NYSCOPBA ELECTIONS: NOVEMBER 2026

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Facility: Auburn Correctional Facility
Position Sought: Executive Vice President
Seniority: September 17, 2015

Joel Frederick emphasizes that he has spent his entire correctional career at Auburn Correctional Facility, working in housing units and currently assigned to the ICP. 

He notes that he served on the CERT Team for nine years, participating in numerous emergency activations and staff exposure events. He believes this operational experience has given him firsthand insight into the changes within NYSDOCCS before and after implementation of the HALT Act.

His campaign centers on returning NYSCOPBA to what he describes as its founding principle: a union built by officers, for officers, that listens to its members. He says union leadership should not only fight for members but fight alongside them.

If elected, he pledges to be highly visible throughout the state by visiting facilities, speaking directly with officers during shifts, and learning about local concerns firsthand. Rather than viewing the position as a retirement role, he says he intends to "hit the ground running" from day one and dedicate his time to improving working conditions and supporting correction officers statewide.

He also stresses accountability, stating that if he does not meet members' expectations, he should not earn another term. He acknowledges that the union faces significant challenges but believes leadership has a responsibility to help restore the organization and secure the tools officers need to safely perform their jobs.

Frederick closes by asking members to keep him accountable, remember the union's core principles, and take a more proactive approach in advocating for correction officers and the profession.

Facility: Albany NYSCOPBA Offices; Washington Correctional Facility 

Position sought: Executive Vice President

Seniority: September 7, 1993

Matthew Keough is a 33-year veteran of NYSDOCCS and has served as NYSCOPBA Executive Vice President since 2023. He previously served as a Union Representative beginning in 2012 and says his leadership has focused on strengthening the union's voice, advocating for officer safety, and restoring the authority correction officers need to maintain order and protect themselves and their colleagues. 

• Continue advocating for the revision of the HALT Act. 
• Strengthen officer safety and workplace authority. 
• Expand mental health and wellness programs for members. 
• Improve workplace protections and support for correction officers. 
• Listen to frontline officers and turn member concerns into action. 
• Continue building a safer, more supportive work environment. 

Keough says the most important responsibility of union leadership is ensuring correction officers return home safely after every shift. He believes restoring common-sense safety policies and strengthening workplace protections remain essential to the future of the profession. Running for re-election, he says the work is not finished and pledges to continue advocating for correction officers by listening to members, promoting their well-being, and ensuring their voices remain at the center of union leadership.

Facility: Elmira Correctional Facility

Position Sought: Treasurer

Seniority: September 18, 2000

Mark DeBurgomaster has worked for NYSDOCCS for more than 25 years and says he has spent the past 23 years serving NYSCOPBA members in a variety of roles, including grievance representation, disciplinary proceedings, labor-management meetings, contract applications, and sector reporting. He states that his experience has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the union's financial operations and governing procedures. 

• Improve financial transparency and accountability. 
• Ensure responsible budgeting and long-term financial stability. 
• Strengthen compliance with NYSCOPBA policies, procedures, and governing documents. 
• Reduce unnecessary spending and identify cost-saving opportunities. 
• Restore confidence in the union's financial reporting. 
• Maintain an active, in-office Treasurer committed to serving the membership. 

DeBurgomaster says he warned union leadership in 2022 that NYSCOPBA was facing financial challenges and believes stronger fiscal oversight could have reduced the impact of later budget concerns. He argues that members deserve transparent financial reporting, responsible budgeting, and accountability for every dollar spent. If elected, he pledges to personally perform the duties of Treasurer, work from the union office rather than remotely, and focus on restoring trust through openness, fiscal responsibility, and leadership that puts members first. 

Candidate for Treasurer

Facility: Albany NYSCOPBA Offices; Not listed in candidate submission.

Seniority: Not listed in candidate submission.

Pamela Welch currently serves as NYSCOPBA Treasurer and is seeking re-election. She states that when she assumed the office, the union was facing declining membership, reduced dues revenue, and financial challenges that had developed over several years. She says her focus has been on strengthening financial oversight, improving accountability, and building long-term financial stability for the organization. 

