NVAC President - MJ Burke
Mary Jean Burke is the President of AFGE National VA Council.
“MJ” as she likes to be known, started her labor career with 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.
She graduated from St. Louis University with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1988, and she is a Physical Therapist at the Indianapolis VAMC. She obtained her certification in Athletic Training in 1995, doing her clinical hours at Tennessee State University from 1992- 1994. In 1999, she became a board-certified clinical specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association in Geriatrics. MJ feels representing the workers who serve, support, and celebrate our Nation’s heroes is a great honor.
1st Executive VP - Barbara Casanova
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.
2nd Executive VP - Tinita Cole
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.
3rd Executive VP - William Wetmore
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.
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.
Bill completed his undergraduate from Lafayette College with a BA in American Civilization. He holds a JD from The Washington College of Law, The American University.
He is married with three children and five grandchildren.
NVAC Treasurer - Monica Fultz
Monica Fultz, NVAC Treasurer, is an Army veteran who proudly serves others. 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 has been active as Local 2778 Treasurer from May 2015-June 2022 and AFGE 5th District VA Council Sec/Tres from 2017-2020. 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.
Since 2017, Monica has been in the position of National Representative for the AFGE National VA Council. She has added the Grievance & Arbitration Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Organizing Committee as part of various other duties with NVAC.
At the Local level, Monica served as the Local Women’s Fair Practice Coordinator, was a member of the facility EEO Advisory Committee, a Local Safety Representative, Assistant Chief Steward, and Chair of the Membership Committee to name a few.
Monica and her husband, Kurt, have two grown daughters and one granddaughter.