by Tessy Abade
During Women’s History Month, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) honored the remarkable legacy of Alma L. Lee, a trailblazing labor leader whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on federal employees and veterans’ care.
Alma L. Lee retired in November 2025 after an extraordinary 33-year tenure as president of AFGE’s National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC), during which she served 12 consecutive terms. Her career in public service began over 35 years ago at the Salem VA Medical Center, where she worked in Nursing Service. From the outset, Lee demonstrated a deep commitment not only to veterans and their families but also to the well-being and empowerment of federal employees.
Lee’s academic journey reflected her passion for helping others. She graduated from Virginia Western Community College and furthered her education at Atlanta University, focusing on counseling individuals and families affected by substance abuse. This foundation informed her empathetic and people-centered leadership style throughout her career.
Her union involvement began at the grassroots level with AFGE Local 1739 at the Salem VA Medical Center. Over time, she held several key roles, including steward, vice president, and fair practices coordinator, before serving as local president for 17 years. Lee made history as the first woman elected to lead both her local union and the AFGE National VA Council, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space.
Throughout her leadership, Lee prioritized collaboration and progress. Working alongside former Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown, she played a pivotal role in transforming labor-management relations. She advocated for open communication and partnership, aiming to bridge gaps between employees, management, veterans’ organizations, and the public.
One of her most significant achievements came during her first term as NVAC president, when a historic National Partnership Agreement was signed between the Department of Veterans Affairs and several unions, including AFGE. This agreement allowed unions to actively participate in workplace decision-making processes. In addition, the National Total Quality Improvement Agreement established councils dedicated to enhancing the quality of services provided to veterans, reinforcing the VA’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.
Lee also served as the chief negotiator for multiple union contracts, including the landmark 1997 Master Agreement and its 2011 successor. Her leadership in these negotiations helped secure stronger protections and better working conditions for VA employees nationwide. Even in her later terms, she remained actively involved in contract negotiations, demonstrating unwavering dedication to her mission.
Beyond her union work, Lee contributed to broader labor and civil rights efforts. She was affiliated with organizations such as the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the NAACP, reflecting her commitment to equity and justice. Her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including AFGE’s Woman of Labor Award in 2020 and recognition as Virginia’s Outstanding Labor Woman of the Year.
At the NVAC’s 25th Triennial Convention, Lee was honored for her decades of visionary leadership and service. Her legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and transformation.Her story continues to inspire future generations of leaders committed to fairness, collaboration, and meaningful change. As AFGE celebrates Women’s History Month, Alma L. Lee is a good a powerful reminder of the impact that determined and principled leadership can have on work places and communities as well.
