Local 1600 Announces 2026 Union Election Results

We are proud to announce the results of the Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 Officer, AFT/IFT Delegate, and Alternate Delegate Election, which ran from February 19 through March 19, 2026.

After a successful election, the following members have been elected to lead our union. Officers will officially assume their roles on June 15, 2026:

President: Tony Johnston Secretary: Lesa Hildebrand Treasurer: Rashid Carter Grievance Chair: Roberto Guzman Legislative Chair: Troy Swanson Vice President, City Colleges: Rochelle Robinson-Dukes Vice President, Suburban Faculty: Delwyn Jones Vice President, Suburban Classified: Shannan Smith

The following members have been elected to serve as AFT/IFT Delegates:

Sharon Silverman, Ayndrielle Ward, Michael Held, Todd Lakin, Bill Marsh, LaSandra Skinner, Adriana Tapanes-Inojosa, Cheron Ricks, Jamie Welling, Erica McGregory, Vernita Lewis, Kevin Navratil, Lynn Doulas, Aurora Zwick, Richard Niezgoda, Brian Gilligan, Eric Porod, Robert Greenwald, Lakedra Love, Dorota Kryzkowska, Stephanie Horton, Rick Kellerman, Jennifer Crowley, Zach Harris, Phil Stucky, Tony Johnston, Lesa Hildebrand, Rashid Carter, Roberto Guzman, Troy Swanson, Rochelle Robinson-Dukes, Delwyn Jones, and Shannan Smith.

The following members have been elected to serve as AFT/IFT Alternate Delegates:

Mario Wright, Keisha Patterson, Erick Fuoco, Joe Palencia, Susan Grace, Chris Connolly, Dan Cutter, Pia Moore, Eric Meyers, Margaret O'Connell, Shellye Taylor, Michelle August, Norma Vazquez-Zwick, Tina Carney, Kelly Maynard, Michael Kasprowicz, Jennifer Christoffel, Daniele Manni, Jordan Cabarle, Mario Porras, Crystal Peirce, Nikolay Arcos, Heather Jakob-Short, Melissa Rodriguez, Donald Radtke, Yoriel Marcano, Curtis Keyes, Jesu Estrada, Tish Hayes, Antonio Vazquez, Cristina Carrillo, Lucas Steffens, and Rose Sakanis.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all newly elected officers, delegates, and alternates. Their willingness to serve reflects the strength and dedication that make Local 1600 such a powerful voice for working people across the City Colleges and suburban campuses.

A sincere thank you goes to Election Chair Michael Ruggeri and the entire election committee for their diligent work in administering a fair and well-organized election. Their commitment to the integrity of this process is deeply appreciated.

Most importantly, thank you to every member who cast a ballot. Your participation is what makes our union democratic, vibrant, and strong. When we vote, we make our collective voice heard, and that matters.

We look forward to the work ahead together.