Local 2822 Executive Board
Omari Hoover, President
omari.hoover@local2822.org
I’ve been a government employee on and off since 2018. Following elections work at the county and city levels, I landed in the Hennepin County Services Centers in 2022.
Aside from work life, I’ve participated in lifelong activism across the country, with anti-racism, anti-war and solidarity among the working class being the focal points. I come from an immediate family of labor organizers and anti-war activists which has brought me to strive for solidarity among Hennepin County workers of AFSCME 2822 to work in collaboration with other Hennepin County locals and the labor movement of the Twin Cities.
Summer Spence-Decker, Vice President
summer.spence-decker@local2822.org
Hi my name is Summer Spence-Decker and I currently work as a custody records coordinator for the sheriff’s office and I have been there for 2.5 years. Since my time with the county I was formally a Union Steward until the end of January of this year and I was part of our bargaining team for contract negotiations in 2024. As VP, I want to see our local become more united. Ways I think we can strengthen our local is by being more transparent with one another and having structures of accountability in place.
Emma Riese, Co-Chief Steward
emma.riese@local2822.org
I’ve been working for Hennepin County Library since 2015, as a substitute Public Service Assistant, a library supervisor, and now as an associate librarian at Minneapolis Central Library. I’ve seen HR processes from different perspectives in my different roles. As chief steward I want to use my knowledge to support workers facing discipline and other stressful situations and to advocate for workplace policies that support well-being for all. I am eager to get to know more 2822 members and understand what you’re experiencing in your workplaces.
Regina Kittrell, Co-Chief Steward
regina.kittrell@local2822.org
My name is Regina Kittrell, current and former Co-Chief Steward. I also was also an organizer for Council 5 and have been working for the county for 12 years now. Starting in BH department at Northpoint, am now at the call center/BH back on site. I have one son, Russell, who’s 17and a senior in high school, and my guy Casey. I love LIFE! Things I like to do are go to church and sit by the water in the summer to relax. In my spare time I LOVE spending time with my son and family and friends with food and laughter. I am enjoying life to the fullest!
Brian Madigan, Treasurer
brian.madigan@local2822.org
With 11 years of loyalty to 2822, starting as a PSA at Southdale Library and advancing to Associate Library at Central, I bring a wealth of experience and commitment to our union. Leveraging a background as a political consultant and journalist, I’m poised to unite 2822 and steer us towards a future that benefits every member.
Willow Karnick, Membership Secretary
willow.karnick@local2822.org
I am a dedicated union activist who has been fighting for her fellow coworkers for the last 6 years. While in the Teamsters Union at UMN, we organized the worksite & helped to win major victories during contract negotiations. These victories included a 25% increase in base pay (From $16 to $20 per hour), an increase in paid paternity leave, and fighting back an attempt to remove our ability to negotiate over healthcare. While in AFSCME I’ve contributed to the Contract Research Committee & has been an active Participant in the Member Action Team. As the elected Membership Secretary I plan to work to identify & build a strong network of Activists, promote solidarity with other AFSCME locals and unions, and increase our membership numbers!
Tucker Sprynczynatyk, Recording Secretary
tucker.sprynczynatyk@local2822.org
I work part-time at Central Library so I’m able to sub at other libraries to fill my schedule. I enjoy getting to meet more members this way and learn more about what goes on at their worksites by working alongside them. I hear many stories and patterns that often echo some of my experiences with our work and the union so I’ve decided to step up and work hard to make sure everyone feels heard. In addition to taking thorough notes, I hope to invest a lot of energy into meet & confers.
Annie Blake, Member at Large
annie.blake@local2822.org
Hey, my name is Annie Blake and I am running for a Member At Large position. I have been with the Hennepin County Library since September 2023. I am a specialist at the Brookdale library. In my past, I helped start the Half Price Books Union with UFCW 663 and was a part of the bargaining team. Working at the library has always been a goal of mine. I will work hard to make Hennepin County a better place and focus on helping AFSCME 2822 reach its greatest potential.
Kirby Ahlm, Member at Large
kirby.ahlm@local2822.org
This is my first time in a union. I’m extremely excited to be a part of an organization that fights for our dignity as workers and as people and my main goal is to drive member engagement and enthusiasm. I want Local 2822 to be energetic, strong, and inclusive. I want to work with as many people as possible and drive up member involvement to make our union something we all want to brag about.
Laura Sivert, Member at Large
laura.sivert@local2822.org
Hi, I’m Laura and I work at Central Library. I’m new to union work but I am a huge advocate for my peers and strive to always have meaningful conversations. I’m invested in seeing changes and being involved in a union that is transparent with members, inclusive, and celebrates member engagement at all levels of involvement.
Michelle Thompson, Member at Large
michelle.thompson@local2822.org
Hi, I’m Michelle and I have worked at multiple library locations as regular staff and as a sub. I enjoy connecting with other members and colleagues and one of my biggest strengths is engaging with people and bringing them into conversations. I’m new to union work but I’ve wanted to get more involved for a while now and I’m excited to bring my strengths into this role and proud to represent and advocate for my work location, North Regional Library.