senate, College Council, COPE, etc.)

SP24 Election

Officer Elections (SP24)

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, the Federation held officer elections during the SP24 term. The following positions were up: FT Vice President, PT Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Grievance Officer. These are two year terms, with the exception of PT Vice President. The results, candidate statements, and descriptions for each position are below.

Election Results

The following candidates were elected to their respective offices during the SP24 election with voting period from 5/20/2024-5/29/2024:

FT VP: Troy Moore

PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua

Treasurer: Ryan Turner

Chief Grievance Officer: John Baranski

Constitutional Amendments: Passed

Bylaws Changes Results

The two bylaws items presented to membership for consideration and voted on during the May 29th, 2024 meeting both failed to meet requisite quorum.

Candidates

FT VP: Troy Moore
PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua
Treasurer: Ryan Turner, Robert Uphoff
Chief Grievance Officer: John Baranski
Organizing Officer: Constitutional amendment proposed to restructure position

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Notes on Constitutional Amendments:

Organizing Officer: Organizing position will be restructured as a co-chaired committee that works alongside the executive board.
Contract Writing Committee: The exclusivity of this committee is obsolete. Typical current practice is to consult faculty broadly and include specific, affected faculty groups in constructing concepts and contract language.
Nominations Committee: Secret online ballots have replaced secret mail ballots. The additional nomination period requirements already provide for more than the time to nominate outlined in our constitution.
The Executive Board recommends ratification of the proposed amendments.

Candidate Statements

Troy Moore (FT VP)

I started to get seriously involved with the work of the Federation in 2019 after realizing how much work needed to be done to engage our colleagues and to modernize our labor agreement to make it competitive and fair. I have spent most of the time since serving as the FT VP of the Federation and a leader within our bargaining teams for the last two contracts, the ongoing negotiations for compensation and PT healthcare in the last year of our current contract, and various other agreements with the District, including the reopener in our last contract that resulted in a fair 7.2% salary increase to all faculty wages.

Over the course of our last two contracts, to list a few examples, if you’ve taught an overload course, taken a sick day, pursued a sabbatical, utilized District-subsidized healthcare benefits, held a PT office hour, or received a paycheck from ECC, you’ve been a direct beneficiary of all of the focused work that we’ve done to improve our contract, our compensation, and our working conditions. The team most responsible for this work, which I’m lucky to help lead, is talented, hardworking, and not finished with our work. I’m asking for your vote so that I may continue to work with this exceptional team to do the work that improves our workplace, raises our voices in the workplace, and provides us with the material support we need for ourselves and our families to thrive.

Thanks for your support,
Troy Moore, Federation FT VP

Laila Dellapasqua (PT VP)

Serving as The Federation’s PT VP since May 2022, I have seen and experienced the issues that impact the part-time faculty labor force at ECC and in higher education. During this time, I have advocated for respectable working conditions, wellness and benefits and compensation at the contract bargaining table. Serving in this role has given me the opportunity to organize Campus Equity Week, a week-long series of events that highlights the inequities PT faculty face within the California Community College system. During these events, I have met other PT faculty and maintain the unwavering belief that collectively the part-time voice and representation are stronger. It is my hope that part-time faculty members unleash their agency and leadership skills in order to make change. The part-time hustle is real, and I am part of it. Together, we must continue to fight for the gains we – as part-time faculty – deserve.

Ryan Turner (Treasurer)

Since 2019, I have served on the ECC Federation executive board as treasurer. During my tenure, I have worked with the e-board to continually increase the financial solvency of the Federation. When I was first elected, for example, our accounts had been shrinking month to month and we were reaching a point where we could barely pay our bills. Now, we have a healthy savings account that is being used for important union work including hiring legal counsel to defend our contract during grievances and organizing membership during the recent contentious contract negotiations that saw a 17% increase to compensation.

In the upcoming term, I wish to continue to enhance our ability to work for a fair contract by expanding our strike fund. This would give us the money necessary to support faculty should an eventual work stoppage be required to earn a fair contract. With the current e-board, I am also working to change the dues structure to be more equitable for all faculty.

I humbly ask for your vote to continue to do the good work of defending our contract as well as fighting for fair wages and working conditions for all.

Robert Uphoff (Treasurer)

Candidate has not yet provided a statement.

