Terry has worked in government for over 25 years, having started his career as a Legislative Aide to then-Assemblyman Steve Levy in 2001. Upon Levy’s election to the office of County Executive in 2004, Terry was appointed as the Executive Director of Levy’s Community Relations Unit, overseeing constituent services and community outreach initiatives. In September 2007, Terry transferred to the Parks Department, where he served as Coordinator of Community-Based Programs for 17 years, in which capacity he wore many hats, including but not limited to management of Parks’ capital budget program, capital projects, and oversight of damages related to FEMA disaster declarations.

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In June 2024, Terry transferred to the Division of Building Design & Construction at the Department of Public Works, where he served as Public Works Capital Project Manager until his assumption of the office of President at AME in July 2025. In addition to his County work, Terry owns the Sayville Farmers Market, which operates from May through October at the Islip Grange in Sayville.

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Prior to and concurrent with his many years of government employment, Terry worked in the Hospitality industry, having served in various management roles in numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as many, many years as a bartender in local venues throughout Suffolk. Terry was the co-founder of Caramel Lounge in Smithtown, serving as the managing partner from 2005 – 2007 before leaving the company.

Annette Mahoney-Cross has been a Suffolk AME member since 1999, working in the Family Services Unit. Over the past 25 years, she has been involved with the union as a Unit President, Union Officer, PAC Co-Chair, and member of numerous committees. Annette has been awarded advanced degrees in Psychology and Social Work and has been a Licensed Mental Health Professional since 2002.

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Like many members, Annette has held two jobs over the course of much of her county employment. She has worked as a Psychotherapist for Seafield Inc., counseling individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health issues. She has provided private counseling and psychotherapy and taught graduate and undergraduate classes in Social Work at local colleges.

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In 2019 Annette was recognized for her community efforts as well as her union activism, being awarded the "Women's Recognition Award" from the Town of Brookhaven Office of Women's Services. Both of Annette's parents were founding members of Suffolk AME. Annette's mom, Eileen, worked in the Police Civilian Unit as a Fingerprint Analyst. Her father, Joe, worked in telecommunications and is known by many county employees as "Joe the phone guy". Annette is a devoted mom to 12-year-old Anya and has been married to her husband, Dave, for 20 years. Dave is a proud member of UWA Local 393.

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Over the years, Annette has volunteered for many worthwhile groups and organizations. Most notably as a Crisis Counselor with the Crisis Text Line, an innovative suicide intervention program. Annette wants to see AME develop into a union that focuses on engaging and servicing its members, while ensuring they have the services and benefits they need to survive on Long Island.

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Annette is not afraid to speak up and has been vocal in her concerns about the direction AME is headed. She has spoken to both State and local legislative bodies when she has concerns about their actions, or lack thereof. In 2012, Annette went to Albany to speak loudly in support of a bill that would make it a felony to assault social services workers. Annette will always speak loudly on behalf of all Suffolk AME members.

Prior to joining the Suffolk AME Executive Board, AnaMarie served our friends, neighbors, and loved ones throughout Suffolk County as a Contracts Examiner with the Suffolk County Parks Department. As a volunteer Shelter Officer with the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, Ana Marie not only lends aid to her fellow Suffolk AME members working in Emergency Response roles, but she also provides knowledge and crucial assistance to our fellow Suffolk County residents in their hour of need during both natural and man-made disasters. Ana Marie has critical training and practical experience that will inform her actions as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, including over 20 years of experience as a Senior Administrator servicing the Federal Government Sector providing construction and engineering support services, certified by the USACE in Contractor Quality Control Management, as well as a personal background as an entrepreneur and business owner. Building upon her educational acumen, Ana Marie is also a graduate of the New York State AFL-CIO Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. 

Michele O’Connell moved to public service in 2001 after several years in private industry. Since joining Suffolk County, she has been a dedicated employee of the Department of Social Services, specifically the Child Support Enforcement Bureau.

Throughout her career, Michele has been a steadfast advocate for workers' rights, serving in various leadership roles, including Unit President, member of the Board of Directors, and Executive Board member. Additionally, she has contributed her expertise as a Committee Member for our Health Insurance and as a Trustee for our Benefit Fund.

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Michele has devoted her efforts to enhancing the experience of Suffolk AME members by prioritizing transparency, fostering communication, and encouraging member engagement, and she has played an instrumental role in streamlining and improving the union's governing documents. Michele holds degrees from Suffolk County Community College and the University at Albany. She is a proud mother to her 12-year-old daughter, Emily, and has been married to her husband, Joe, for over 17 years. Joe is a member of CSEA and serves as the Unit President for his local (CSEA, Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO).

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Beyond her professional commitments, Michele has been actively involved in her community, serving as her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop Leader for eight years and as Treasurer for Suffolk County Girl Scouts, Service Unit 49, where she oversees the finances for Girl Scout troops in the Patchogue-Medford area.

