Depthy H. Groth
Professional Background
I joined Passport Services in 2016 as a Passport Specialist at the National Passport Center (NPC), transitioning from the Foreign Service where I served across three continents in EFM appointments, including as a designated Consular Officer. My career has always been grounded in diplomacy, advocacy, and improving workplace conditions.
Union Leadership Journey
From my first week of orientation, I believed in the power of unions and joined NFFE Local 1998. Two years later, I became a steward, and in 2023 was elected Senior Steward at NPC, representing over 350 BUEs and leading a team of 8 stewards.
Leadership Style
My leadership is rooted in diplomacy, honed during my Foreign Service career. I seek constructive, collaborative solutions and build trust, but also act decisively when
diplomacy fails, using grievances and other tools to protect members’ rights.
Key Achievements as Senior Steward
Work-Life Balance: Negotiated the most flexible work schedule in the passport network, introducing credit hours for the first time. Advocacy for Fairness: Successfully advocated for the removal of an unjust reprimand for a BUE, restoring trust in the grievance process. Communication & Representation: Strengthened member engagement through monthly calls, office hours, updates, and an open-door policy.
QSI Process Reform:
Educated employees and management, streamlining nominations into a fair and timely process. Protecting Rights: Enforced the contract, upheld bargaining rights, and held management accountable while fostering constructive relationships. Promoting Fairness: Actively prevented disparate treatment and favoritism, ensuring equitable opportunities.
Representation & Support:
Defended members’ Weingarten rights and supported employees in EEO cases. Pre-Decisional Input: Ensured BUE voices were included in management’s decision-making. Resolving Longstanding Issues: Advocated for accountability and clear guidance on recurring system downtime, reducing confusion and frustration.
“Leadership for a Brighter Tomorrow”
Vice Presidential candidate
National-Level Contributions
NFFE Tiger Team (2024): Selected by former NFFE President Lee Wentz to represent Local 1998 in high-level negotiations with PMO and HQ, including with former DAS Don Jacobson and current DAS Matt Pierce. Advocated for ConGen access, retention bonuses, and fair production standards. Additionally, provided input on IRLs, Online Passport Renewal (OPR), and project working group volunteer selection. Joint Representation: Partnered with former President Wentz to jointly represent an agency lacking prior union representation, securing recognition and advocacy for its BUEs. Legislative Advocacy: Served on the 2024 Legislative Committee, lobbying on Capitol Hill during Lobby Week for the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act.
Training Leadership:
Led W3 sessions on Union– Management relations, providing practical tools to strengthen collaboration.
Acting National Officer:
Stepped in during an executive board member’s absence, ensuring continuity of national leadership.
Vision for Vice President of Local 1998
As Vice President, I will complement the President’s leadership by focusing on execution, transparency, and meaningful connection with BUEs. I will ensure
that national agreements translate into real results for BUEs across the network and keep BUEs at the heart of every decision.
Key Priorities
Expand work-life balance by extending NPC’s flexible schedule agreement nationwide.
Empower and mentor representatives to become strong leaders and advocates.
Maintain open communication so every BUE feels heard and represented. Promote fairness, inclusivity, and accountability at all levels. Foster collaboration among the executive board, reps, and BUEs to strengthen unity. Deliver real, measurable results that improve employees’ daily work lives. Rebuild trust in the union through transparency and accessibility.
Guiding Principles
Diplomatic First, Firm When Needed: Use diplomacy as the first step, but equip reps with tools for escalation when necessary.
Rebuild Trust and Unity:
Maintain transparency, open doors, and mutual respect.
Invest in Training:
Provide robust training sessions so reps are equipped and confident in representation.
Through my service at both the local and national level, I have shown the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and advocate effectively. I believe the Union must be a trusted home for BUEs, a place where their voices matter, their rights are upheld, and their interests come first.
If elected Vice President, I will bring dedication, diplomacy, and determination to strengthen our Local, empower our representatives, and deliver lasting results for BUEs across the network.
Thank you in advance for your vote!