Mid-Term Bargaining

Mary Jean Burke is the President of AFGE National VA Council.

“MJ,” as she likes to be known, started her labor career when AFGE Local 609 in Indianapolis when it was consolidated to represent the professionals at the Richard Roudebush VA Medical Center.

Originally appointed in 2002 by the National VA Council to serve as a National Safety Representative. She was first elected as the 1st Executive Vice President in November 2007 and elected NVAC President in 2025. MJ is an active member of the Budget Committee, Legislative Committee, National Hybrid Collaboration Team, and is also a member of the National Partnership Council. She was also a member of the NVAC Negotiating Team for the 2011 Master Agreement. MJ feels representing the workers who serve, support, and celebrate our Nation’s heroes is a great honor.

Phone: (463) 279-2577

Barbara Whitson-Casanova, representing the proud states of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, has been a force within AFGE since 1999—the same year she became both a member and a National Representative. In 2011, she was elected as the District 9 Representative, continuing a legacy of leadership that began when she first took the helm as President of Local 2054. A registered nurse by profession, Barbara serves as Chair for Title 38 Bargaining and Organizing and contributes her expertise to the National Nurse Steering Committee, tirelessly advocating for healthcare professionals and VA employees across the nation.

Tinita Cole is the President of Council #262, representing Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. She also serves as the 6th District NVAC Representative and participates in the Mid-Term Bargaining, Training, and Conflict Resolution committees, as well as chairs the G&A EEO Sub-Committee. Tinita leads by example, empowers others to endure, and brings her entire district together with purpose and pride.

Bill Wetmore began working as an attorney at the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C. in 1979 and retired from federal service in 2020.

In 1992, Bill negotiated an agreement and began representing bargaining unit employees. Since, he has served as a Steward, local Treasurer, local First Vice President and President of AFGE Local 17, at VACO. He has also served as a NVAC National Representative, from October 1998 to August 2003. 

During a special election in August 2003, he was elected Executive Vice President for AFGE National VA Council.

Bill is the Chair of the Grievance and Arbitration Committee, a member of the Master Agreement Negotiating Team from 2003 until ratification in 2011, a member of the VA Mid-Term Bargaining Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee. He continues to serve as the 14th District Representative, encompassing the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Council 14.

Phone: (240) 320-5633

Monica Fultz, NVAC Treasurer, is an Army veteran who proudly serves others.

Her altruism spans over 32 years at both the Salem and now at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, where she works as a Program Specialist in Engineering Service.

Monica’s active role with AFGE began in 2000 when she was appointed Steward with AFGE Local 1739 at the Salem VA Medical Center.

She is currently a member of AFGE Local 2778, in Decatur, GA.

Monica served as the Interim NVAC Treasurer from August 2020- November 2022. She was elected to her first term as the NVAC Treasurer in November 2022 and re-elected in 2025.

Phone: (540) 345-6301