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As a working parent, lifelong Suffolk County resident, and committed union advocate, Michele understands the challenges faced by union members, parents, and residents, and she remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting her community.

Joe Callari's journey in union involvement began over three decades ago, rooted in a rich family legacy. His father, a respected Vice President of his local Unit for Law Enforcement, inspired Joe to join the same union in 1991. Taking on the role of Shop Steward, he became a steadfast advocate for the rights of union members, demonstrating a commitment that has only deepened over the years.

With over 19 years of service to Suffolk County, his career has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Before joining the county, he served as a SUNY Lieutenant Public Safety Officer at Stony Brook University and was later employed as a Suffolk County Security Guard at the H. Lee Dennison Building until the position was eliminated during the first county layoff in 2011. Undeterred by this setback, Joe found a new path as a Lieutenant in the Fire and Public Safety Department at Suffolk Community College, where he continues to serve diligently.

Joe's leadership skills became evident during his tenure as Vice President of the Executive Board of the Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees from 2015 to 2018. Throughout his journey, he has held various roles—including Unit Vice President and Delegate—and participated in numerous committees, always prioritizing the day-to-day challenges faced by union members. His focus on improving working conditions, opposing privatization, maintaining essential health insurance and prescription drug benefits, balancing the Benefit Fund, and securing fair contracts has made a significant impact on the lives of many.

One of Joe’s most notable contributions came in 2012 when he played a pivotal role in advocating against proposed layoffs of county employees by the County Executive. Collaborating with union leadership, Joe passionately spoke at legislative meetings, testified in the Supreme Court, wrote letters to Legislators, and engaged with local politicians—demonstrating his commitment to protecting the livelihoods of his fellow county employees.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe is also a devoted father of two grown boys. His 19-year-old son Nicholas is currently serving as an active-duty U.S. Marine, while 23-year-old Joseph, who has special needs, requires ongoing care and support due to Cerebral Palsy. Balancing the needs of his sons has always taken precedence in Joe's life. He has coached their sports teams, attended countless concerts, and cherished family trips to places like Connecticut, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia.

In every aspect of his life—from union advocacy to fatherhood—Joe Callari exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a profound sense of duty. His story reflects a commitment not just to improving the lives of others but also to nurturing and uplifting his family, earning him respect and admiration in both his professional and personal circles.

Desirée Evangelista has been a dedicated Medical Assistant at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility and a proud member of Suffolk AME since 2007. Her unwavering commitment to her colleagues and passion for advocacy led to her election as Executive Vice President of the Patient Care Unit in 2017 and later Unit President in 2020. In this role, she worked tirelessly to protect the rights of her members, collaborating with various offices to ensure fair treatment, workplace improvements, and a stronger voice for all.

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Under her leadership, Patient Care Unit Nurses successfully received the FLSA, and Nurses were awarded well-deserved upgrades, marking a significant victory for healthcare professionals within the union. As a member of the AME Board of Directors, Desirée worked hard to restore unity, strengthen leadership, and fight for the betterment of every member.

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With her proven dedication and experience, Desirée Evangelista will continue to advocate for fairness, respect, transparency, and back a union that truly works for YOU.

Robert comes to the Executive Board from the Ammerman Campus of Suffolk Community College in the Department of Information Technologies. He has worked at the College for over twelve years and has served his fellow employees in several union capacities during his employment, including Unit President for the SCCC AME White Collar Unit for three years and as Unit Secretary for more than seven years.

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In addition to his union experience with Suffolk County, Bob served as Vice President and as a member of the negotiating team for District Council 1707 at Little Flower Children’s Services in Wading River and as a Shop Steward for IBEW 1049 while working as an operator at the Shoreham Nuclear Power Station.

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Bob is a military veteran, having served in the United States Navy for over nine years. Bob’s many years of union activity and integrity, especially his negotiating expertise, will be a valuable asset to our union.

Joanmarie serves as an Examiner in the Chronic Care Unit at DSS and has worked in various positions throughout the County for over 25 years. Throughout her service, Joanmarie has always been willing to listen to member concerns and fight for the rights of our co-workers.

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Joanmarie has been a strong advocate for better working conditions and has cultivated relationships throughout the county and Suffolk AME. Serving as President of the Medicaid Unit and having formerly served as its Executive Vice President prior to joining the Suffolk AME Executive Board as a Vice President, Joanmarie has been a perennial advocate for our members for the past twenty-one years, gaining invaluable expertise as a union leader with a proven track record.

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Joanmarie has served for six years on the negotiating team and three years on the Outreach and Wellness committees as well as serving as Co-Chair to the Ambassador Committee. Joanmarie's qualifications and steadfast enthusiasm make her an ideal representative as 3rd Vice President on our Executive Board.