March 5, 2025 — Doris Ann Dodson was a long time PEF member, former Region 12 Coordinator, Legislative Assistant, Nurse Coordinator and member of the Statewide Nurses Committee. “Dee” to her colleagues and friends, she served as the union leader on Long Island from 2003 to 2011 and after leaving union elected office, she continued to serve members as PEF’s Legislative Assistant and later Nurse Coordinator until 2020.
Dodson practiced nursing at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in human resource management.
Dodson’s union activism often placed her at the forefront of fights for workers in danger of losing benefits or their jobs. In 2009, she worked hard to block mandatory flu vaccinations issued by the New York State Department of Health, arguing that such regulations should come from the State Legislature, not the health department.
“This is about our right to make a choice,” said Dodson in 2009. “Why do certain health care workers have fewer rights than everyone else? Vaccination for influenza should be voluntary with emphasis on educational campaigns.”
She was honored on March 1, 2013, in the 3rd Senate District by former State Senator Lee Zeldin. Alongside others, Dodson’s contributions to her community were celebrated as part of Black History.
In addition to being a highly active PEF member and leader, Dodson was a member of the Central Islip School Board from 2012-2014 and was involved with the Brightside Civic Association, the Coalition of Good Neighbors Civic Association and the Islip branch of the NAACP.
Doris Ann Dodson passed away on February 23, 2025, at the age of 74. She will be remembered by friends and family on Sunday, March 9, at AMVETS Post #76 from 2-6 p.m., in Bay Shore.