• Maintain responsible financial management and long-term stability. 
• Continue improving transparency and accountability in union finances. 
• Strengthen internal financial controls and reporting procedures. 
• Ensure responsible budgeting while maintaining member services. 
• Protect the financial integrity of NYSCOPBA. 
• Provide honest communication regarding the union's financial condition. 

Welch says she took immediate steps to improve financial oversight by implementing stronger internal controls, enhancing reporting procedures, and increasing documentation requirements. She believes these changes have provided leadership with better financial information and helped stabilize the union while preserving services for members. Seeking another term, she pledges to continue protecting NYSCOPBA's financial integrity through disciplined budgeting, transparency, accountability, and careful stewardship of member resources. 

 Candidate for Recording Secretary

Facility: Five Points Correctional Facility

Seniority: December 1, 2008

Keith Wollschleger has served with NYSDOCCS since 2008 and currently works at Five Points Correctional Facility. Throughout his career, he has worked at Attica, Wallkill, Cayuga, and Five Points, gaining experience across multiple correctional facilities. He currently serves as a Chief Sector Steward and emphasizes his experience representing members through disciplinary cases, arbitration, staffing challenges, and workplace advocacy.

• Promote open communication and transparency throughout NYSCOPBA. 
• Strengthen member representation at every facility. 
• Continue advocating for officers affected by staffing shortages and mandatory overtime. 
• Improve steward training and member participation. 
• Support correction officers through disciplinary proceedings and workplace issues. 
• Help reunite and strengthen the membership following recent challenges. 

Wollschleger says his years as a Chief Sector Steward have prepared him to serve the membership at the statewide level. He highlights his work representing members during disciplinary proceedings, helping organize staff safety and anti-HALT rallies, developing a steward overtime and stick program at Five Points, and assisting members following the 2025 statewide strike. If elected, he pledges to bring the same transparency, communication, and accessibility he has demonstrated locally to the Recording Secretary position while working to reunite the membership and strengthen NYSCOPBA through active participation and open dialogue.

Candidate for Recording Secretary

Facility: Coxsackie Correctional Facility

Seniority: October 25, 2010

Stephen Cox currently serves as NYSCOPBA Recording Secretary and is seeking re-election. Since first taking office in 2023, he says he has focused on improving communication, increasing transparency, and strengthening member engagement across the state. Drawing on previous experience as a Union Steward and Chief Sector Steward, he emphasizes accessibility and responsiveness to the membership.

• Continue improving communication between union leadership and members. 
• Increase transparency and accountability throughout the organization. 
• Modernize member communications and social media outreach. 
• Strengthen relationships between the Executive Board and the membership. 
• Protect correction officers from harmful legislation and workplace mandates. 
• Maintain an accessible and responsive approach to leadership. 

Cox says he has spent the past three years traveling to correctional facilities throughout New York to hear directly from members and ensure their concerns are represented at both the Department and legislative levels. He highlights efforts to expand communication through email updates and modernize the union's digital presence while maintaining the responsibilities of the Recording Secretary. If re-elected, he pledges to continue building on those improvements, defend members against policies affecting the profession, and remain available to the membership while working to restore the strength and unity of NYSCOPBA.

Candidate for Central Region Vice President

Facility: Albany NYSCOPBA Offices; Mohawk Correctional Facility

Seniority: June 26, 2006

Bryan Hluska has built his campaign around extensive experience representing correction officers and sergeants through grievances, disciplinary proceedings, labor-management meetings, arbitration hearings, and legislative advocacy. He says his career has focused on protecting members' contractual rights while promoting safer workplaces and stronger public support for correction officers.

• Defend members through grievances, arbitration, and disciplinary representation. 
• Improve staffing, safety, and working conditions. 
• Strengthen relationships with lawmakers and the public. 
• Advocate for fair disciplinary outcomes and contractual protections. 
• Continue educating the public about challenges facing correction officers. 
• Build a stronger and safer Central Region. 

