Who We Are

WE ARE

  • UniServ Directors 

  • UniServ Organizers 

  • Social & Racial Justice Organizer

  • Senior Public Affairs Advisor 

  • Public Education Advocacy Policy & Research Coordinator

  • Public Policy & Political Affairs

  • Specialist Bargaining Research 

  • Specialist Professional Development Coordinator 

  • Senior Communications & Marketing Strategist

  • We create all training content including manuals and conference materials.

  • We work with local leaders to build strong locals.

  • We develop relationships with elected officials and lobby on your behalf.

  • We work to develop future educators at both the local and college level.

  • We advocate for members and ensure that due process is followed.

  • We write policy and resolutions for statewide and local issues.

  • We prepare local leaders to work with media, both in writing and in person.

  • We develop organizing plans with local leaders around local issues.

  • We analyze bargaining trends and data from across the country.

  • We create and run programs that encourage members to grow in their union leadership.

  • We create content to highlight and celebrate our locals and our members.

  • We develop candidate and referendum campaigns.

  • We build relationships with media across the state to get your story out.

  • We train locals to bargain and maintain strong, powerful contracts.

  • We push the strategies for statewide issues and campaigns that we hear from you are of high priorities.

  • We organize new locals across the state.

Meet Our Members

Anita Vernon, UD Northeast Indiana PSO Member Since 2013

Bob, a retired police officer, and I have been married for 25 years.  Together we have 4 kids and 11 grandkids.  We live near Albion where we have a zoo: 2 goats, 1 rabbit, 18 quail, 24 chickens, 3 dogs and 3 cats. There’s never a dull moment at our house!

It seems most of my free time is spent with grandkids, and that’s always fun.  When there’s time, going to yard sales and flea markets is a way for Bob and I to spend time away from the zoo. We have been binge watching The Goldbergs. 

Before I joined PSO, I taught middle school social studies in Logansport and was the sponsor of Nat’l Jr Honor Society and track coach. I was also the LEA president. 

I love the being on the beach just not a crowded one.  My own little oasis.  

Fun Fact:  I served 8 years in the US Army Reserve as a legal specialist.  I was honorably discharged in 1995 and held the rank of Sgt

Mark Lichtenberg, UD Southern Indiana

PSO Member Since 2015

I am a native St. Louisian who moved to Evansville, IN in 2000. My wife, Lisa, and I married in October and enjoy our time with our kids, Drew (18), Adam (17), Sophia (16), Brody (15), Bradley (14), Carson (13), and Payton (13).

My favorite way to spend time is being with my family, no matter what we are doing.

Before I  joined PSO, I taught instrumental music at mostly the middle school level for 15 years and then served as President of the Evansville Teachers Association for 2 years.

My favorite place to be is anywhere with my wife Lisa

Fun Fact: I am a huge Dave Matthews Band fan, having attended 17 concerts since August 2021.

Gail Zeheralis, Public Education Advocacy Policy & Research Coordinator PSO Member Since 1994

I’m from a small immediate family: my older brother, my sister-in-law, my niece and her husband, and my nephew. We also have my mom who is 92 years young and she and I live within a block and a half of each other which enables me to care-give.  I also have spent the better part of 25 years in my own church’s governance where I was one of 3 council members heading up the fundraising, design, and construction of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church located in Carmel. 

I enjoy my pool in the summer. Every day. Rain or Shine. Did I say, “every day?” LOL.  I also enjoy trips to NYC to see Broadway shows and finding new and exciting restaurants.

Prior to  joining PSO, I worked 10 years for a state agency working on behalf of all 150 state lawmakers called the Legislative Services Agency (LSA). By education, I am an attorney. 


My top three  movies are (and this will date me): Apollo 13, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally.


Fun Fact: Over the years, I suppose the thing that draws the most reaction from others is finding out that I worked for Coach Bob Knight in a variety of capacities and maintained my personal friendship with him and his family.

Finally, I just love good stand-up comedy and go to live shows as often as I can. I suppose that would be the most fun, fun fact.

Sue Ellen Sopher, UD North Central Indiana

PSO Member Since 2021

I have been married to my best friend, Steven, for 17 years and we have an amazing 13 year old son, who is beyond amazing at juggling! We also have guinea pigs & cats.  My husband and I own an auto body shop in North Central Indiana.

When I'm not working, I love to spend time with family & Friends.  The memories we make our everything!

Before I joined PSO, I taught HS Business and MS Project Lead the Way. I was also my local's president and went through the Intern Program..

My all time favorite place is Catalina Island off the coast of California.

Fun Fact: My wedding theme was Hot Wheels and flames and my cake was featured in a national magazine, Minitruckin.