AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera:
“Nick Yovnello was a problem-solver with a vision for improving access to higher education for students throughout New Jersey. We will continue to echo his call for development of a real strategic plan with strong state support for higher education.
Nick understood the importance of politics from the local to the national level. He often told the story of the one election he was physically unable to vote where the local committee candidate lost by one vote. ‘Every vote matters,’ was his conclusion.
Nick served in many important roles within the union. He sought to foster unity within AFT, bringing members together to work for the common good and build solidarity with the broader AFL-CIO labor movement.
While we mourn losing Nick, we are better for having known him and will continue the legacy of his valuable contribution to higher education and unionism.”