John Baranski (Chief Grievance Officer)

I started teaching history at El Camino College in 2015 and got involved in the Federation as a division representative several years after that. I have served the Federation as a grievance officer and as a bargaining team member for MOUs, reopeners, and full contract negotiations, including the last two contracts which improved our working conditions. I have helped faculty with grievances and questions and been involved in educating faculty about our rights through Federation Meet Ups across campus, department meetings, and workshops (grievance, evaluations, organizing). I am running for Chief Grievance Officer again. If elected by the members, I will do my best to serve the Federation with integrity and work with faculty to make our workplace a place where our work is valued and respected.

Officer Duties

The duties of Executive Vice President shall include:

Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President
Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
Acting as co-signer on all financial accounts.
Performing review of monthly reconciliations for all accounts.

The duties of Part-Time Faculty Vice President shall include:

Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President.
Serving in a liaison capacity as one of the primary communication links representing part-time faculty interests and concerns within the Federation leadership.
Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
Attend conferences that address part-time related issues.
Chair Part-Time Faculty Committee.

The duties of the Treasurer shall include:

Maintaining the complete financial records of the Federation.
Acting as a co-signer on all financial accounts.
Depositing all incomes in the name of the Federation and paying all affiliate PerCaps and paying all expenditures as authorized by the adopted Federation budget or by action of the Executive Board.
Preparing all reports in a timely manner as required by government agencies as well as the AFT and CFT.
Preparing monthly budget reports for the Executive Board.
Preparing an annual financial report for the membership following the close of the Federation’s fiscal year.
Calculating and reporting yearly changes in dues (including AFT, CFT, and LACFL PerCaps, associated insurance policy changes, etc.) to the membership and district payroll staff by June of each year.
Preparing proposed operating budget at least one month prior to the close of the current Federation fiscal year for consideration and adoption by the Executive Board.
Serving an additional three months as an ex-officio (non-voting) executive officer (“Past Treasurer”) after the conclusion of the elected term.

The duties of the Chief Grievance Officer shall include:

Coordinating the enforcement of the contract.
Coordinating grievance trainings for new and existing grievance officers who serve our members.
Chairing, as needed, a committee to do the work of contract enforcement.
Consulting and informing the Federation Executive Board committee about grievances.

SP23 Election

Officer Elections (SP23)

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, we will be holding officer elections this term. The following positions are up: President, PT Vice President, Secretary, Communications Officer, and Organizing Officer. These are two year terms, with the exception of PT Vice President. The candidate statements and descriptions for each position are below.

Election Results

The following candidates were elected to their respective offices during the SP23 election with voting period from 5/29/2023-6/3/2023:

President: Kelsey Iino

PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua + Helen Kang

Secretary: Laura Saldarriaga

Communications Officer: Shane Ochoa

Organizing Officer: Laila Dellapasqua + Alireza Ahmadpour

If you are interested in viewing precise results, they can be accessed by clicking through your original ballot link, sent to your email inbox, and clicking on the “View election results” link. If you need assistance, please contact us at eccfederation@gmail.com.

Candidates

President: Kelsey Iino

PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua + Helen Kang (running together)

Secretary: Laura Saldarriaga

Communications Officer: Darcie McClelland, Shane Ochoa

Organizing Officer: Laila Dellapasqua + Alireza Ahmadpour (running together)

Candidate Statements

Kelsey Iino (President)

I have served as our Federation President for the past four years and would be honored to continue to serve as we continue to improve campus culture, build a stronger union, and work towards settling our collective bargaining agreement.

Helen Kang + Laila Dellapasqua (PT VP)

As Co-VPs for the Federation we are committed to representing part time faculty, who comprise close to 70% of the faculty body, to uplift and amplify their voices while educating and engaging them on matters that impact all of us as El Camino College employees and human beings in the field of education. We want our faculty colleagues to know they matter and through coming together to support each other, our voices will never be silent and we can work hand-in-hand as a unified force to create the conditions needed for us to make the difference we want to make for our students and our campus community.

In Solidarity,

Helen and Laila

Laura Sadarriaga (Secretary)

I am running for secretary again because I would like to continue supporting and serving the faculty at El Camino College as part of the Federation Executive Board.

Darcie McClelland (Communications Officer)

Clear communication and responsiveness to feedback are important to the success of any large organization. At this critical time, we need to ensure that all member’s voices are heard and considered in decisions about our contract and working conditions. I believe each and every faculty member of this college deserves unbiased, transparent, timely communication from faculty leaders so that you can consider available options and make the best decision for yourselves and your families. If elected as your Communications Officer, I will work to gain your trust and dedicate my time and energy to ensuring that every member has a clear understanding of the contract, negotiations, Federation Activities, next steps, and how the decisions being made will affect your working conditions and lives.

