Tosti Appointed Director of District Council 88

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new leader has been selected to head the South Eastern branch of the largest public employee union in Pennsylvania.

At a board meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2010, the Executive Board of District Council 88 of AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, voted unanimously to appoint Tom Tosti to the position of Director effective immediately.

"Tom Tosti has moved quickly through the ranks of this union for a reason," said David Fillman, Executive Director of Council 13, the Pennsylvania division of AFSCME that represents more than 65,000 employees. "His eagerness to serve and his commitment to his membership is exactly what I look for in a leader. His experience in contract negotiations, teaching and political activism will be extremely valuable to our members."

"I would like to thank Executive Director Fillman and the Executive Board of Council 88 for having the faith and trust in me to fill this position," said Tosti.  "As much as I am excited about the future and the challenges that lie ahead it is also a sad day. When I was first approached about this position by Bob Cooper I never envisioned Bob not introducing me as the new Director. I'm forever thankful for his guidance and I look forward to continuing his fight for workers' rights." Tosti began his work in public service in 1991 as an Equipment Operator for the Dept. of Transportation where he eventually became President of Local Union 2158.  Through his tenure as Local President, Tosti worked on several committees and campaigns and came on staff with District Council 88 in 2005.

Tosti will replace Robert Cooper, who lost his battle with cancer last month after serving as Council Director since 2002. "Bob and Tom worked closely together for many years," said Exec. Dir. Fillman.  "But, they were more than work colleagues, they were great friends.  'Coop' was on board with this choice."

AFSCME is an international organization representing more than 1.6 million public employees.

SOURCE AFSCME Council 13