MEET YOUR CANDIDATES
We did not come together by accident. We came together because we believe in something bigger than ourselves. We are a diverse group of workers — from different backgrounds, different departments, different walks of life — united by one purpose: to fight for working people.
We love this union. We love the people who make this city and this county run. And when you love something, you fight for it. That means fighting for higher wages, better benefits, safe workplaces, and respect on the job.
That is why we are running as one team.
Together, as one union family, we will build a future where every worker has dignity, respect, and a voice on the job.
OFFICER CANDIDATES
BRYDAN SUMMERS
PRESIDENT
Our union’s success is personal to Brydan, both he and his wife are AFSCME 1624 members and count on its advocacy for their family’s stability and security. Brydan has brought a servant leadership approach to carrying out his responsibilities as President, keeping the needs of members as his central focus. Throughout his time on the Executive Board, Brydan has worked to ensure the union’s operations have kept pace with our growth and he championed several initiatives which have expanded our democratic decision making and member participation. He is ready to protect and grow our union in another term.
JASON LOPEZ
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Jason has been a fixture in AFSCME Local 1624 and the wider Austin labor movement for over a decade. His service as a Board member in different roles, and his leadership as the Austin Central Labor Council President for several terms, means he is able to bring critical expertise when the union is facing tough decisions. Jason has worked for the City for 17 years at both Austin Energy and in the offices of City Council members, where he has always kept issues important to workers front and center. His relationships within our community, with our union’s staff, and with its members has resulted in many wins for AFSCME and meaningful impacts on people’s lives.
CYNTHIA VASQUEZ
RECORDING SECRETARY
Cynthia is a born and raised Austinite who understands what is at stake for working people. Her involvement in community and grassroots coalitions has given her the expertise to accurately capture collective decisions and keep groups accountable. For Cynthia, equity means no voice gets left out of the record. As Recording Secretary, she will ensure members are informed, empowered and that our records and communications reflect us all.
KEVIN MA
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Kevin started as a "temp" employee for almost a decade and has gone through 5 departments, 9 positions, and 15 years with the City of Austin. Kevin has interacted with people at all levels and understands how important pay, benefits, and job stability are to well-being. Kevin has worked with the City budget for years, ensuring needs are planned for as best as possible and will bring this skillset as Secretary-Treasurer.
CITY VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES
KELLEE COLEMAN
CITY VICE PRESIDENT
Kellee is a born and raised Austinite. She grew up in a labor family and worked for a period at ATU Local 1091. Kellee has been involved in different social justice movements her whole life and brings those lenses to her work on the board. She is a proud AFSCME member and is excited to continue serving others on the Board.
JEREMY GARZA
CITY VICE PRESIDENT
Over the past 17 years, Jeremy I. Garza (they/he) has built a career of service across universities, nonprofits, libraries, and local government, while always standing with their unions — SEIU 620, UAW 2865 & 2210, and AFSCME 2822 & 1624. In every job, Jeremy has seen how staff are too often treated as expendable, which is why they are running for City Vice President: to fight for pay equity and hold leadership accountable to the workers and communities they serve. Born and raised in Austin, Jeremy knows that collective power comes from building relationships across differences and uniting around shared goals. They are committed to an inclusive, transparent, and effective union where every member’s voice is heard and valued.
JOEL MANZO
CITY VICE PRESIDENT
Joel is a proud born and raised Austinite and public servant working as a Landscape Technician for the Watershed Protection Department. He became an AFSCME member in 2015 when he helped the Barton Springs lifeguards advocate for better wages and fair treatment as temporary employees. As an essential, front-line employee, Joel brings a unique perspective and essential advocacy for workers to make sure everyone stays safe on the job.
LISA MARTINEZ-GUZMAN
CITY VICE PRESIDENT
Lisa is a born and raised Austinite that knows what it’s like to raise a family as a working person. Before City employment, Lisa worked at the Austin Area Urban League and since joining AFSCME she has worked front-line positions as a construction coordinator, licensed residential building inspector, and recently in office roles. Giving her a well-rounded understanding of how working conditions affect union members. Lisa is also active in the City’s affinity groups and served as co-chair for her department’s awards and recognition committee, which has given her the skills to collaborate and get things done. As City Vice President she’ll bring that enthusiasm and work ethic to our union.
DAYNE WILLIAMS
CITY VICE PRESIDENT
Dayne Williams has been a union member with 2 unions for over 20 years and believes in everything unions represent to protect the integrity and rights of employees and hold employers accountable. He’s worked entry level positions up to being responsible for other workers at Austin Resource Recovery. Dayne has over 30 years of experience in the waste industry. He is running for office so that he can be a continued voice for all employees and ensure employee rights are fair and equal.
COUNTY VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES
JOAQUIN “JACK” CHINCANCHAN
COUNTY VICE PRESIDENT
Jack will continue to represent and advocate for workers across Travis County and the City of Austin with a strong commitment to solidarity across our union. A united union is a stronger union. His commitment is for fair wages, safe working conditions and standing up for our union brothers and sisters. Jack’s working experience from manual labor, organizing, and managing an emergency response allows him to understand the different needs across our county and city. He knows that all of our union members deserve dignity, equity and respect and he will continue to fight for our union's mission.
ARMANDO MARTINEZ, JR.
COUNTY VICE PRESIDENT
Armando Martinez, Jr is a born and raised in Austinite and has work for Travis County for 17 years and counting. He has been with AFSCME Local 1624 for all of his years with the County. He enjoys helping fellow Travis County Employees in securing better raises and equality within their departments and throughout Travis county. He is eligible to retire Oct 1, but he’s not ready yet… he’s looking forward to helping out fellow brothers and sisters in solidarity.
TONYA NIXON
COUNTY VICE PRESIDENT
Tonya has been a dedicated member of AFSCME for over 16 years. Throughout this period, she gained invaluable insights from our representatives and has stood in solidarity with them and fellow members, serving as a collective voice for fair, safe, and equitable workplaces as well as civic engagement. Because she actively participates and has a strong connection to our communities, she was elected as the first black female Constable in Travis County and Central Texas, and currently is serving a 2nd term at Precinct One. She is a strong proponent of community involvement and representation, while also advocating for the working class. She believes AFSCME consistently demonstrates that their roles are not merely jobs, but rather a genuine passion and commitment to the work.