Shane Ochoa (Communications Officer)

A wise man once taught me that a core strategy in union organizing is to “educate and agitate.” This phrase has stuck with me ever since, and I now feel it is woven into the fabric of who I am, not only as educator, but as a fierce warrior for the rights of ALL workers here at El Camino.

During these tenuous negotiations, I have tried my best to gauge what my colleagues and others on campus want from the college. What I think it boils down to is this: fair and competitive pay, full healthcare coverage for all, better overall treatment of part-time faculty and above all, a higher level of respect for the work each individual does here on campus.

I am proud of the work the Federation has done to keep us informed, united and agitated. What is more catalyzing than truly learning how we are undervalued in all that we do – especially in comparison to colleges that are a few miles away? As Communications Chair, my aim would be to continue this momentum and inspire more on campus to fight for what we all truly deserve. Just recently, I created a flyer that broke down the Impasse process in digestible terms – in the hopes that this could work as a crucial supplement to the vital information the Federation has given us throughout the negotiations process. Hopefully, finding a way to share this information in multi-modal ways could work to educate and then inspire more individuals to become a collective force. Additionally, I imagine the Communications Chair to work within a Communications committee – inspired by the success of both the Research and Organizing committee! Ideally, this committee could have diverse representation from all facets of the college, as the aim would be to cultivate a true democratic voice for workers here at El Camino. We are stronger together.

To put it bluntly, I am a WarriorPoet. I fight for what’s right, but I also know the importance of being informed and cultivating skills and methods to teach and reach the most people. Plus, if my drums are any indication, I can GET LOUD when needed.

Thanks for taking the time to read! #unionstrong #strongertogether #sisepuede

Laila Dellapasqua + Ali Ahmadpour (Organizing Officer)

Having spent so much time engaging and thinking about our struggles for an equitable workplace and considering the fragmented and fragile state of our unity, we are eager to establish a community of leaders, where every member of our Federation could confidently speak up for the rest of us. By intensifying our efforts, we plan to organize and mobilize our colleagues to ensure a better contract and working conditions. We are both optimistic about the potentials of our community and realistic about the challenges we face. We are planning both a short and a long term plan of action to meticulously establish a very strong and effective collective; where, the El Camino District no longer dares to push us around. However, we are only able to achieve this with your support. “I don’t believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person. I have a lot to learn from other people.” – Eduardo Galeano

In Solidarity, Ali and Laila

Officer Duties

The duties of the President shall include:
a. Presiding at meetings of the Federation, including the Executive Board.
b. Serving as an ex-officio member of all Federation committees.
c. Signing all necessary papers and documents.
d. Representing the Federation when and where necessary.
e. Working in a collegial manner with other groups representing faculty
interests.
f. Reporting to the membership at least once a year summarizing the
accomplishments of the Federation and outlining plans for the future.
g. Acting as co-signer on all financial accounts.
h. Pre-approve budgeted expenditures before being paid by the Treasurer.
i. Serving an additional six months as an ex-officio (non-voting) executive
officer (“Past President”) after the conclusion of the elected term.
j. The president position can be held by co-presidents if elected by the
membership.
k. The President will have final oversight of the COPE.

The duties of Part-Time Faculty Vice President shall include:
a. Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President and Executive Vice President.
b. Serving in a liaison capacity as one of the primary communication links representing part-time faculty interests and concerns within the Federation leadership.
c. Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
d. Attend conferences that address part-time related issues.
e. Chair Part-Time Faculty Committee

The duties of the Secretary shall include:
a. Recording the minutes of all general membership and Executive Board
meetings.
b. Issuing all notices and answering all correspondence at the direction of the
President and the Executive Board.
c. Acting as the custodian of the seal and the charter of the Federation.

The duties of the Communications officer shall include:
a. Coordinating the work of consistent communications with members through the Federation’s website, digital and paper publications, and social media platforms.
b. Coordinating consistent communications with the campus community and the communities we serve.
c. Chairing, as needed, a committee to do the communications work of the union.
d. Attending meetings and delivering reports as directed by the Executive Board (e.g. BOT, Senate, College Council, COPE, etc.)

