Stand With Nick!
Add Your Voice
Submit your endorsement below to join us in supporting Nick Vafiades for Region 2 Business Agent.
Member Endorsements
I strongly endorse Nick and the Rhine - Peralta team. The experience and knowledge this team has accrued over many years cannot be minimized. The future of the NALC is at stake! Please continue the high quality education that Nick and others have produced in our region and across the country.
Jimmy Williams, Retired, Br. 82
Portland, OR
Eight years ago, I ran against Nick Vafiades to be the National Business Agent of NALC Region 2. Today I am endorsing him. If that doesn't convey the message, nothing will. Nick Vafiades will continue to lead Region 2 with the professionalism and excellence that we deserve. I support Nick Vafiades!
Michael Wahlquist, President Br. 111
Salt Lake City, UT
I have known and worked with Nick for the last 15 years, and I've always found him to be a smart, hardworking, and capable leader. From Branch 82 to Region 2, he serves the membership's needs, and I know when things get tough, he is someone I can always continually rely on.
That is why I am supporting Nick Vafiades for Region 2 NBA. Nick has what it takes to lead Region 2 through these turbulent times, and we need someone with his expertise more than ever. I urge everyone, regardless of who you support nationally, to support Nick Vafiades for Region 2 National Business Agent.
David Norton, President, Br. 82
Portland, OR
I'm gonna give it up to Nick and supporting him on his campaign to continue as our National Business Agent for Region 2. I have known Nick for many years and he has always been supportive of Branch 79. I know recently there have been tough decisions that needed to be made, that he made and these decisions were the correct decisions. We need Nick to continue his leadership for Region 2 and I urge you to cast your vote for him.
Kevin Gottlieb, President, Br. 79
Seattle, WA
I am endorsing and supporting Nick in his re-election campaign. When Nick was first elected he promised he would bring Anchorage back into the rotation for rap sessions which had been left out of for many years with the prior NBA. He lived up to his promise which resulted in our branch saving considerable money by not having to travel to other states in the region. Nick also committed to develop members of our branch and provide extensive training opportunities. He made good on his promise which resulted in our previous member now serving as his RAA as well as having arbitration advocates trained in our branch. In my nearly 40 years with the NALC, it has been Nick who developed members of Br. 4319 more than any other NBA. That’s the kind of leadership we need now and in the future. Please join me and vote for Nick Vafiades for Region 2 NBA.
Jim Raymond, Retirement Specialist, Br. 4319
Anchorage, AK
Ever since the beginning of my time as a shop steward, Nick Vafiades has always been helpful to me and supportive. I had to call the regional office during my first week as a shop steward in 2018 and Nick was there to help answer my questions and back me up every step of the way. Ever since then, Nick has always supported me in my work for the Union. Whenever I've needed advice, assistance, information, or resources, I knew I could count on Nick and the rest of the Region 2 staff to provide it. Nick facilitated several shop steward colleges that I attended and taught me a lot about the grievance process. Even when someone else was facilitating steward college, Nick always came up to Alaska as NBA and gave us a regional update at steward college and also at the yearly Branch 4319 retiree banquet and the branch picnic. As I gained experience, NBA Vafiades had me attend numerous hearings as a technical assistant for him and the other advocates. I can say that no one represents the letter carriers at arbitration as forcefully or as powerfully as Nick. When my branch president put my name forward to be a local business agent/national assigned assistant, Nick was there whenever I had issues or needed help on assignments in other cities and states and always gave me opportunities to represent the letter carriers throughout the region. When it came time for me to become an arbitration advocate, Nick Vafiades was a powerful advocate for me and taught me so much about the arbitration process. Anytime that I've had a problem in an arbitration hearing, I knew that I could call Nick Vafiades and get an answer immediately. It has been an honor to work for the letter carriers in Region 2 and I've been thankful for the support, mentorship, and the guidance of National Business Agent Vafiades. I can think of no one better to represent Region 2 as our National Business Agent than Nick.
Andrew Grant, Steward/ Advocate/ NAA, Br. 4319
Anchorage, AK
I endorse Nick for Region 2 National Business Agent. Nick is always there when I email or call for assistance. Nick makes sure to get back to me promptly. I know that I can count on him to support our Branch.
Betty Nash, Vice President, Br. 82
Portland, OR
Nick has gone above and beyond for those of us in Region 2. Vote for Nick!
Mike Bradshaw, President Br. 4491
Fairbanks, AK
Nick’s active leadership has resulted in providing the members of Region 2 with greatly expanded steward training and representation. I am proud to call him my boss, mentor, and friend. OORAH!
James Frankford, RAA, Br. 1104
Vancouver, WA
As a state president I endorse Nick. He has continued to take pride in the members of the NALC. Anytime our state asks for help he sends help immediately. From wolf point to Hamilton and from Sidney to Libby. Nick has activated more NAA’s across our region whenever and wherever. Nick is running for the right reasons.
