ST. PAUL – SEIU Healthcare Minnesota President Julie K. Schnell announced her intention to retire in August of this year. Schnell has served SEIU Healthcare Minnesota for over thirty-three years. She was elected Executive Vice President in 1998, and shortly moved to President in 2001. Schnell also serves as President of the SEIU Minnesota State Council.
Throughout her career with SEIU, Schnell led the Local through a number of major changes, including leading the drive for new member orientation programs for incoming members; developing a program to recognize members and their years of service; and putting together a political agenda for the union.
“Julie Schnell’s example of strength and grace are a gift to working people,” said Representative Patti Fritz. “Julie’s service to workers was constant, be it at the table or on the line. Julie was in it no matter how long the fight, Julie was with us!”
Upon announcing her intention to retire, Schnell recommended Executive Vice President Jamie Gulley as her successor, who was later elected by the Executive Board as incoming President. “For over 33 years I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with and help members grow. I couldn’t be happier that Jamie will have the same opportunity to serve as President of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota,“ said Schnell. “One of Jamie’s greatest strengths is his ability to build consensus and create a highly effective team around shared goals and responsibilities. He is the type of leader who motivates rather than demands, who knows when to delegate and when to take charge, and who always puts the best interests of members first.”
President Schnell will be working closely with EVP Gulley over the next several weeks to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Gulley brings extensive experience and leadership to guide the union forward into the future. “Julie’s departure will leave a void no one person can fill. Leading our union through the challenges ahead must be a team effort. We will need to draw from the collective talents and strengths of all of our leaders to create the unified vision and strategy we need to move forward,” said Executive Vice President Gulley.
Moving forward Schnell will consult with SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and will continue in her role as President of SEIU Minnesota State Council upon her retirement.
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SEIU Healthcare Minnesota unites 15,000 hospital, clinic, nursing home, and homecare workers in Minnesota’s acute and long term care industries. Our union is dedicated to ensuring quality, affordable healthcare for every American and improving the lives of all of Minnesota’s working families.
For more information, go to www.seiuhealthcaremn.org
