Bargaining Team Candidates

Chris Sato

• "Hello Colleagues,
  
  I have been a CRNA since 2012, beginning at Kaisers Sacramento and Roseville. In 2016, I joined South Sacramento’s family. It is well known that Kaiser has standardized workflows, creating frameworks meant to be applicable across varying entities, including its association with unions. Making changes within that framework is challenging, and so creating the first union national contract for CRNAs will be a monumental task and accomplishment. I would be honored to be given this responsibility on your behalf.
  
  In my 12 years at Kaiser, six were spent as Chief and/or Assistant Chief at all three sites. During my time in leadership, I directly supervised union staff, thereby gaining experience working within Kaiser's Labor Management Partnership system. This includes making staff and work decisions in accordance to labor contracts, collaborating with union shop stewards, and writing business proposals for the successful expansion of personnel.
  
  Each CRNA group’s culture and identity must be recognized. As a CRNA leader of multiple locations, I have experience successfully advocating for the CRNA in different environments. My goal is to create a comprehensive and inclusive national contract that is reflective of our values, all while working within the Kaiser framework.
  
  Thank you"

Rommel Uniza

Christopher Young

• "Greetings, South Sacramento, Modesto, and Fresno CRNA’s! Thank you for your nominations to represent our Group 1 on the UNAC/UHCP and CRNA Bargaining Team (BT) for what is most certainly a historic and pivotal time for CRNA’s of Kaiser Northern California. 
  
  Before deciding on a career change to healthcare and specifically anesthesia, my professional background included an MBA and 10 years in the financial securities industry, working in the fixed income trading divisions at UBS, Morgan Stanley, and RBS.
  
  I eventually graduated from the Yale New Haven Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia in 2014, moved to California for the sun and independent CRNA practice in 2016, and joined a fantastic CRNA team at Kaiser Fresno nearly 5 years ago.
  
  I’m keenly aware of current and competing anesthesia pay scales, the critical importance of our retirement benefits, and the opportunities to improve current CRNA practice environments. As a BT representative for the upcoming contract negotiations with TPMG, I pledge to listen to pertinent CRNA issues to be bargained, analyze the finer details of each bargaining point, and collaborate with the other BT members to negotiate and solidify our future careers, benefits, and livelihood.
  
  May the Force be with you!"

Kevin Dolan

• "My experience briefly…I’ve been around for a few years now. Have
  worked or gone to school with a lot of you. I sit in a chair regularly and taught for a little bit at SMU.
  
  It is not a secret that I wasn’t excited about us transitioning to a union model. I was contacted by a few classmates and a former coworker who were part of the grassroots effort. When I understood the momentum gathering, I asked to have the union meet with our group in Santa Clara. In spite of my personal thoughts, I thought it was most important for our group to be informed as much as possible to make the best choice for themselves. I delivered all communications from the union effort to my colleagues and kept them abreast of developments as they occurred. I was also relied upon to deliver when other new lines of communication broke down.
  
  That’s what I’ll continue to do as your representative on the bargaining team. I will continue to be a reliable conduit of communication and bring your ideas and concerns to the table in a direct and fair-minded manner."

Lindsay Gahan

Bonna Hopper

Karen Huff

•  "I began working at Santa Clara Kaiser in 2000 when overtime and early retirement had been taken away without a choice or a voice to negotiate with the administration. We lost staff due to a lack of transparency with unequal salaries, shift differentials, and scheduling practices like other departments that joined the union which led to our overwhelming support of the union. Our next step is to form a bargaining team from the area to represent a collective voice to advocate for improved salaries and benefits. By standing together and bargaining for a contract that reflects the priorities of all CRNAs we can improve staff satisfaction and retention. I have advocated for CRNAs throughout my career and have the desire to achieve our goals. I was the Treasurer and Finance chair for the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists for ten years beginning with the opt-out legislation that included representing CRNAs on a State and federal level. I have served on the local Kaiser safety and regional policy committees. And I have been active with the UNAC/UHCP organizing committee. Please consider my experience and commitment by voting for me to represent the South Bay bargaining team."

Irene Mangacu

Roni Patterson

Srinidhi Vittal

Alexis Wasserman

• "My name is Alexis Wasserman, and I've had the privilege of serving at Kaiser Santa Clara since completing my CRNA program in 2016 at Kaiser School of Anesthesia. This journey has afforded me invaluable insights into the diverse practice models across both Kaiser Southern and Northern California. Before embarking on my CRNA path, I earned a Masters in Nursing from UCLA, specializing in Nurse Leadership, which equipped me with the skills to understand the complexities of our healthcare system.
  
