Hello everyone,
My name is Robert N. Femminella, and I am a candidate for the AFA President. For the last 14 years, I have served as a Department Representative, and as an Executive Board member for the last 10 years.
My college journey started with an Associate’s Degree from Nassau Community College. Thanks to the instructors I had at Nassau who gave me the confidence to further my education, my career has advanced to earning a bachelor's degree, three master's degrees, and a PhD. Since 1997, I have served as a Biology adjunct professor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the good fortune to be awarded the 2020-2021 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.
Between 2006 and 2008, I was President of a civic organization in the Village of New Hyde Park organized to find and promote a solution to the LIRR Third Track Project, which would have destroyed the communities along the train line. I lived in the Village of New Hyde Park, and was determined to meet with officials to insure a better outcome for when the third track was ultimately added. I had weekly interactions with Village, Town, County, and Federal officials as the group's leader. The group was called Save Our Village, or SOV for short. Our blog can still be viewed at New Hyde Park "Save Our Village" Association.
After years of delay and dedicated persistence, we and other civic groups with a similar desire for a better-designed project won out, and the replacement project that was eventually built was safer, more aesthetically pleasing, and included acoustic barriers. The compensation for my devotion to this effort was simply the satisfaction of having done something positive to guarantee a better outcome for our residents.
Additionally, for 32 years I owned and operated a home remodeling business, writing weekly job contracts and negotiating with clients. Being a good small business owner teaches you how to manage your finances and make the most of your investment, while doing the best job possible for your customers.
You can be assured that Chris Enright and I will work diligently on your behalf if elected.
In Solidarity,
Bob
Dear AFA Colleagues,
My name is Chris Enright, and I’m running for Vice President of the Adjunct Faculty Association at Nassau Community College.
I’ve been a proud AFA member since 1999 and have served on the AFA Executive Board and as Department Representative for the Chemistry Dept for the past 10 years. In addition, I bring broader union leadership experience from 7 years as Executive Vice President of the CSEA. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience handling grievances and disciplinary hearings, along with advocating for members in challenging situations. I know how to navigate the system—and I know how to fight for what’s right.
I authored the AFA’s new adjunct handbook, lead our new adjunct orientation sessions, and maintain a fluent understanding of our contract and constitution. Most importantly, I make myself available to members, because I believe in being a resource and an advocate for everyone.
If elected Vice President, I will:
- Fight for all of our members and their rights, especially when it comes to fair treatment and workplace protections
- Fostering collaboration by opening a productive dialogue with the other three unions on campus
- Increasing member engagement through more inclusive and relevant activities
- Modernize our website to better serve the needs of our adjuncts
- Restore fiscal responsibility by reducing unnecessary compensation and positions to keep the budget in the black
- Improving legal support by exploring options for a retainer-based attorney instead of paying hourly
- Review and update the dues structure to ensure it’s fair and sustainable
We deserve a union that’s strong, modern, and unafraid to stand up for every adjunct. I’m ready to continue that fight—and I’d be honored to have your support.
In solidarity,
Chris Enright
