Martha Fowler
SEANC First Vice President

Job: Retired, Grievance Counselor, Department of Human Resources at UNC-Chapel Hill
County: Mebane

When did you become involved in SEANC? I started in 1984 when SEANC was formed out of two predecessor organizations. Kay Slaughter was the first president, and I went to the first convention. It was amazing! It was something I had never experienced. I haven’t missed a convention in the 37 years since!

What positions have you held including your current one? I have been District 19 chair for four terms. I have also served on every committee in my district. On the statewide level, I served as chair of the Insurance Board of Trustees and Statewide Membership Chair. I have served two terms as General Treasurer, Second Vice President and now First Vice President.

What has been the most rewarding part of being in SEANC? I enjoy being able to help state employees and lobby for their pay and benefits at the legislature. We have a strong grassroots effort from the West to the East. I also enjoy traveling and meeting all the different people we have in SEANC and seeing different parts of the state.

What do you wish everyone knew about SEANC? I wish more people knew how hard we must work just to maintain the benefits that we have these days. We fought to gain a lot of the things we have now, and the fight has moved to maintaining those rights and benefits now. I think people don’t appreciate that as much.

What are your hobbies? I am active in my church, Mebane First Baptist. I serve as a trustee and usher, and even sing in the choir. I also enjoy bowling, sewing, reading and baking especially during the holidays.

Tell us about your family: When my anniversary occurs in June, I will be married for 45 years to my husband Alphonso. I have a daughter, Leslie, who lives in Atlanta, and a younger daughter, Latoya, who lives in Browns Summit. I come from a large family of nine children and two foster brothers.

What is an interesting fact about you that people should know? I have six grandchildren including a set of twins! I’m a proud graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.