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Past gives Mount Vernon president unique perspective MOUNT VERNON — Most CSEA leaders can tell you how they became a union activist. For the new president of the City of Mount Vernon Unit, the story is a bit unusual. Meet Dr. Nicholas Cicchetti, Mount Vernon’s newest unit president transitioned into public service and union activism after a career as a podiatric surgeon. After many years in a medical career, Cicchetti is enjoying doing a different type of public service. Loyal to Mount Vernon He has impressive credentials, but there’s little formality when you meet Cicchetti, who took the reins as unit president last July. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Cicchetti notes with pride that he’s remained in the small Westchester County city his entire life. In a city with many challenges, the man known as Dr. Nick is a Mount Vernon success story. He earned his undergraduate and doctorate degrees while working his way through school as a security guard at Mount Vernon Hospital, the hospital where years later he became chief of podiatric medicine. “Once I opened my office in Mount Vernon, I started a foot clinic at Mount Vernon Hospital and was the first podiatrist to perform surgery there,” Cicchetti said, proudly. Despite a busy career, Cicchetti maintained his community involvement, serving on the city Zoning Board of Appeals and keeping up on local government issues. That involvement set the stage for a career transition. New challenges Grappling with lower reimbursements and higher insurance costs for his practice, Cicchetti decided he was ready for a change and accepted an offer to serve as Mount Vernon’s deputy fire commissioner. He stepped into the commissioner job following his predecessor’s retirement, and after an Dr. Nicholas Cicchetti, the new City of Mount Vernon Unit President, works as assistant superintendent with the city’s Board of Water Supply. It’s his job to oversee the proper functioning of the city’s century-old water infrastructure and keep clean water flowing to residents. He’s seen here checking out the city’s water pressure meter. eight-year stint there, landed a gig as assistant superintendent with the city’s Board of Water Supply. For his current day job and his extra duties as union president, Cicchetti draws on many of the skills from his days in private practice. “That experience has allowed me to think analytically and keep a cool head no matter what goes on,” said Cicchetti, who stays involved in medicine via board positions with a non-profit community health center and an adult care community. “When other people are yelling, I’m the calming force because I’m trained to stay calm.” After representing management in Fire Department negotiations, Cicchetti is enjoying being on the other side of the table. Despite being four years without a contract, Cicchetti is optimistic CSEA will have a agreement soon. Between negotiations and day to day union business, the man still known as Dr. Nick is enjoying his new role as union president. “I’ve been able to listen to our members’ “I’ve been able to listen to our members’ concerns and go to their department heads to resolve issues just through conversation. It’s a new challenge and it’s quite fulfilling.” concerns and go to their department heads to resolve issues just through conversation,” Cicchetti said. “It’s a new challenge and it’s quite fulfilling.” — Jessica Ladlee March 2014 The Work Force 7


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