NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — AFSCME Rhode Island Council 94, one of Rhode Island’s largest labor unions, elected Michael McDonald as its new president on Wednesday.

This comes after the death of longtime president of the union J. Michael Downey, who passed away in August.

“I’m humbled and honored to serve as Council 94’s President,” McDonald said. “The passing of J. Michael Downey has left big shoes to fill.”

RELATED: RI Council 94 President J. Michael Downey dies at 70

“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.

Prior to his election McDonald was vice president of Council 94, which represents over 10,000 workers from multiple sectors, for two years. He was also president of University of Rhode Island Local 528, Council 94’s biggest local union, for over a decade.

Looking ahead, McDonald said he plans to focus on “enhancing our Union’s Organizing, Political, and Membership Services.”

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