It is with deep honor and gratitude that I step into this role as the new CAPE President.
As the first woman to serve in this position in our 60-year history, I do not take lightly the responsibility of carrying our union forward into a new era.
Let me begin by thanking Carlos Clayton for his many years of extraordinary leadership. Carlos has been a steadfast voice for all CAPE members, a tireless advocate, and a mentor to me personally during my time as Vice President. I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices he has made for this union, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him. Though he has passed the baton, his continued work with CAPE ensures his legacy will carry on.
I also want to recognize retiring Board member Nelson Manabat, CAPE’s longest-serving leader, with over 40 years of membership. Nelson’s decades of dedicated service have left a lasting impact, and while he will continue on the CAPE Trust until retirement, his leadership on the Board will be deeply missed. In the months ahead, we will find the right time to publicly honor both Carlos and Nelson for their invaluable contributions.
Today, I am proud to officially introduce our new CAPE Executive Board:
- Vice President: Kelly Koldus, Assessor
- Secretary: Stephanie Tong, Public Works
- Treasurer: Andrew Flores, Regional Planning
We step into leadership at a critical moment. These negotiations are among the most difficult in CAPE’s history. The County is pushing hard, but so are we. And we will not back down.
When we stand together, when we lift each other up, when we keep the fire of our movement burning, we become unstoppable. The challenges before us are real, but so is our strength.
In unity,
Lisa Andres
President, California Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), AFL-CIO
