Council Staff Representative Mark Heter Retires

Council Staff Representative Mark Heter will retire at the end of 2014. Mark was first employed by the Council as an AFT organizer for adjunct faculty in 2003 and became a Council Staff Representative in 2007.

At the Council, Mark's primary responsibility was building adjunct faculty membership and assisting in their local negotiations.  But his "jack of all trades" union skills turned out to be invaluable for coordinating and overseeing local elections, Council contract ratification votes, mass mailings and data entry.  He is also a skilled carpenter and generously used those skills to keep the Council office safely shelved and organized. 

"It has been a privilege to have a second act in my labor career with the Council, its officers, local officers, members, and especially with my co-workers," said Mark.  "The achievements of the Council's agreements over the years, in face of legislative barriers and endless spending cuts, are impressive.  It is proof positive that committee-driven agendas are the best. The Council gets it right — democracy works."

Mark was a former elected union officer in the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). There he served as a local vice-president, negotiations chair, Secretary-Treasurer, Local President and Bi-state Conference President before spending several years as an Assistant to three International Presidents of the AFM.  During his tenure with the AFM, Mark negotiated over 100 collective bargaining agreements.

Mark performed all over the country as a practicing musician (tuba), including an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show and often regaled his co-workers with his memories of the many celebrities he encountered.   He also put his musical—and people--skills to good use in providing lessons to children learning brass instruments.

"Aside from 'union business' I sincerely appreciate  the concern many Council delegates and my co-workers have shown in following the progress of my grandson William, who was born at 26 weeks and although physically challenged with cerebral palsy and autism is now thriving at school." Mark added, "Will's progress has been aided by many people from this organization with their thoughts and prayers".

Mark has remained active as a professional musician over the years, performing with symphony orchestras, brass quintets and jazz groups.  This year marked his 43rd consecutive year of conducting professional concert bands. Upon retiring Mark intends to "ramp up" his musical activities, boating, family gatherings and enjoying more time with his grandson William.