SUMMUP Remembers:

Howard Doyle
In 1954, Howard Doyle was the President of AFSCME Local 1190 (Medfield State Hospital). He attended the Harvard Trade Union Program and was then hired as a business agent for Council #41.

The following year, while organizing locals at the facilities within the Department of Mental Health, Howard conceived the idea of the group that would in 1995 become SUMMUP, under his direction as its Chairman.

If not for Howard Doyle SUMMUP may never have come into existence.

M. Michael Botelho

Michael was Council 93’s first Field Service Director. He was hired in 1977 when the Council was formed. He also served as Chief negotiator for Unit 2 state employees until he became ill and went into semi-retirement in 1984.

Mike was a tremendous orator who captivated those having the opportunity to hear him speak, which he did often at SUMMUP meetings and events.

He demanded respect and dignity for union workers and was often heard to say, “No one will ever demean a worker in front of me.” He challenged those who would come after him to pick up the torch and carry it on.

Brian Stickler

Brian served as President for Local 470 and then began his career with Council 93 as a staff representative in the 1970’s. He would end up holding the position of Coordinator of Human Services.

He was an invaluable resource to all. Brian was the technician for the Alliance contract negotiations doing all background work.

Brian worked closely with SUMMUP, supporting the work done there and always encouraging the leadership to improve the organization. He was always willing to take the time when it came to planning and implementing training programs.

He was a highly respected member of the labor community and his contributions will not be forgotten.

Linda Chigas

Linda served as SUMMUP President for several years from the late 1970’s to the mid 1980’s. She loved SUMMUP and what it stood for, and was dedicated to the members it represented. She also loved a good debate on an issue.

Linda also served as the long time president of Local 1730 and served many years on the Council 93 Executive Board after being elected to that seat at its founding convention in 1977.

She also, while working full time, managed to go back to school to obtain her GED, go on to earn a business degree, and was promoted to a position of house manager, which took her out of AFSCME and into SEIU until her retirement.