If you’ve traveled to the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, there’s a good chance you’ve run into Michael Emmi. For more than 20 years, Emmi has been NYSUT’s state fair liaison, recruiting and organizing Onondaga County members to staff the union’s booth, keep it stocked with necessary supplies and greet fair visitors throughout the event’s 13-day run.
It’s a big job, and to recognize him for those and other efforts, members of the Onondaga County Teachers Association, an umbrella group for educators countywide, honored him through the NYSUT Legacy Fund.
Emmi has led the Solvay TA for the past 25 years and, along with his fair duties, is a former Onondaga County TA president and a longtime NYSUT Representative Assembly delegate, where he chairs the sergeants and tellers group for the event.
He’s also active in state and national labor events including NYSUT’s Committee of 100, NEA and AFT conventions, and he serves as project leader for an AFT Innovation Fund grant at his district. “Mike goes above and beyond and it’s fitting that someone who has given so much of themselves should receive this honor,” said Beth Chetney, Baldwinsville TA president. “Thank you Mike for showing us what true union leadership looks like!”
To honor an in-service or retiree activist from your area, visit nysut.org/legacyfund.