Meet the Team

MELISSA UNGER

she/her

JOHNNY EARL

he/him

CHELSEA ALIONAR

she/her

Hi, I'm Melissa Unger. I have been serving as our union's executive director for the last 8 years. Before that I had the opportunity to be the Political Director and joined our union as an organizer nearly 19 years ago. As executive director, I am tasked with running the day to day operations of our union, including managing our budget with our treasurer and overseeing our staff. As executive director I have the honor of being on bargaining teams to win strong contracts -- and I love to fight alongside members to win contracts that win every dollar we can into members pockets.

I also love being a parent with my husband to two amazing kids, coaching 3rd-5th grade basketball, and hanging with my friends and family on our family farm.

It's been an exciting two years representing our Union's values each and every day. The first year was about learning the interworking's of our Union and fighting for the contracts our members in the Public Sector and Homecare needed to survive. This year has been about leading on topics such as immigrant rights and food security. I'm looking forward to representing you for two more years as we take the fight to the billionaires to pay their fair share!

Hi, I'm Chelsea and I've been active at every level of our union, from participating in caucuses, to serving as a steward, sublocal leader, Chief Steward, bargaining delegate, General Council delegate, and CAPE Council. I've also served on the Board of Directors as the Human Services Coalition Director. From there, I was elevated to Vice President of Public Services mid-term.

In addition, I currently serve as Vice President of Cascades to Coast, a Central Labor Chapter of the Oregon Labor Federation.

Outside of union work, I spend a lot of time with my two puppies, Addie and Ninja. We spend a lot of time outdoors, paddleboarding, backpacking, and traveling internationally. These things ground me and remind me how important it is to stay curious, connected, and open to different perspectives.

CRISTAL DEJARNAC

she/her

Hi, I'm Cristal DeJarnac and I'm running to be the next Care Sector Vice President on the 503 Board of Directors. Over the past 10 years, I've served our union in many leadership roles, including Homecare President, Chief Steward, Bargaining Team Co-Chair, Board Director, Carewell Trustee, and RISE Board Director. I've represented members at every level of our union, from resolving workplace issues and winning grievances to helping share policy and strengthen programs.

Outside of union work, I'm a single mother of 3 and proud grandmother of 7. I enjoy crafting, camping, floating the river, attending concerts, and spending time with my black cat Merlyn. I also work as a mobile notary and provide load signing verification, and process serving services.

I would be honored to earn your vote.

he/him

MARK WORKMAN

Hi, I'm Mark! In my professional life, I'm a Senior Financial Analyst witih over two decades of experience at an SEIU represented non-profit.

To unwind, you'll find me scouring urban and natural topography to find the perfect picture. Travel brings me joy, as do farmers markets.

RENAE BRACKEN

she/her

Thank you for taking an interest in getting to know a little more about me. I am a Paralegal with the Department of Justice. I have lived in Oregon for 9 years. Before that I have lived all over the United Stares and also South Korea. I have three spawns (a term they chose since they didn’t like other terms for offspring). Aside from being a proud single mom, I am also a proud Cherokee Citizen and proud Veteran. I served 12 years in the Marines and then held a variety of jobs before I planted my feet firmly in the field of Paralegal Studies. I have high functioning autism and a strong desire for seeing justice being delivered. I have been a leader for a long time. I am currently the President of my sublocal and the Chief Steward for the legal divisions in ODOJ. When I’m not serving Oregonians through my work, I am serving workers and members of the labor movement. I spend most of my free time serving my little spawns as their biggest advocate and champion. We spend a lot of time together cooking, baking, playing D&D, doing escape rooms and collecting rocks.

Contact US

ElectAPowerhouse@pm.me