[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF MARK GAFFNEY FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2020

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
distinguished career of Mark Gaffney as he retires from his position at 
Teamsters Local Union No. 214.
  As a lifelong Michigan resident, Mark Gaffney has become a 
cornerstone of the Michigan labor community. Upon receiving his 
bachelor's degree in Philosophy and master's degree in Labor Relations 
from Michigan State University, Gaffney launched a successful thirty-
year career in workforce issues and labor relations. Beyond his role at 
Teamsters Local Union No. 214, Gaffney has also served as President of 
the Michigan AFL-CIO, an association of forty national labor unions 
representing over 700,000 Michiganders. In addition, Gaffney has 
directed the Economic Alliance of Michigan for twelve years as a co-
chair, served as the Chair of the Board of Human Resources Development, 
Inc., was part of the Executive Committee of the Michigan Council for 
Labor and Economic Growth, and was appointed by Mayor Duggan to serve 
on the Detroit Workforce Board. Aside from his work with labor 
relations, Gaffney also has extensive healthcare experience and even 
served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve 
Bank of Chicago. In 2016, Gaffney was elected statewide to serve an 
eight-year term on the Board of Governors of Wayne State University.
  Mark Gaffney's professional accomplishments demonstrate his 
unrelenting commitment to the people of Michigan. During his time at 
Teamsters Local Union No. 214, the largest Teamsters Local in Michigan, 
Gaffney has represented and negotiated on behalf of Michigan municipal 
and education workers from all walks of life. Yet, Gaffney's dedication 
is not exclusive to his role within the labor union. Instead, Gaffney 
has endeavored to represent Michiganders in all capacities, ensuring 
their needs are being properly met. Gaffney is recognized amongst his 
peers and colleagues as a compassionate, ambitious, and humble leader 
who strives for excellence without seeking praise or recognition for 
any of his significant accomplishments.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
Mark Gaffney's career with Teamsters Local Union No. 214. Mark 
Gaffney's unrelenting commitment to our state is remarkable and I 
deeply appreciate his continued leadership in our community.

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