Local 94 Secretary-Treasurer Retires

April 1, 2025

IM  -  

After more than 30 years of service to both the local and international Federation, Local 94 (Tulsa, OK) Secretary-Treasurer Tammy Kirk announced her retirement. Upon election as secretary-treasurer in 1991, the flutist became the first woman ever elected to office at the local. Nationally, Kirk has served on several AFM Convention committees, including the Finance Committee (1993), chair of the Measures and Benefits Committee (1997, 2013, 2016), and chair of the Good and Welfare Committee (2019).

Kirk was the first woman elected to the AFM International Executive Board (IEB), serving from 1997 to 2001. While on the IEB, she chaired the AFM’s first Diversity Committee, working with now-retired Diversity, Legislative and Political Director Alfonso Pollard. She also worked with late AFM Director Dick Gabriel on a project to support freelance musicians. She served as national TEMPO chair (2010-2019), as well as vice president and president of the Southern Conference for four years.

A strong proponent of the AFM, especially targeting young musicians, Kirk developed an informational presentation for college students and traveled to the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam), University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University, and University of Arkansas, to promote the AFM to students. 

“I will forever believe in union solidarity and the mission of the AFM. My life has been greatly enriched by my union work,  experiences, and friendships, as well as the commitment of the members and Executive Board of Local 94 under the steady leadership of President Bruce Schultz,” says Kirk. “I know my replacement, Secretary-Treasurer Jen Scott, is deeply committed and will be an excellent union leader.”

“Tammy and I worked together for many years and steered Local 94 through many challenges,” says Schultz. “One of the strong points in our partnership was that our styles were complementary. Where I could be technical, she could be practical and has a unique ability to connect with people. I often focused on risk avoidance and the big picture, while Tammy’s focus was on the members and finding ways to work through problems. I will very much miss her ability to provide an alternative view and add a human touch.”

In retirement, Kirk looks forward to spending more time with family, including her four grandchildren. She will apply her secretarial skills as clerk of session at Southminster Presbyterian Church and continue her real estate career with Coldwell Banker Select.

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