AFGE Elects Cox as New President
J. David Cox was elected AFGE president yesterday by delegates to the union’s convention in Las Vegas. Cox, who served the past six years as AFGE’s secretary-treasurer succeeds John Gage, who retired after serving nine years in the top job.
Cox said he would work on strengthening the union by embracing its diverse membership and building consensus among members.
The strength of unity is the only way we are going to fight back against the anti-government and anti-union forces that want to dismantle the vital programs and services federal employees provide each and every day to millions of Americans, and I am honored and humbled that AFGE´s members chose me to lead this fight.
He told The Washington Post that one of his main goals is to raise the visibility of the union at a time when federal workers are coming under fire from many Republicans.
People need to understand the value government employees provide for this country.
Cox began his private-sector career in health care in 1970 as a food service worker, progressing to nursing assistant and licensed practical nurse in 1972. In 1983, Cox became a registered nurse and started a public-sector career with the Veterans Administration that lasted until September 2006, when he became AFGE secretary-treasurer.
Eugene Hudson Jr . was elected secretary-treasurer and Augusta Thomas was re-elected vice president for Women´s and Fair Practices.
