Prior to being CEMA President in January 2003, Keith Garvey (1946-2003) was President of SEIU 715 and staff for the South Bay Labor Council, AFL-CIO as their Committee on Political Education (COPE) coordinator. At the County he had served as a Senior Communications Dispatcher before joining CEMA.  

Keith was very active politically and worked on numerous political campaigns as well as committing himself to extensive community service on the boards of Santa Clara County United Way, Toys for Tots, and Santa Clara County's Justice System Advisory Board.

Keith was an activist CEMA President who brought all of his experience to bear in representing CEMA members. Keith stated his views simply, but forcefully: "I have always believed that especially in the pubic sector, we really do have the opportunity to elect our bosses and that participation and voting is crucial."

Keith was very skilled at bringing people together to work toward common goals and to build bridges. He was the President of the County Employees Labor Alliance (CELA) and has spoken up opposing layoffs and service reductions, supporting options to avoid layoffs impacting services, and committing to lobbying efforts at the state level.

Keith has inspired the CEMA Executive Board that he left to continue building alliances and building a strong and powerful labor community.