- COLLECTIVE BARGAINING -

TMCC faculty have officially ratified the new TMCC-NFA Contract with 79% overall approval. This includes support from 81% of union members and 75% of non-members.

The college will now submit the contract to the Board of Regents for final approval during their quarterly meeting on June 11–12 at UNR. Faculty are encouraged to attend to voice their support of collective bargaining during the public comment period.

- GOVERNANCE -

TMCC-NFA chapter officer elections are currently open. Voting concludes at 11:30 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026. Members in good standing should check the email address they used when joining the NFA for a message from ElectionBuddy.com, which contains a link to their secure and confidential ballot.

Each office has one candidate running for election. Amy Cavanaugh, a long-time TMCC-NFA officer, is seeking the presidency, while Olga Mesina is running for vice president. Additionally, Haley Orthel-Clark has accepted the nomination for secretary, and Chris Jones is running for treasurer.

Candidates for TMCC-NFA Office, from left to right: Amy Cavanaugh (President), Olga Mesina (Vice President), Haley Orthel-Clark (Secretary), and Chris Jones (Treasurer).

Since each position has only one candidate, members are asked to validate the election by voting either in support or to abstain. The newly elected officers will begin their terms on July 1st.

- FELLOWSHIP AND RECOGNITION -

Join us for a enjoyable evening filled with food, fun, and community as we honor the achievements and commitment of our TMCC-NFA colleagues at 5:30 PM, Wednesday, May 20th at NEED2SPEED family fun center on Northowne Lane in Reno.

The evening's highlight will be our member recognition banquet where we recognize the outstanding contributions of TMCC-NFA members over the past year, including the presentation of the Annual Legacy Award. The honoree will receive a commemorative keepsake and $500 stipend. Prior recipients include Julia Hammett (2025), Mark Maynard (2024), and Blisin Hestiyas (2023).

We will provide a menu featuring pizza and appetizers, and every attendee will receive two drink tickets. Additionally, a limited number of game cards will be available for those interested in enjoying the venue’s attractions.

Members are welcome to bring up to two guests, including kids. We can’t wait to see you there!

Please RSVP for the Member Recognition Banquet.

- POLITICAL ACTION -

You're also invited to join colleagues from UNR and TMCC for an evening of informal conversation and civic engagement on Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. We will gather at Craft Wine & Beer, located at 22 Martin Street in Reno’s Midtown district.

This meet-and-greet offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with local candidates running for mayor, city council, or school board. 

We encourage you to come out, grab a drink, and share your perspective with those seeking to represent our community. This is a non-partisan space designed to foster meaningful dialogue between educators and potential policymakers. We look forward to seeing a strong faculty showing as we prepare for the upcoming election cycle.

Please RSVP for the Candidate Meet and Greet.

- BENEFITS -

The PEBP Board approved FY2027 health plan rates on March 19, effective July 1, 2026. Open enrollment runs May 1–31, and it is critical that employees review their plan options carefully before making elections. Changes to premiums, deductibles, and out of pocket maximums could significantly affect household budgets.

Thanks to strong advocacy from NFA members and state employees, the most extreme premium hikes were stopped. Even so, many plans still face steep increases, especially the Low Deductible and EPO/HMO plans, while the High Deductible plan remains the lowest premium option but with higher out of pocket exposure.

Employees are being asked to pay more amid ongoing concerns about PEBP budget mismanagement and lack of transparency. NFA urges all members to use open enrollment to assess what plan best protects their health and finances, and to stay engaged as we continue fighting for fair rates, increased employer contributions, preserved plan choices, and restored retiree benefits.

READ MORE >>

NFA Report on PEBP Rate Setting 2026-27

TMCC-NFA Officers

Jim New, President

Amy Cavanaugh, Secretary

Dan Hooper, Treasurer

Cheryl Cardoza, Past President