January 15, 2015
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – The new executive director of District Council 37, Henry Garrido, began his tenure at the helm of the city's biggest public sector union by creating and fulfilling two new positions to lead the union's political action.
In a press release, Garrido announced that Chris Policano will be Director of Strategic Initiatives. He returns to New York after nearly six years in Washington, D.C., where he served as communications director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, DC 37’s national union. He has held top communications posts at the New York City Council, the United Federation of Teachers, Phoenix House and DC 37, where he served from 1999-2002. He also worked as a general assignment reporter for the New York Daily News and covered City Hall for the New York Post. His familiarity with the national and local political and media landscapes will be a valuable asset to DC 37 as the union builds on its efforts to promote and protect public services, the men and women who provide them and the communities they serve.
Jahmila K. Joseph will be Deputy Associate Director. She brings considerable experience as a political and legislative advisor, policy strategist and coalition builder. She recently worked as Executive Director of the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Her past experience includes Deputy Chief of Staff in the NYC Public Advocates Office; and Assistant Director for Political Affairs for the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.
“These appointments are an important step in the forward-looking transformation of our union to meet the challenges ahead,” said Garrido, who was sworn into office in December.
“At a time when the labor movement and public employee unions have come under increasing attack, and when economic inequality threatens the stability of our city and our country, we must be diligent to ensure that we are at full capacity to serve as a strong, effective voice for the working families of New York.”
