Chris Smith to serve as Interim MAPE Vice President

Former MAPE Vice President Angie Halseth moved into the president position immediately following the departure of the previous MAPE president. Per the MAPE bylaws, the Board of Directors can vote an interim vice president to hold that position until the next election. During the Jan. 16 Board of Directors meeting, the board nominated three members to fill the position. Chris Smith, Local 2101 President and Business Analyst with MNIT at DHS/ MNSure, received the most votes. He will be the interim vice president until the spring elections and has agreed not to run in that election.

Chris has been a very involved MAPE member for 17 years. “I have served as the vice president for Locals 401 & 2101, a member of the Board of Directors, Chair and Facilitator of the Coalition Building Work Group, President of Local 2101 and a steward,” Smith said.

“There are a lot of changes happening with MAPE leadership; I feel that I am stepping into this role on an interim basis as a partner who is a quick and eager learner, who will build up leaders around them and who can ask thoughtful questions so we can ensure we’re doing our best for everyone,” explained Smith, “I also have experience mentoring state employees and new stewards, have a depth of steward knowledge and am used to leading in times of stress.”

“I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for their trust, the Executive Team for their immediate inclusion and support and the leaders in Local 2101 for stepping up to fill in while I take on these duties,” continued Smith. “I hope my skillset will be useful to MAPE until we can get someone elected to fill now President Halseth’s vacant seat for the rest of the term.”