Members vote in new board as Crowe departs, Liberatore named president

The Albany Newspaper Guild marked the end of an era Thursday evening when its members and executive board accepted the resignation of longtime President Ken Crowe and installed new officials to its board.

Crowe, who worked at the Times Union for 40 years and spent at least 10 as either president, vice-president and steward with the Guild, passed the mantle to chief steward and now President Wendy Liberatore.

“Wendy will do a great job as our local’s new president,” Crowe said. “Wendy is passionate and she cares deeply about our colleagues. Wendy has demonstrated her capabilities as chief steward and secretary of the local. Wendy’s also been very active in contract negotiations. Working with Justin (Wisner), David (Johnson) and our sector representative Kathy Munroe, Wendy will lead our local to a new contract.”

In addition to Liberatore, the members installed Paul Nelson as treasurer, Wisner as chief steward and Will Richards and Rose Schneider as at-large board members. The board is rounded out by Johnson who is vice president and Kathleen Moore who is secretary.

While the board looks forward to negotiating a new contract in the coming months, Crowe’s years of knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed.

“I always said I wanted to help people,” Crowe said. “My fellow Guild members at the Albany Times Union allowed me to do that by electing me as president of the local. I really appreciate their support and belief in my abilities. Albany has always been very lucky to have a strong membership and to have their support for the executive board in dealing with the Times Union.”