Lori Benton:
My name is Lori Benton. I am currently employed by the Division of Finance as a Payroll Specialist. I started my state employment in May 1996 at the State Office of Education. During my employment at Office of Education, I kept hearing about, and seeing flyers for meetings about this UPEA group. On several occasions, I thought to myself, I should check that out and see what they were all about.
Although I don’t remember much about the meetings I attended back then, I know I liked what they stood for and they were doing good things for state employees. I joined this wonderful organization in Nov 1999. I attended my first meeting as a new member, and I was elected Chair of our District. I am not sure if they thought, hey let’s get the new person before she decides not to attend and this way we can make her continue to attend, or if they really thought I could do the job. I have neither regretted nor looked back, and really enjoy being a part of UPEA.
Throughout the years of being a member of UPEA, I have held several different positions in the district. I have been Chair, Vice Chair, and secretary. I also served 2 years on UPEA State Board and currently serving as Advisory Council Member. UPEA is our voice on the hill. We as an organization are busy before, during and after legislation keeping track of bills that affect State Employees compensation and benefits. We strive to elect Public Employee friendly candidates so that our voice will be heard, by us, the state employees.
The time is now; we need more people to get involved. I will do my best to achieve this goal. There are many committees to serve, and I want to make employees more aware of what they can do to help our voices be heard.
I have the drive, determination and will do what it takes to keep the goals that UPEA has set forth. I am running for 2nd VP and would appreciate your vote in February.
Thank you