Hluska says his experience representing members has prepared him to advocate aggressively for correction officers across the Central Region. He highlights his work resolving disciplinary matters, protecting contractual rights, assisting members with disability and retirement issues, and promoting legislation that supports correction officers. If elected, he pledges to continue defending members, increasing public awareness of correctional issues, and working collaboratively with lawmakers to improve conditions for correction officers and their families.

Candidate for Central Region Vice President

Facility: Mohawk Correctional Facility

Seniority: February 14, 2005

Jason Whitehead has served as both a Correction Officer and Sergeant and currently works at Mohawk Correctional Facility. He has previously served as a grievance coordinator and highlights his experience successfully representing members through grievance procedures while advocating for correction officers and their families.

• Provide a new direction for Central Region leadership. 
• Continue protecting members through grievance representation. 
• Advocate for officers and sergeants facing workplace challenges. 
• Increase accessibility and responsiveness to the membership. 
• Support correction officers both professionally and personally. 
• Lead through service and proven experience. 

Whitehead says his years representing members through grievances and assisting fellow officers have prepared him for regional leadership. He highlights his work recovering contractual benefits, supporting an officer's family during a serious illness, and advocating for correction officers throughout his career. While acknowledging the accomplishments of the current Regional Vice President, he believes the Central Region would benefit from new leadership and asks members for the opportunity to serve.

Candidate for Northern Region Vice President

Facility: Bare Hill Correctional Facility

Seniority: August 2007

Dana E. Grammo has served as a Correction Officer with NYSDOCCS since 2007 and has experience as a Union Steward at Bare Hill Correctional Facility. He states that his career has been guided by the belief that the union's strength comes from unity and that leadership is built through service, accessibility, and standing alongside fellow officers during difficult times.

• Strengthen unity among correction officers across the Northern Region. 
• Advocate for safer working conditions, secure facilities, and fair treatment for all members. 
• Support correction officers and recognize the importance of their families. 
• Provide accessible, accountable, and responsive leadership. 
• Ensure every member is heard, respected, and represented. 
• Protect the future of the profession through integrity, dedication, and solidarity. 

Grammo says his decision to run for Northern Region Vice President is rooted in his commitment to serving fellow correction officers and strengthening the union. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience and his time as a Union Steward, he emphasizes the importance of listening to members, taking action, and standing together during challenging times. If elected, he pledges to be an accessible advocate who will work tirelessly to represent the interests of the membership, protect officers' rights, and help build a stronger future for correction officers and their families throughout the Northern Region.

Candidate for Northern Region Vice President

Facility: Albany NYSCOPBA Offices; Clinton Correctional Facility

Seniority: December 3, 2007

John Roberts has served as Northern Region Vice President since 2017 and is seeking another term. He highlights his experience representing members through arbitrations, grievances, disciplinary proceedings, and legislative advocacy while working to improve compensation, workplace safety, and contractual protections throughout the Northern Region.

• Continue improving staffing and workplace safety. 
• Advocate for stronger contractual protections and fair treatment. 
• Expand workplace security initiatives and safety technology. 
• Continue legislative efforts to improve member benefits. 
• Strengthen communication with elected officials and local communities. 
• Continue representing members through disciplinary and grievance processes. 

Roberts says correction officers have faced significant challenges over the past several years, including staffing shortages, operational changes, and legislative reforms. He points to accomplishments such as Civil Service upgrades, Geographic Pay, retirement improvements, and enhanced security technology as examples of progress achieved during his tenure. If re-elected, he pledges to continue advocating for staffing improvements, workplace safety, contractual protections, and policies that benefit correction officers throughout the Northern Region.

Candidate for Northern Region Vice President

Facility: Upstate Correctional Facility

Department Seniority: September 8, 2014

Sergeant Seniority: February 5, 2024

Mathew Kobo currently serves as a Sergeant at Upstate Correctional Facility and previously worked at Sullivan Correctional Facility. He has served as both a Steward and Chief Steward, representing members through questions, grievances, and arbitration hearings. He says his campaign is driven by the belief that the Northern Region needs new leadership to address the challenges facing correction officers today.