The duties of the Organizing officer shall include:
a. Coordinating the outreach and organizing of members and nonmembers.
b. Maintaining the membership rolls of the Federation, including submitting monthly membership updates to the district payroll staff (e.g. addition of new Federation members and removal of members who drop membership or retire).
c. Reporting the faculty unit size to the Treasurer each term.
d. Chairing the organizing committee to do the member organizing and outreach of the union.

SP22 Election

Officer Elections (SP22)

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, we will be holding officer elections this term. The following positions are up: Executive Vice President, PT Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Grievance Officer, Communications Officer, and Organizing Officer. These are two year terms, with the exception of PT Vice President. The descriptions are below, though if you have questions about a particular position you can contact the Federation. Please send your candidate form and statement to eccfederation@gmail.com

Election Results

The following candidates were elected to their respective offices during the SP22 election with voting period from 4/18/2022-5/1/2022:

Vice President: Troy Moore

PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua

Treasurer: Ryan Turner

Chief Grievance Officer: John Baranski

Communications Officer: Annette Owens

Organizing Officer: Hong Herrera Thomas

Candidates

Vice President: Troy Moore

PT VP: Laila Dellapasqua

Treasurer: Ryan Turner

Chief Grievance Officer: John Baranski

Communications Officer: Annette Owens

Organizing Officer: Hong Herrera Thomas

Officer Duties

The duties of the Vice President shall include:
a. Performing all presidential duties in the absence of the President.
b. Carrying out such additional executive and administrative responsibilities on
behalf of the Federation as may be determined by the Executive Board.
c. Acting as co-signer on all financial accounts.
d. Perform monthly reconciliations for all accounts.

The duties of the Treasurer shall include:
a. Maintaining the complete financial records of the Federation.
b. Acting as a co-signer on all financial accounts.
c. Depositing all incomes in the name of the Federation and paying all affiliate
PerCaps and paying all expenditures as authorized by the adopted Federation
budget or by action of the Executive Board.
d. Preparing all reports in a timely manner as required by government agencies
as well as the AFT and CFT.
e. Preparing monthly budget reports for the Executive Board.
f. Preparing an annual financial report for the membership following the close of
the Federation’s fiscal year.
g. Calculating and reporting yearly changes in dues (including AFT, CFT, and
LACFL PerCaps, associated insurance policy changes, etc.) to the
membership and district payroll staff by June of each year.
h. Preparing proposed operating budget at least one month prior to the close of
the current Federation fiscal year for consideration and adoption by the
Executive Board.
i. Serving an additional three months as an ex-officio (non-voting) executive
officer (“Past Treasurer”) after the conclusion of the elected term.

The duties of the Chief Grievance officer shall include:
a. Coordinating the enforcement of the contract.
b. Coordinating grievance trainings for new and existing grievance officers who serve our members.
c. Chairing as needed a committee to do the work of contract enforcement.
d. Consulting and informing the Federation Executive Board committee about grievances.

SP21 Election

Officer Elections (SP21)

In accordance with the Federation’s Constitution, we will be holding officer elections this term. The following positions are up: President, PT Vice President, Secretary, and the Chief Grievance, Communications, and Organizing officers. These are two year terms. The descriptions are below, though if you have questions about a particular position you can contact the Federation. Please send your candidate form and statement to eccfederation@gmail.com

Election Results

The following candidates were elected to their respective offices during the SP21 election with voting period from May 24-June 6, 2021:

President: Kelsey Iino

PT VP: Elizabeth Russell / Juliann Wolfgram

Secretary: Laura Saldarriaga

Chief Grievance Officer: John Baranski

Communications Officer: Jessica Padilla

Organizing Officer: Hong Herrera Thomas

Candidates

President: Kelsey Iino

PT VP: Elizabeth Russell / Juliann Wolfgram

Secretary: Laura Saldarriaga

Chief Grievance Officer: John Baranski

Communications Officer: Jessica Padilla

Organizing Officer: Hong Herrera Thomas

Candidate Statements

I believe that all our colleagues have a voice deserving of an ear, that they should feel empowered to use it. I desire a campus culture at El Camino that respects and values all faculty and staff, one that strives for an equitable and sustainable balance of influence. I believe we accomplish this with a spirit of solidarity that reaches across discipline and position, a spirit that lifts up our identities as educators, as community members, and as workers. All, of course, with the ultimate goal of serving our students, empowering their collective voices.

