RI's largest public employees union elects new president. What we know.

PROVIDENCE – More than a month after the death of the longtime president of the state's largest public employees union, Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees elected Michael McDonald as its new president.

McDonald has been a landscape maintenance technician at the University of Rhode Island for more than 20 years. The last 13 years he has served as the president of URI Local 528, which is Council 94's largest local union, and as a "state vice- president."

"While we are still grieving the passing of J. Michael Downey, in accordance with our/AFSCME's constitution the Executive Board unanimously voted last night to elect Michael McDonald, currently the Union President of Local 528 URI Employees and State-Vice President, to serve as Council 94's President for the remainder of the term," Mary Townsend, the union's executive vice president, said Wednesday.

In a statement released by Council 94 on Wednesday, McDonald said: "The passing of J. Michael Downey has left big shoes to fill. During the next year and a half, I will focus all of my energy and passion, on enhancing our union's organizing, political, and membership services.

"I believe that working together, we can accomplish all of our goals and build a better, stronger union for all Rhode Island workers."

Council 94 represents more than 10,000 active and retired state, municipal, and private sector employees.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's largest public employees union elects URI staff member as president