  While the realm of union representation may be new to many of us, I am eager to step forward as a candidate for the bargaining team. I believe in the power of collective voices shaping positive change, and I am dedicated to being a steadfast advocate for each and every one of us at the bargaining table.
  
  If entrusted with this responsibility, I pledge to:

  • Be a catalyst for meaningful change, responding to the desires of our union members.

  • Champion the advancement of CRNA leadership roles within Kaiser, ensuring our profession is valued and respected.
     

• I am genuinely excited about the prospect of collaborating with all stakeholders, to forge agreements that benefit us all and advance the well-being of our workforce."

Sanne Bjork Jacobsen

• "I am excited by the prospect of representing the ideas, aspirations, and concerns of our group as we bargain our first-ever union contract with Kaiser Permanente. 
  
  As a member of the organizing committee, I learned that our group regionally values fairness, professionalism, professional relationships, and flexibility to run our departments as we see best.  Our first bargaining campaign is an opportunity to weave those values into our contract, laying the foundation for the culture of our union.  While the ‘numbers’ side of the contract will receive much attention, I view the ‘process’ elements of the contract - language about decision-making, scheduling, hiring, etc - to be equally important.  This is where a culture of professionalism and flexibility will come into play.  This is where, if elected, I hope to make an impact.  
  
  In addition, I recognize the bargaining process as an iterative process, and believe that we should set our priorities strategically for long-term success.  For example, it might be best to secure our positions within Kaiser before pushing our hardest on compensation.
  
  Lastly, I support management of CRNAs by CRNAs.  
  
  If these goals resonate with you, please support my nomination to represent Kaiser Oakland CRNAs on the bargaining team."

Ethan Bushman 

Jeffrey Cathcart

• "I’ve been with Kaiser for over twenty years and approaching my 19th year as a CRNA. An ICU nurse for over a decade prior to graduating from Samuel Merritt in 2005. My introduction to medicine, and Nurse Anesthesia, came in the  Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. I believe my colleagues know me as someone who is always willing to speak up and take a stand for what is right.
  
  My involvement with the Union came as an Organizing Committee member for San Francisco. Though a lot of hard work and long hours it has honestly been one the more rewarding endeavors I’ve had the privilege to be involved with in my career. The process, collaboration and strategic discussions with fellow OC members & UNAC over the last 6 months has given me a strong foundation with which to represent our Group.
  
  I’m committed to representing what the CRNAs of Group 4 determine the most valuable. I go into this with no personal agenda except to represent our Group and our fellow CRNAs with the utmost integrity and professionalism. This is long overdue and it would be an absolute honor & privilege to represent you on the Bargaining Team."

Jacqueline Frank

• "First, I have a B.S. in Political Science and have always been interested in the process of how diplomacy, leadership, and organizations function. I come from a strong union family. My father was President of his union. I understand the value of unions and collective bargaining.  I understand the importance and significance of the bargaining team as a representative of the membership to administration.
  
  Secondly, I have been a CRNA for over twenty years. During this time, I have worked in independent practice and negotiated contracts. I have held many different leadership roles in the military, as EPIC Subject Matter Expert and Trainer, and Chief CRNA at a level 1 Trauma Center in a CRNA Independent practice group. I regularly led managerial meetings and trainings which included collaborating with hospital administrative staff. 
  
  I am passionate about advocating for CRNAs, especially concerning equity, fairness, and career development. I think my diverse professional experiences at various hospitals helps me to comprehend existing and potential concerns that may arise. I have experience in listening to colleagues to help develop and implement solutions. I will keep an open mind in collaborating with administration and CRNAs to improve the work environment for the union members."

Israel Garland

Jessica  Servin

• "The nomination is humbling and I’m passionately excited to represent all of you. I’ve been a CRNA at Kaiser SF since November 2018 and before that I was an ICU nurse for 10 years both here at Kaiser and UCSF. I have first hand experience at the power of being part of a union and look forward to our voices being heard. 
  
  I find this time exciting in that we get to write and tailor a contract to our specific needs. I’m eager to be on the BT to ensure that our needs are met and what we have, remains protected. One of my main goals is to support families with children, those who are family planning, and those who care for other relatives by establishing separate PTO banks. 
  
  Colleagues, friends and family would characterize me as passionate, enthusiastic, and a person who will stand up and speak out when needed. These are reasons I was nominated and I intend to carry that out in my role. History has shown that we are better as a whole when each of us are seen, heard and recognized for who we are and the value we bring to the organization."

