CSEA Editor’s Note: Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Western Region 6 has been honored with CSEA’s Rising Tide Award, which is recognizing the CSEA Region for adding the most new Members. CSEA Western Region President Steve Healy, pictured on the left, accepts the award on behalf of the Region. CSEA President Mary Sullivan is on the right. (CSEA Photo)

(NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK) – The Civil Service Employees Association’s (CSEA) Western Region was recently honored with CSEA’s first-ever Rising Tide Cup during the 115th Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) that was recently held in Niagara Falls.

The award recognizes the region that signs up the most new Members throughout the year. 

This CSEA Membership-focused award is rooted in the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats.

When fair wages, better benefits and improved workplace conditions are achieved by CSEA, entire communities see the rewards. 

Western Region President Steve Healy proudly accepted the award: “Hearing Region Six called by President Sullivan was a total shock. I had no idea we were winning this award. I am incredibly proud of the Leaders working each day to grow and strengthen our Union. We have so many passionate, dedicated people in Region Six and across the State. We share this win together.” 

While the Western Region was honored with the award, recruiting efforts across CSEA are at its crest.

Membership-building initiatives across the State are working and CSEA is continuing to reach more Workers - every day. 

The efforts and energy from CSEA Leaders across the state have resulted in more than 14,000 new Members joining CSEA so far in 2025, CSEA President Mary Sullivan said: “One of the most important things we can do to build a stronger CSEA is to grow our Membership. Every new Member who signs up adds to our collective power - power to win fair wages, to secure better benefits and to make our workplaces safer and stronger.” 

Encouraging Workers to join CSEA has always been an integral part of both Region and statewide initiatives.

Across the Western Region, Locals have taken a pro-active approach to reaching new Members. 

Of the 1,480 CSEA-represented Workers at Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO), 1,463 are proud Union Members. 

Finger Lakes DDSO Local 1st Vice President Catalina Guzman, who also serves as Western Region Membership Committee Chair, brings an inspiring energy to her conversations with potential Members. 

By building personal connections during New Employee Orientation (NEO) sessions and in the workplace, she aims to foster trust and demonstrate the real benefits of Union Membership through her own experiences: “I’m not only your Union Rep, I’m your friend. I am in a position where I can help you along the way.” 

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Rising Tide: Western Region grows our union  - CSEA NY