Herkimer County Community College Professor Recognized by Central New York Labor Council

Enesa Sabanagic, Community Service Liason; Joe LaPaglia, President CNY Labor Council; Kathleen Stables and Robert Gassmann.

Herkimer County Community College Assistant Professor Kathleen Stables was presented the Samuel Gompers Distinguished Service Award by the Central New York Labor Council at a recognition dinner on October 24, 2025.

Stables is currently secretary of the HCCC Professional Association and previously served for four years as president. The Professional Association is the bargaining unit for teaching and non-teaching faculty, technical assistants, and coordinators at Herkimer County Community College.

Professor Robert Gassmann, who has served as both past and current president of the Professional Association at Herkimer, nominated Stables for the award. He highlighted her efforts, as president, to strengthen dialogue between the union and the administration, as well as her leadership during complex negotiation cycles. Gassmann described her as “a tireless advocate for our union,” recognizing her role in uniting members during the challenges of the COVID pandemic and her ongoing commitment to listening and responding to their concerns.

The Central New York Labor Council is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO. The Samuel Gompers Distinguished Service Award is an honor given to individuals for their leadership and contributions to improving working conditions. It is presented by various organizations, such as the CNY Labor Council, to recognize dedicated union members and labor leaders.