Marianne Pizzitola is a retired member of the FDNY EMS who has dedicated her post-retirement life to advocating for EMS retirees. After the devastating events of 9/11, she founded the FDNY EMS Retirees Association, focusing on ensuring that EMS retirees received the medical care they deserved. Marianne's unwavering dedication to this cause led her to fight for the rights of these retirees to choose their medical providers, a significant victory in the realm of retiree benefits.

In 2021, Marianne saw another challenge that needed addressing: the forced enrollment of NYC retirees into Medicare Advantage plans. Understanding the potential impacts on retirees' healthcare options, she established the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees. Under her leadership, this organization has successfully mobilized thousands of retirees, culminating in several legal victories against the City of New York. Marianne's efforts have not only safeguarded retirees' healthcare choices but have also highlighted the importance of retiree advocacy.

Marianne's commitment and tenacity have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized among City and State's Top 100 Labor Leaders in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and has been celebrated as one of the Women Who Go Above & Beyond in 2023. Her story is a testament to the power of dedicated advocacy and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.