Michelle Foisy
King George,VA
Summary
Accomplished Strategic Campaigns Manager with 16 years of union organizing experience and a proven track record at the National Education Association, adept in union campaign strategy and execution, and leadership development. Spearheaded innovative organizing strategies, fostering significant campaigns wins and empowerment. Expert in budget management and affiliate engagement, embodying racial and social justice advocacy.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Campaigns Manager
National Education Association, NEA
Washington, DC
05.2023 - Current
- Build and sustain relationships with affiliate executive directors, presidents, and UniServ managers to foster a culture of organizing focused on recruitment, empowerment, and union expansion, while facilitating leadership development and shared staffing experiences to enhance organizing skills in rank-and-file leaders, including during the Recognition Campaign in Fairfax and the PECCA Campaign in Memphis.
- Co-led the planning and execution of NEA’s inaugural Organizing to Win Recognition Campaigns Convening, uniting 38 state affiliate staff from 9 states to develop strategies for union recognition, leadership development, legal considerations, and coalition building, resulting in standardized best practices for organizing.
- Co-led a collaborative Union Rights/NEA Rights issue team, partnering with NEA staff to develop a strategic response framework, fostering strong relationships to address impacts on public education, racial and social justice, and union rights, while proactively advancing offensive strategies.
Organizational Specialist
National Education Association, NEA
Washington, DC
10.2014 - 05.2023
- Partnered with state teams to build a sustainable organizing culture through the Year-Round Organizing framework, expanding organizing capacities, and adopting best practices to drive successful campaigns.
- Led campaigns from planning to execution, managing budgets, tracking progress, and providing coaching and mentoring to affiliates in developing and implementing strategic organizing plans.
- Played a key role in creating the first national cadre of member organizers, supporting their development through on-the-ground training, and authoring executive-level reports on campaign results, with actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
National Union Organizer
American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees
Washington, DC
10.2009 - 10.2014
- Conducted research and assessments to identify organizing targets, build worker lists, and scout worksites, laying the foundation for successful organizing efforts.
- Led one-on-one organizing efforts and mobilization strategies, recruiting supporters, building organizing committees, and developing workshops and public speaking events to engage and train potential leaders.
- Provided coaching to volunteer member organizers, supporting their professional development through hands-on, field-based training to enhance their leadership skills and campaign effectiveness.
Organizer-in-Apprentice (OIA)
AFL-CIO
Washington, DC
07.2009 - 09.2009
- Gaining hands-on experience in building worker power through union organizing, including home calling, organizing direct actions, and preparing for first contract campaigns.
- Worked closely with experienced Lead Organizers, receiving one-on-one mentoring and training to develop core organizing skills, and progressively take on greater responsibilities as training advanced.
- Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice, and grassroots organizing, with strong leadership abilities, and the capacity to empathize with workers, while traveling extensively and working long hours to achieve campaign goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY05-2009
Skills
- Knowledge of NEA's strategic goals and priorities
- Public and private sector internal and external organizing
- Union Campaign Strategy & Execution
- Leadership and Staff Development
- Budgeting and resource allocation
- Digital and Field Organizing Strategies
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Affiliate Engagement
- Personnel Management and Coaching
- Racial and Social Justice Advocacy
Affiliations
Study Abroad, International Law | University of Helsinki
Executive Education Program in Leadership, Organizing and Action | Harvard Kennedy School
Executive Level Coaching Program| The John Maxwell Company
Executive Onboarding| Strategic Start Coaching
Completed numerous seminars and training sessions on topics involving member engagement, Managing with Labor’s Values, strategy and planning, leadership development, technology, and collective action.
On Going Management Coaching| Imagine Us
Timeline
Strategic Campaigns Manager
National Education Association, NEA
05.2023 - Current
Organizational Specialist
National Education Association, NEA
10.2014 - 05.2023
National Union Organizer
American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees
10.2009 - 10.2014
Organizer-in-Apprentice (OIA)
AFL-CIO
07.2009 - 09.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Bellarmine University
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