Nichols Leaves Office with New Title: ‘Executive Vice President Emeritus’

A beloved executive vice president of CWA gave his final report at the 1998 convention, but left the stage with a resounding reassurance he will always be welcomed back. The delegates unanimously voted to bestow upon M.E. Nichols the title Executive Vice President Emeritus.

Nichols distinguished himself in the role of EVP for 18 years, the culmination of 51 years as a CWA member, steward, local officer and leader.

"If there ever was a true union builder, a guy for whom no task was too difficult to tackle for his union, it is Nick," Bahr said by way of introduction.

"I cannot think of a more rewarding way to spend one’s working life than serving the members of CWA," Nichols responded.

Throughout the convention and at a reception immediately following, Nichols was besieged by well-wishers, including Texas AFL-CIO President Joe Gunn, a former president of CWA Local 6222; national and local CWA officers, and staff he has worked alongside for years. Many were quite emotional in their farewells. But there was humor, too, for once intended to bring a smile to the man who brightened the lives of so many he always referred to as "my CWA family."

Delegates gave several standing ovations to Nichols, who was praised for his integrity, his lifetime of service to CWA and his work in representing "the best that is within us all."

In his remarks to the convention, Nichols stressed that the union movement has the opportunity to move people ahead, and that with a strong enough voice, "we can and we will change things in this country." He also spoke of the challenges and opportunities CWA will face as it continues to move ahead into the Information Age, but stressed that, "we have the leadership, both national and local, to get it done."

Bahr praised Nichols for a lifetime of work on behalf of CWA, a career Bahr said has been distinguished by its commitment and dedication to workers and their families.

Nichols joined CWA Local 6222 in Houston, Tex, 51 years ago, on his first day on the job at Southwestern Bell. He was elected to several local union offices and served as a top officer of Local 6222 for 18 years.

In 1980, Nichols was elected CWA executive vice president and a member of the executive committee. He directed the union’s education and health and safety programs, and established the CWA Member Relief Fund, which aids members in the aftermath of such disasters as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.

Nichols also serves on the governing boards of several organizations, including the Made in the USA Foundation and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.