A new leader took the helm of the Council 93 Executive Board today when e-board members voted unanimously to affirm Charles C. Owen Jr. as president.  Charlie assumed the role as president earlier this month following the resignation of former President Donene Williams.  Today’s action at the regularly-scheduled executive board meeting in Chatham, MA places Owen in the president’s seat until the next Council 93 Convention.

The current President of Local 804 and a member of the executive board for more than 16 years, Owen started his union career nearly 40 years ago years ago as an employee of the City of Boston.  Initially a member of AFSCME Local 944, Charlie’s activism within that local would lead his union brothers and sisters to elect him President in 1985, a post he would hold for the next 17 years.  During his tenure as a union president in Boston Charlie has developed a reputation as a tough but fair negotiator, always basing his decisions on what was best for the union as a whole but always ensuring that no one was left behind for the sake of the majority – a trait that will now be an invaluable asset to the entire Council 93 family. 

In 1996, he played a key role in the reorganization of the Boston Police Department’s fleet operations.  In the course of that reorganization, Charlie made sure that the city was not the only party to benefit from his help.  Through Charlie’s advocacy, the reorganization resulted in rightful upgrades for more than 25 AFSCME members, providing them and their families with a brighter and more secure economic future. He also played a key role in the recent landmark health insurance agreement with the city that saved millions for the city but still maintained decent, affordable health coverage for public employees.

In addition to his service within his Local, Charlie also has a long history of devoting a substantial amount of his time to the Council, serving not only on the executive board, but also on the Council’s Finance Committee, Convention Committee and Judicial Panel.  He is a also a driving force behind the Council’s Botelho Scholarship Fund where he has helped raised thousands of dollars through golf tournaments, silent auctions and other creative endeavors. 

Currently the Fleet Superintendent for the City of Boston, Charlie’s exemplary service is not confined to his union.  Despite being a husband; a father to seven children; and grandfather to 13; Charlie still finds the time to raise money for the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Boston and provide guitar lessons to special needs children.  The entire Council 93 family is fortunate to have Charlie as president.