Antonio Araujo

Adeleke Oyemade

Kevin  Smith 

• "​I have 29 years as a CRNA and 31 years as an Army Officer. Served in various roles.Clinician, instructor, lecturer, preceptor, hospital committee member and Chief CRNA. Field Medic, EMT, LVN. Med/Surg, ICU, In-Patient Psych, convalescent hospitals, county hospitals and Kaiser (San Leandro, Hayward, Oakland and Sunset!)
  
  I have experience in successfully working within large organizations that have a lot of very talented people, in different locations and capable doing really impressive things.
  
  I know that small groups within an organization sometimes shoulder an over-sized part of the burden for the greater good. Life is not always fair, but sometimes things can be made right.
  
  Now is the time for CRNAs of Northern California to be recognized for our contribution towards making lives better, for promoting access to care, for making Kaiser a leader in the health care and a generating a lot of money for TPMG.
  
  I am committed to representing my fellow CRNAs and getting the recognition and compensation we deserve, as well as pushing for those facility specific issues that matter to us. Scheduling, regional anesthesia, peer review - these are the things people are talking about. And I want to make these things happen!"

Alex Szilagyi

Danny Bell

• "My name is Danny Bell. Over the last 8 years as a CRNA I have worked tirelessly to improve our profession. This has come through political advocacy with CANA and as faculty at Samuel Merritt University focusing on topics such as health policy, scope of practice, and anesthesia reimbursement. Through these experiences, I have gained a treasure trove of unique knowledge that will be crucial in our bargaining efforts. TPMG won’t offer a fair contract because we ask nicely, or we talk loud. It will require strategic political, financial, and institutional knowledge to leverage our negotiations. Leverage I can provide.
  
  Bargaining will also require superb communication. We need people skilled at listening and understanding the needs of our unique CRNA groups while also proactively educating our community every step of the way. I have been engaged in this work from the very beginning when I created the first regional compensation comparison worksheet, a critical tool in our unionizing efforts. My strategic knowledge and thoughtful communication skills will provide our team with a strong and passionate voice to ensure our first contract reflects the value we bring to TPMG. " 

Will Santos

• "Will Santos has been a CRNA with Kaiser for over 7 years. During that time he has worked as the Chief CRNA at North Sacramento where he lead a large group with both represented employees and non-represented employees. He worked with Regional leadership on the great CRNA pay adjustment of 2021. This gave him insight into regional negotiations and priorities. This managerial experience in a union environment has really reinforced the importance of a solid contract with precise language that will eliminate room for interpretation by management.  
  
  Will Santos is interested in participating as a member of the Bargaining Team to assist our negotiating team in accurately conveying the group’s priorities and to help safe guard from future managerial abuses. 
  
  Will Santos took the role of Chief CRNA to help protect his colleagues from institutional oppression. He assumed a role on the organizing committee to help energize our group to protect our future within Kaiser. He would like to join the bargaining team to ensure that our first contract is a solid representation of our group’s values and one that paves the way for an enriching future for our profession within TPMG. "

Andy Baum

• "My name is Andy Baum. I trained at Kaiser School of Anesthesia in Southern California. After training I joined a private practice group in Austin, Texas. I served in my first leadership role during that time. After a couple years of humidity I transitioned back to Northern California. I have been working at KP Roseville Medical Center since fall of 2017. I have worked in both clinical and leadership roles.
  
  I accept this nomination for bargaining team because my interest are ultimately to help shape the future of our profession within this organization. Those that know me well likely describe me as hard-working, passionate, direct but kind. I try to lead by example. I am unbiased in regards to Union representation;  I will encourage all perspectives (pro or anti) because I believe this leads to comprehensive and important discussion that need to happen as we bargain. I am unapologetically pro-CRNA and this is what drives me. I work well in collaboration with others. I know this team is being elected to advocate for what is important to this group of CRNAs and I am happy to represent your collective voices."

Greg Taylor 

• "Thank you for the nomination,
  
  It’s an exciting time to be a CRNA in Northern CA, and especially at TPMG. I graduated KPSAN in 2010, and worked private practice in Ohio until I returned to Kaiser in 2016. I served as Assistant Chief for 4 years and worked exclusively with TPMG Labor Management as the direct report for our Anesthesia Techs.
  
  I too come from a family of union workers. Until recently, my opinion of unions was that they had little to offer a group of professionals like ours. This changed when I witnessed the events that  transpired over the past 3 years in Roseville.
  
  Our concerns were made known, upper Admin “listened”, but nothing changed. We had no leverage or protection, and CRNAs left our practice because of it. My vision is that TPMG will be a great place to work again, offering CRNAs the best pay, practice, and compensation model in CA.
  
  I am very analytical and knowledgeable when it comes to our current benefits. My goal is to keep EVERYTHING we currently have, increase pay transparency, and help create a contract that is aligned with or exceeds current market trends."