Garrett Wakefield
Candidate for Vice President
Department of Social Services

I'm a dedicated labor advocate and committed public servant. I’ve been a proud member of CSEA since 2008, and I’m actively involved in advancing the work of our union. I serve on the CSEA Local 830 Women’s Committee, MLK Committee, and the Region 1 Human Rights Committee. I’m also a delegate to both AFSCME for Long Island Region 1 and the Long Island Federation of Labor, where I work alongside others to strengthen protections for public sector workers.

I began my county career as a caseworker in Child Protective Services investigations and was promoted to Case Supervisor in 2016. Since 2015, I’ve contributed to our union’s communications efforts and grievance section, helping ensure members stay informed, engaged, and connected to the work we’re doing together.

I earned my Juris Doctor from Touro University’s Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2021, graduating as valedictorian while attending night classes and working full time. I also hold a B.A. in Sociology from SUNY Old Westbury, which laid the foundation for my interest in systems, equity, and justice.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on practical solutions, clear communication, and principled leadership. I believe in doing the work — not just talking about it — and staying grounded in the values that brought me to public service in the first place.