Randy Gremaux, President MTSALC
Lewistown, MT
Nick consistently provides the training and representation that members in some regions can only dream about. It doesn't matter how big or small your office is, if a member is in need, Nick will send in as many NAAs as it takes to get the job done. Route Inspection teams, back log teams, JSOVB teams, all of these are initiatives started under his leadership and for the sole purpose of providing the best representation possible for our members. I have never once seen Nick back down from a fight, he has the grit and determination to lead our Region in the challenges we face ahead. I encourage every member in Region 2 to join me and re-elect him for NBA.
Jade McBride, Vice President Br. 351
Olympia, WA
I’m proud to endorse Nick for Business Agent.
Nick has shown strong leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of strategy. He knows how to effectively advocate for members, protect our rights, and ensure our voices are heard.
Nick has my full support.
Michael Galvan, Steward, NAA, Br. 111
Salt Lake City, UT
Nick is someone you can count on. He is a staunch defender of the members he represents. Whether it’s standing up for carriers in difficult situations or taking the time to support a colleague, Nick leads with integrity and genuine care. For me, that would be enough. But it doesn’t stop there, Nick’s forward thinking approach to providing representation to smaller branches was the first of its kind. While others were thinking about it, Region 2 was doing it. The backlog teams, hostile work environment teams, and route inspection teams exist because Nick saw the need and acted. He’s not just an outstanding National Business Agent, he’s a trusted friend and advocate. That’s why I strongly support Nick Vafiades for re-election as Region 2 National Business Agent.
Mike Hansen,
Executive Vice President Br. 111
Salt Lake City, UT
Nick has expanded representation for members through mergers and by creating specialized teams of National Assigned Assistants to address specific, complex issues in all branches in the region. No branch has been left without representation under Nick's leadership. Steward College has defined training excellence in Region 2 for decades. When Nick became NBA, he re-vamped the program, re-designed the courses to fit the current needs of stewards and members, and expanded course availability. Instead of only offering one course per year throughout the region, the states now choose which courses they want. Students can complete the Steward College in a fraction of the time it once took. The increase in fully trained stewards has led to a larger pool of NAAs available for contract enforcement. Nick has led Region 2 through the challenges of union administration and member representation during his tenure as NBA with the ability to change with the times and to focus on hot point issues as they arise. Nick is a natural mentor, always willing to provide advice and direction. I endorse Nick for National Business Agent; he is a proven leader!
Kollin Luman,
Headquarters Advocate, Br. 82
Portland, OR
I’m proud to stand behind Nick Vafiades for NBA of Region 2. Nick has consistently shown what real leadership looks like. He puts city carriers first, fights for what’s right, and never backs down. He’s not just someone who talks about change. He’s someone who shows up, does the work, and delivers. Time and time again, Nick has proven he’s committed to our union, our contracts, and the people on the workroom floor. Region 2 deserves a leader who has our backs every single day. Nick Vafiades is that leader.
Donovan Mamo, Steward, NAA, Br. 79
Seattle, WA
I support Nick for business agent! He’s shown amazing care at supporting region 2. I’m happy to give my endorsement.
Kortnie Chatterton NAA, Steward,
Br. 111
Salt Lake City, UT
Nick believes in education within the membership. A trained steward is a powerful steward. The training that Nick has provided for us is valuable for us to stand together as one. He believes that a united front is what the union needs.
Alicia Chadwick, Steward, Br. 111
Salt Lake City, UT
"It doesn't matter if you have 1 carrier in your office or 100 carriers in your office. If there is an issue Nick will send someone in to help. Nick has my support because he truly cares about the carrier in all offices being represented."
Doyle Cislo, President Br. 948
Kalispell, MT
Nick works tirelessly for Region 2. Early morning and late night communications. Innovative and cutting edge plans like backlog teams, route count teams, hostile work environment teams. List goes on and on. The support he sends out to the region is unmatched as is his communication. Countless updates are shared as is notable arbitration decisions. Region 2 is a Nationwide leader in education and training and it shows at National level trainings. Nick Vafiades is one of my Regional Heroes. Works constantly for the membership and we are in good hands with him. Having Nick in our corner makes me confident for the future of Region 2.
Randall Wirtz, NAA, Br. 791
Marysville, WA
The type of experience and leadership we need now more than ever!!
Tobias Swank, President Br. 736
Walla Walla, WA
I endorse Nick Vafiades for continuing to be a great NBA for region 2. The best region in the nation. His team has helped my small branch as he would help a large branch. I say small branch. We are up to 8 members.
Randy Gremaux, President Br. 1160
Lewistown, MT
Nick has my full faith and support. I’ve only had positive experiences when dealing with region 2 during his tenure as NBA. I have found Nick to be a strong leader. Proud to give him my endorsement.
