State Officers and Staff Directory

State Officers
Ann Twomey, President
As a registered nurse at Englewood Hospital, Ann Twomey led the drive by Englewood's nurses to unionize in the early 1970's. Under Ann's leadership, HPAE has grown from a small independent health care union into today's powerful union of 11,000 members. Besides serving as President of HPAE, Ann also serves as a Vice President on the Executive Council of the American Federation of Teachers; HPAE's international affiliate. Email Ann at atwomey@hpae.org.

Bernard W. Gerard, First Vice President
Bernie Gerard also led the drive by his colleagues to unionize with HPAE while working as an RN at University Hospital in Newark, NJ. Now, as our union's Vice-President, Bernie brings the experience he gained as a nurse and an unmatchable amount of energy to his position heading up HPAE's Professional Issues Department, continuing education program, and overseeing HPAE's legislative initiatives. Email Bernie at bgerard@hpae.org.

Barbara Rosen, Secretary-Treasurer
Barbara Rosen is a long time member and leader of HPAE. She served as President of Local 5091, was a member of HPAE’s COPE committee, and has testified numerous times before legislative hearings. She is talented, respected and very capable. Email Barbara at brosen@hpae.org

Staff Representatives

UMD Team
Chris Whalen, Team Leader ext. 140
Paul Friedman - ext. 136 (University of Medicine & Dentistry - UCHC RNs)
Corrado Cotumaccio - ext. 106 (University of Medicine & Dentistry- PROs and RNs)
Edgar Aracena - ext. 416
(University of Medicine & Dentistry- PROs and RNs on south and central campuses)
Karen Jarrett - ext. 135
(University of Medicine and Dentistry - RNs in Newark)

North Team
Terry Leone, Assistant Director - ext. 317
(Cooper)
Carlton Levine - ext.120 (Englewood Hospital, Essex Valley Visiting Nurses, Runnells Specialized Hospital, Llanfair House/Wanaque)
Leo Torrey - ext. 141 (Bergen Regional Medical Center, Christ Hospital, and Meadowlands Hospital)
Karen Szczepanski - ext. 104 (Bayonne Medical Center, Harborage House)
Corey Finger - ext. 147 (Palisades Medical Center)

South and Central Team
Fred De Luca, Assistant Director - ext. 211 (Jersey Shore Medical Center, Virtua Memorial/ CNS/CFW)
Sue Clements - (Temple/Episcopal)
Jeffrey Hayden - ext. 316 (Southern Ocean County, American Red Cross, South Jersey Healthcare, Souther Ocean Medical Center)
Sandra Lane - ext. 311 (Southern Ocean County, American Red Cross, South Jersey Healthcare, Souther Ocean Medical Center)

Jeff Ball - ext. 115 (Arbitrations and Internal Administrative)

Lisa Leshinski - ext. 313
(Staff Rep III/In-House Counsel)

Laura Korkes - (Llanfair House and Wanaque)

Public Policy

Jeanne Otersen, Director - ext. 129
Jean Pierce - ext. 435
Bridget Devane - ext. 213

Organizers

Larry Lipschultz, Director - ext. 127
Bill Boydston - ext. 130
Peggy Bachman - ext. 119
Adam Clark - ext. 301
Valerie Zito - ext. 114
Norman DeGeneste - ext. 138

Communications

Theresa Thompson, Office Manager - ext. 111

Administrative Support Staff (Emerson)

Lorraine Loiacono - ext. 123 (EHMC, ARC, TempEp, Cooper, EVVNA, LH, Christ Hospital)
Ammie Knipe - ext. 122 (BRMC, PMC, Meadowlands, JSMC)
Sandy Theriaque - ext. 125 (PVH, Bayonne, Harborage Hospital, So. Ocean Cty, Virtua Memorial/CNS, Wanaque, South Jersey Healthcare)
Tammy McCalla - ext. 110 (UMDNJ - RNs/PROs, Runnells)
Neddra Currie - ext. 132 (General Information)

Finance Department

Haydee Wagner, Administrative Director - ext. 118
Lee Ann Rooney - ext. 131
Charlie Cucci - ext. 121