RI Council 94, AFSCME Executive Board Unanimously Elects Michael McDonald President  

North Providence – Today, Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO announced that Michael McDonald was unanimously elected President.    

Mary Townsend, Executive Vice-President, explained “While we are still grieving the passing of J. Michael Downey, in accordance with our/AFSCME’s constitution the Executive Board unanimously voted last night to elect Michael McDonald, currently the  Union President of Local 528 URI Employees and State-Vice President, to serve as Council 94’s President for the remainder of the term.” 

Michael McDonald, has worked as a Landscape Maintenance Technician at the University of Rhode Island, for over 20 years.  Additionally, for the last 13 years he has served as the President of the University of Rhode Island Local 528, which is Council 94’s largest local union and as State Vice-President since 2022.    

President McDonald, stated, “I’m humbled and honored to serve as Council 94’s President.  The passing of J. Michael Downey has left big shoes to fill. During the next year and a half, I will focus all of my energy and  passion, on enhancing our Union’s Organizing, Political, and Membership Services.  I believe that working together, we can accomplish all of our goals and build a better, stronger union for all Rhode Island workers.”

Council 94, Rhode Island’s largest public employee union, represents over 10,000 active and retired state, municipal, and private sector employees.