Nate Chester, Steward, Editor Br. 111
Salt Lake City, UT
I support Nick for NBA because he is a great leader, and prioritizes training, and helping small and large branches that need help. He has set up teams to send out and help those that need help with contract enforcement as well as with workroom floor issues.
Susan Wellhausen, RAA, Br. 916
Eugene, WA
I’ve worked with Nick since he was a Region 2 RAA under Paul Price, then since he’s been an NBA. His office has always been happy to assist in anything my Branch asked of them and he has personally helped our Branch on more than one occasion. I happily endorse him for Region 2 NBA
Nickolas Liston, Secretary, Br. 650
Great Falls, MT
I first met Nick Vafiades during my first year of steward college in 2016 where he was a facilitator. For the past decade Nick has continued to steadfastly promote training and education, not only for me and my branch, but the whole region. I was elected President of Branch 4319 in 2022 and Nick has always been there for me ready to answer any questions I have or provide advice if needed. More recently Nick has expanded representation to even the most remote branches in our region through the teams of NAAs. This is especially important for our rural Alaska members. He is all about the members of Region 2 and making sure all of our voices are heard. For these reasons I am proud to endorse Nick for Region 2 NBA.
Tommy Devros, President, Br. 4319
Anchorage, AK
I am fully endorsing Nick Vafiades in his bid for re-election as National Business Agent in region 2. Nick has been an advocate for my members throughout my time in Washington state.
When our LMOU negotiations opened up, management took the position they would only bargain with one branch(not my branch). This meant the northcity carriers did not have a voice in shaping the Lynnwood LMOU. I reached out to Nick and he listened to the Branch 79 members concerns. It is because of him I am proud to say Northcity has a seat at the bargaining table in Lynnwood.
I will be voting for Nick and I ask you to cast your ballot for him too.
Calvin Rich, Shop Steward, Br, 79
Seattle, WA
I have known Nick Vafiades for 25 years. I have watched him work his way up through the ranks as a Steward, Branch President, RAA, Arbitration Advocate and now as our National Business Agent. Region 2 training and education programs are the model of success to which other regions aspire. We have Backlog, JSOVB and Route Adjustment teams deployed in hotspots throughout our Region. Nick has put together a solid team of advocates that represent us well now, and in the future. Join me in voting to reelect Nick Vafiades for National Business Agent in Region 2.
Steve Thrift, WSALC Director of Media, VP, Br. 442
Spokane, WA
I have recently become involved in union contract enforcement and have attended 3 of the 4 weeks of “Steward College” arranged by NBA N. Vafiades and his staff. I found the training to be top notch in both content and practical application, students leave well prepared the first week of training for the investigative and Informal A dispute process. The subsequent weeks leave students well prepared for the Formal A and other appeals processes.
In early 2025 the leadership of my local branch analyzed our collective skillset and compared it to the challenges presented by our local management and determined we could use improvement in some areas, so we asked NBA N. Vafiades for assistance. His response was, without question, to schedule and send a member of his staff to our city for a week where all of our stewards received customized, specialized and specific training, allowing my local branch to effectively address new challenges presented by management. The training was again, top notch and individualized to our needs.
Since receiving the training I have volunteered to help other NALC branch’s when they need the assistance of an outside steward, and through that process I have seen how NBA N. Vafiades addresses calls for help from other branch’s needing it. The process is consistent and quick, often only requiring an email to get things in motion. I have used the training received from NBA N. Vafiades’ Region 2 program to assist a number of other City Letter Carriers when they need it most. NBA N. Vafiades also makes available a Regional Workmans’ Compensation Assistant who I refer city carriers to often and have found that option a valuable resource for my branch.
John Sinz, Vice President, Br. 650
Great Falls, MT
I endorse Nick Vafiades for Region 2 Business Agent. Whenever there is a need for representation, Nick will always deliver. I have seen his leadership and dedication to branches small and large. If you need help in your office Nick won’t hesitate to send a representative in to address the issue at hand. He continuously fights for all members in Region 2. With Nicks guidance and trainings he has increased the number of educated members able to take on management. Nick is the one who has been and always will be there for Region 2
Ed Johnson, Steward, WSALC Trustee, NAA, Br. 79
Seattle, WA
Nick has been working hard for Region 2 since long before becoming our NBA. Nick is knowledgeable about letter carrier issues, contractual minutiae, politics, and the USPS. I'm confident in him; he's a straight shooter in touch with the rank and file; I am proud to endorse Nick and urge members who are undecided to vote for Nick for NBA.
Garrett Scott, Editor of the Seventy-Niner, Br. 79
Seattle, WA
Vote for Nick!!!
Chris Carlson, Letter Carrier, Br. 791
Mountlake Terrace, WA