• Improve workplace safety and protect members' livelihoods. 
• Increase visible and accessible leadership. 
• Continue defending members through grievance and arbitration processes. 
• Advocate for meaningful change within the Northern Region. 
• Strengthen public understanding of correction officers' work. 
• Provide energetic and proactive representation. 

Kobo says the profession is facing increasing challenges and believes members deserve leadership that is present, vocal, and committed to fighting for correction officers every day. While expressing respect for the current Regional Vice President's service, he believes it is time for new energy and a fresh perspective. If elected, he pledges to lead through visibility, advocacy, and direct engagement with members while continuing to fight for safer workplaces and stronger representation.

Candidate for Mid-Hudson Region Vice President

Facility: Woodbourne Correctional Facility

Seniority: September 1, 2014

James Goodson currently serves as Chief Sector Steward at Woodbourne Correctional Facility and represents the Mid-Hudson Region on the Grievance and Legal Committee. He says his campaign is focused on strengthening communication between union leadership and members while ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

• Improve communication between members and union leadership. 
• Protect contractual rights and improve workplace safety. 
• Strengthen mentorship for new and senior officers. 
• Increase accountability and transparency within the union. 
• Ensure members' concerns receive timely attention. 
• Represent the Mid-Hudson Region with professionalism and dedication. 

Goodson says strong leadership requires listening, accessibility, and consistent follow-through. He believes the Mid-Hudson Region deserves proactive representation that advocates for members at both the regional and statewide levels. If elected, he pledges to attend meetings prepared, listen to members, and continue fighting for improved working conditions, respect, and protections for correction officers.

Candidate for Mid-Hudson Region Vice President

Facility: Fishkill Correctional Facility

Seniority: December 8, 2014

Carmine Masullo currently serves his second term as a Union Steward and works at Fishkill Correctional Facility after previous assignments at Green Haven and Woodbourne. He credits his lifelong appreciation for organized labor to his family's union background and says leadership should be based on accessibility, compassion, and standing alongside members.

• Protect the rights, safety, and dignity of correction officers. 
• Lead through visibility, accessibility, and active involvement. 
• Strengthen solidarity among union members. 
• Foster open communication and member engagement. 
• Address difficult issues with honesty and accountability. 
• Represent every member of the Mid-Hudson Region with dedication. 

Masullo says his experiences as a Correction Officer and Union Steward have reinforced the importance of strong, present leadership. He believes union leadership is about showing up, listening, and standing firmly for members when difficult decisions must be made. If elected, he pledges to bring compassion, commitment, and a strong work ethic to the Mid-Hudson Region while advocating for every member with integrity and consistency.

Candidate for Mid-Hudson Region Vice President

Facility: Green Haven Correctional Facility

Seniority: May 1, 2006

Wallesca Penz has served with NYSDOCCS since 2006 and has worked at both Fishkill and Green Haven Correctional Facilities. She spent 19 years at Fishkill before transferring to Green Haven, where she currently serves as a Sergeant. During her career, she has served as a NYSCOPBA Representative at Fishkill and says her experience representing members, working multiple assignments, and navigating staffing shortages, policy changes, and facility closures has prepared her for regional leadership.

• Advocate for meaningful and lasting improvements for correction officers throughout the Mid-Hudson Region. 
• Ensure members have a respected and well-heard voice within NYSCOPBA. 
• Build on years of union representation and frontline experience. 
• Strengthen relationships between union leadership and the membership. 
• Represent officers with honesty, professionalism, and accountability. 
• Promote forward-thinking leadership focused on the future of the profession. 

Penz says her nearly two decades of experience in corrections have provided her with firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing correction officers throughout New York. She highlights her years as a NYSCOPBA representative, where she says she consistently advocated for members and worked to build productive relationships with coworkers and supervisors while representing officers' interests. She believes the profession requires fresh ideas and progressive leadership to address today's challenges, rather than relying solely on past approaches. If elected, she pledges to serve as a strong and respected advocate for the Mid-Hudson Region, working to ensure correction officers have a meaningful voice within the union while helping guide the organization toward a stronger future.