After nearly three decades of service, Christine McCarthy will retire as Treasurer of the Academic Professionals of California (APC) at the end of 2024. Since 1994, Christine has been a steadfast advocate for Unit 4 employees across the CSU system, playing a pivotal role in shaping the union’s mission and advancing its goals.
Christine’s tenure includes 25 years on the Bargaining Team, where her expertise helped advance APC’s priorities. Her leadership extended to chairing the Policies and Procedures Committee and serving on the Education Committee.
Beyond her union work, Christine’s career in higher education has spanned various leadership roles, all focused on supporting student success. As APC celebrates Christine’s remarkable contributions, we honor her legacy and the profound impact she has had on both the union and its members.
Christine’s Journey with APC
Christine’s journey with APC began in 1994 as Chief Steward at CSU Fullerton, where her passion for representing Unit 4 employees quickly became evident. In 2001, she was elected Southern Vice President, expanding her influence across campuses. By 2003, Christine had taken on the role of Treasurer, a position she has held with distinction for over 20 years.
Her leadership extended to chairing the Policies and Procedures Committee, where she played a critical role in refining APC’s internal operations. Additionally, Christine served on the Education Committee, reflecting her commitment to supporting Unit 4 employees’ professional growth and development.
Christine’s tenure is defined by her tireless advocacy, her ability to find solutions to complex challenges, and her unwavering dedication to ensuring that APC remains a strong and supportive union for its members.
A Career Dedicated to Higher Education
Christine McCarthy’s impact extends beyond her work with APC, rooted in her extensive career in higher education. Beginning in 1983 as an advisor in Undergraduate Advisement at CSU Fullerton, Christine quickly advanced into leadership roles that directly supported student success. These included serving as Assistant Director of the Learning Resource Center, Assistant Coordinator for Summer Bridge, and most recently, Director of Athletic Academic Services at CSU Fullerton.
Her dedication to students also led her to take on roles outside of the CSU system, including Director of Student Services for the Southern California Division of the University of Phoenix and Western State University College of Law. These positions broadened her perspective and enhanced her commitment to supporting students across diverse academic environments.
Christine earned a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences from CSU Fullerton, equipping her with the expertise and insight to navigate the complexities of higher education. Through her decades-long career, she has exemplified a deep commitment to fostering student achievement and upholding the values of quality education.
Christine’s Union Legacy
Christine McCarthy’s legacy within APC is defined by her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Unit 4 employees. Over her 25 years on the Bargaining Team, Christine played a pivotal role in securing significant benefits for members, including family leave, tuition fee waivers, and temp-to-perm conversions that provided job security for countless employees.
Her ability to simplify complex issues made her a trusted advocate for members navigating workplace policies and union rights. Christine excelled at breaking down dense information into clear, actionable insights, ensuring that members could fully understand and utilize the benefits APC fought to secure.
Throughout her career, Christine tackled challenges head-on to enhance member resources and representation. She often stepped in during critical moments, helping members resolve workplace disputes and advocating for fair treatment. Her empathy, coupled with a decisive approach, left a lasting impact on those she supported.
Her legacy extends beyond the policies and benefits she helped achieve; it is evident in the countless lives she touched through her dedication and leadership. Christine’s work is a lasting reminder of APC’s mission to support and empower its members.
Hear from Executive Board Presidents
Christine’s work ethic and dedication to improving the working conditions of Unit 4 have left an enduring legacy with APC. Her sharp intellect and firm grasp of the needs and desires of our rank and file will be missed equally at the boardroom and chapter meetings. I believe I speak for my fellow Executive Board members, stewards and many a Unit 4 employee across the State in wishing her a well-deserved new, and exciting, chapter in her life. ~ Dagoberto Argueta, President APC
It will be hard to imagine an APC world without you Christine! It has been a pleasure to work with you for over twenty years as you have been part of APC’s progress as we have forever improved Unit 4 employee working conditions through collective bargaining and making APC a great union and organization. You have provided a lot of wisdom to me and so many other people. Best wishes on your new adventures. ~Patrick Choi, Vice President APC (former APC President)
Christine McCarthy’s guidance, mentorship, and friendship made my three years as President of APC some of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. Christine is a brilliant, compassionate leader who meets people where they are and works tirelessly to find common ground. Her unwavering dedication has been instrumental in shaping APC into the strong, impactful union it is today. As Treasurer, her financial expertise and leadership have ensured APC’s fiscal strength and ability to secure meaningful contracts. Christine’s legacy is a cornerstone of APC’s success, and her contributions will be felt for generations to come. ~ Edie Brown, Former President, APC
Welcoming New Leadership
As Christine McCarthy steps down from her role as Treasurer, APC is proud to welcome Krystal Flores as her successor. Krystal brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to continuing the vital work that Christine has championed over the years.
Krystal currently serves as Senior Coordinator for Orientation in New Student Programs & Family Engagement at CSU Pomona, where she has demonstrated her leadership and dedication to supporting the CSU community. As an APC Union Steward for the Pomona campus, Krystal has actively advocated for APC members, showcasing her ability to represent members’ interests effectively.
With her background in higher education and union advocacy, Krystal is well-prepared to step into the role of Treasurer. Her commitment to fostering member engagement and ensuring the union’s financial stability aligns seamlessly with APC’s mission. The organization looks forward to Krystal building on Christine’s remarkable legacy and leading APC into a new chapter of growth and success.
Thank You Christine
As Christine McCarthy prepares to retire at the end of 2024, APC expresses its deepest gratitude for her decades of unwavering service and dedication. For nearly 30 years, Christine has been a steadfast advocate for Unit 4 employees, a leader who navigated challenges with grace, and a champion of the values that define APC’s mission.
Her legacy is one of tireless advocacy, transformative leadership, and meaningful impact. Christine’s work has strengthened APC and improved the lives of countless members, leaving a lasting mark on the union and the CSU community.
As we celebrate Christine’s remarkable contributions, we also wish her all the best in her next chapter. Her commitment and vision will continue to inspire APC’s efforts moving forward.
Let’s honor Christine’s legacy by staying involved, supporting APC’s mission, and building on the foundation she helped create. Together, we can ensure a strong and vibrant future for the union and its members.