AFT Vice President
As a psychologist in OMRDD since 1985, Brynien has spent his career helping people to address issues and advocate for themselves.  He became involved in PEF to increase the union's responsiveness and held several positions before becoming vice president in 1997.  Through the leadership of Members 1st, PEF has made great strides in becoming a more mobilized, politically powerful union, achieving improved job security, better contracts and pension reforms as a result. 

As chair of PEF's political action and contract committees, Brynien guided the union's efforts, including preventing layoffs and facility closures, the passage of the "GO PUBLIC" legislation, and contract negotiations, which achieved many long-sought objectives.

Brynien has focused on salary parity for members above grade 18 and addressing the needs of members in high cost areas, as well as for pension enhancements, such as extra service credit for contributions beyond 10 years.  He also is an advocate for righting injustice, such as discrimination, workplace violence, forced transfers and mandatory overtime.