-Elizabeth Russell (PT VP)

Hello, Federation members! I am Juli Wolfgram, and I am a part-Time faculty member teaching
Art History at El Camino College since 2009. I have been serving on the Federation board for the
past two years as COPE Chair, however I am running as a joint candidate with Elizabeth Russell
for the position of Second Vice President representing Part-Time Faculty at ECC.

Even though we did make gains in clarifying contract language for the Rehire Preference List, in
receiving pay for two office hours per semester, in receiving pay for professional development,
and in a $75 per semester stipend for health care benefits, there is so much more we need to
accomplish for Part Time Faculty! I will work together with Elizabeth to move toward parity, gain
broader health benefits, and ensure job security to name a few.

I do understand the financial, emotional, and mental burden that the transition to remote learning
has brought upon all of us. I still split my time between four different campuses, albeit through
Zoom meetings and class sessions. But I see this as an advantage. I can share experiences with
what works and what doesn’t work within each district.

I want to work with all members of our union, with Academic senate, and with the district. Our
college should be the model for regional community colleges, and so we need to continue
addressing issues of equity and social justice for all faculty, both Part-Time and Full-Time, at El
Camino College.

I will continue to represent you at the State level through the CFT Part Time Committee, and I will
continue to advocate for you through other faculty organizations such as FACCC and ASCCC
and CPFA.

As we move into another semester of remote learning and virtual classrooms, I will also continue
to work hard to ensure that our part timers will not be adversely affected in the changing
employment climate. I am very appreciative of your support, as I cannot do this without your help!
Through political action and collective bargaining, I believe we can collaborate and improve the
working condition of all our Federation members!

In unity,

– Juli Wolfgram (PT VP)

I have been at ECC for 6 years now and I have served as your secretary for the last 3 years. I am running once again for this position because I would like to continue serving you in this capacity. I enjoy being part of such an amazing group of people who are committed to improve our working conditions. I hope to have your support once again.

-Laura Saldarriaga (Secretary)

This is my sixth year in the History Dept at El Camino College. I have been doing union work for more than 25 years. For almost two years, I have served as the Federation’s Chief Organizing Officer and handled grievances large and small. I am willing to serve again. In addition to resolving grievances, my vision for this position is to train colleagues to handle grievances in the most strategic ways possible. If you have questions about this position, please see the position description or write me at jbaranski@elcamino.edu

-John Baranski (Chief Grievance Officer)

Since 2003 I have served as a full-time faculty member in the Life Science Department. During the last contract negotiations I was an involved AFT1388 member The Federation’s executive board is comprised of a dynamic group of faculty members, and when asked to with chair a committee I accepted. In March 2021 I was appointed to chair the Communications Committee. Since it is new, there are many aspects of this position that I am still developing. I enjoy the work and look forward to continuing it if elected.

-Jessica Padilla (Communications Officer)

My name is Hong Herrera Thomas and I teach in the history department. I started my career at El Camino College in 2013 as a part-time faculty member and was hired full-time in 2015. I am running for the position of Organizing Chair because I feel that the culture and relationship of the faculty and district needs to change. I hope to build a partnership with my colleagues by educating, empowering, and unifying members of the college campus. I hope I am given the opportunity to serve the Federation and to open communication and promote transparency at El Camino College. I believe the time is now to build a better ECC and we must be organized to do so.

-Hong Herrera Thomas (Organizing Officer)

Officer Duties

The duties of the President shall include:
a. Presiding at meetings of the Federation, including the Executive Board.
b. Serving as an ex-officio member of all Federation committees.
c. Signing all necessary papers and documents.
d. Representing the Federation when and where necessary.
e. Working in a collegial manner with other groups representing faculty interests.
f. Reporting to the membership at least once a year summarizing the accomplishments of the Federation and outlining plans for the future.
g. Acting as co-signer on all financial accounts.
h. Pre-approve budgeted expenditures before being paid by the Treasurer.
i. Serving an additional six months as an ex-officio (non-voting) executive officer (“Past President”) after the conclusion of the elected term.
j. The president position can be held by co-presidents if elected by the membership. k. The President will have final oversight of the COPE.

The duties of the Secretary shall include:
a. Recording the minutes of all general membership and Executive Board meetings.
b. Issuing all notices and answering all correspondence at the direction of the President and the Executive Board.
c. Acting as the custodian of the seal and the charter of the Federation.

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