AFSCME Council 65 Names New Executive Director

AFSCME Council 65 is excited to announce the appointment of Shannon Douvier as our new Executive Director.

Shannon joined AFSCME Council 65 as a member of Local 3628 working as a Family Service Worker and Case Manager. As a member she served her local as steward and later local president before transitioning to a new role as labor representative. For over a decade she represented AFSCME members in the St. Cloud area and across Central Minnesota.  

In 2016 Shannon became Associate Director helping lead Council 65 through the uncertain period following the Supreme Court’s anti-union Janus decision. She has been instrumental in modernizing the way the Council communicates with members, building genuine relationships strengthen our union in the face of anti-union forces. Over the last four years, Shannon has a been training members across Minnesota and South Dakota to be stewards, negotiators and the next generation of union leaders.  She has been serving as Interim Executive Director since March 2020.

When asked about her experience at Council 65 and her vision for its future, Shannon shared, “I have had the privilege of working closely with our amazing members from Rapid City, South Dakota to Red Wing, Minnesota. I am continuously inspired the solidarity they have for their brothers and sisters no matter the distance. Our union is one where we stand up when someone is wronged, and we push back when workers are silenced. In Council 65, an injury to one is truly an injury to all! Our members are the backbone of our communities because of their commitment to care for the ill or injured, keep our citizens safe and protected, support the education of our children and maintain our infrastructure so we can all enjoy safe roads & clean utilities. This commitment is the core of who we are.

“AFSCME Council 65 will maintain focus on the continued growth of our union through member engagement and communication.  Continuing to provide educational opportunities for members and working alongside them to become strong advocates for their brothers and sisters in their workplace gives me hope for the future of all working families.

“Council 65’s commitment to our members does not stop at the worksite.  We are committed to working with our labor partners in the AFL-CIO and other unions and community groups to push for positive change in our communities across Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.”

AFSCME Council 65 represents over 14,000 public and private sector workers in Minnesota and the Dakotas. From nurses to highway crews, school workers to peace officers, our members provide the vital services that make our communities work.