{"id":1996,"date":"2025-10-15T16:31:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T16:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/1996\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T16:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T16:31:20","slug":"the-city-state-2025-whos-who-in-labor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/1996\/","title":{"rendered":"The City & State 2025 Who\u2019s Who in Labor"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Acker, Mike<\/p>\n

Partner, Triad Strategies<\/p>\n

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Acker, Mike
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\n Source Creative House<\/p>\n

At Triad Strategies, labor clients count on Mike Acker for effective lobbying on issues such as contractor misclassification, crane safety and highway funding. A partner in the government relations firm, he honed his expertise serving in numerous positions with the state Labor and Industry Department, where he served under three governors. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, and is a past president of the National Association of Government Labor Officials.<\/p>\n

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\n Acree, Jason<\/p>\n

President, Business Assistant & Manager, IBEW Local 126<\/p>\n

Championing electrical line workers across Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland\u2019s Eastern Shore is Jason Acree, the president of IBEW Local 126. He began as a journeyman lineman apprentice in the late 1990s and assumed his current role in 2011, promoting a 100% union-serviced market for residential and commercial electrical construction projects. In addition to serving as the local\u2019s referral agent, he chairs its Brotherhood Fund Committee and is a permanent member of the executive board.<\/p>\n

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\n Ameris, Philip<\/p>\n

Vice President & Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, LIUNA<\/p>\n

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Ameris, Philip
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\n Jim Manion<\/p>\n

Last month saw Philip Ameris, the Pennsylvania Laborers District Council\u2019s longtime president and business manager, get promoted to vice president and Mid-Atlantic regional manager for the Laborers\u2019 International Union of North America, a 530,000-member organization, at its annual leadership conference. His strength and tenacity have long been on display both in his roles as a longtime labor leader in Pittsburgh and as a taekwondo grandmaster.<\/p>\n

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\n Bair, Robert<\/p>\n

President, PA State Building Trades<\/p>\n

Building the new data centers sprouting across Pennsylvania is at the top of the agenda for Robert Bair, the longtime president of PA State Building Trades. A four-decade member and longtime leader of IBEW Local 143, he is prioritizing energy policy and economic development on behalf of his construction-industry membership. He also leads the PA State Electrical Workers and the Eastern PA Business Managers Association, and is active with the state apprenticeship council and its Workforce Development Board.<\/p>\n

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\n Ball, Jordan<\/p>\n

Government Affairs Associate & Consultant, Long Nyquist<\/p>\n

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Ball, Jordan
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\n Abigael Wolensky<\/p>\n

For more than a decade, Jordan Ball has advised candidates, elected officials and organizations on blue-collar issues and messaging \u2013 including at Long Nyquist, where he currently works as a government affairs associate. Most recently, his advocacy has focused on higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for Pennsylvania home care workers and, alongside IBEW Local 459, building a base of bipartisan support for an energy agenda. During his decade as a U.S. Senate staffer, he worked closely with Pennsylvania\u2019s labor leaders to advocate for coal miners, steelworkers and investment in infrastructure.<\/p>\n

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\n Bauder, Daniel<\/p>\n

President, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

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Bauder, Daniel
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\n 617 Media<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Daniel P. Bauder has a long history of leadership with the storied organization, which was formed 70 years ago. He served as its campaign manager for nearly a decade before becoming its fourth president in 2022. A third-generation union member and lifelong activist, he represents more than 100 union locals in the Philadelphia area. He is also active with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, the Welcoming Center and the Urban Affairs Coalition.<\/p>\n

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\n Bickford, Tyler<\/p>\n

Unit President, USW Local 1088-04, University of Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

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Bickford, Tyler
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\n United Steelworkers<\/p>\n

English Professor Tyler Bickford is president of the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s fledgling faculty union, which he first helped organize over a decade ago. A scholar of children\u2019s literature, he leads one of the United Steelworkers\u2019 newest unions \u2013 certified in 2021 \u2013 and assumed his current role in 2024, representing full- and part-time faculty across the university\u2019s campuses. He previously served as chair of the union\u2019s bargaining committee, helping secure its first contract, also in 2024.<\/p>\n

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\n Boyer, Ryan<\/p>\n

Vice President at Large, LIUNA<\/p>\n

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Boyer, Ryan
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\n The Office of Governor Tom Wolf<\/p>\n

Over three years at the helm of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, Ryan Boyer has become arguably the most influential labor leader on the city\u2019s and state\u2019s political landscape, helping Cherelle Parker become Philadelphia mayor and asserting his support for Gov. Josh Shapiro as challengers emerge for next year\u2019s election. This month, Boyer became vice president at large for the Laborers\u2019 International Union of North America, which represents a half-million workers throughout the U.S. and Canada.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Bush, Bryan J.<\/p>\n

President & Business Manager, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19<\/p>\n

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Bush, Bryan J.
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A visible presence at union conventions and apprenticeship worksites alike, Bryan Bush serves as president and business manager of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, which has represented Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware laborers since the 1880s. His own family has been union strong for nearly as long, and he is a second-generation Local 19 member, having begun his career in 1989 and serving as a journeyman, foreman and shop steward \u2013 and, more recently, president of the Sheet Metal Workers Pennsylvania State Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Catanese, Steve<\/p>\n

President, SEIU Local 668<\/p>\n

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Catanese, Steve
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\n Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

As president of SEIU Local 668, Steve Catanese represents nearly 20,000 workers across the commonwealth. He was the union\u2019s chief negotiator for its last two state contracts, securing new protections for more than 10,000 workers, and led a series of recent strikes during contentious negotiations. Notably, he recently negotiated a precedent-setting generative AI agreement on behalf of state workers; he is now leading efforts to unionize thousands of Penn State faculty members.<\/p>\n

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\n Centeno, Joe<\/p>\n

Chair, Labor, Employment, Benefits & Immigration Section, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney<\/p>\n

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Centeno, Joe
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Attorney Joseph Centeno co-chairs the Labor, Employment, Benefits and Immigration Section at Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, where he is executive managing shareholder. In addition to supervising a 70-lawyer practice, he represents management in employee claims ranging from discrimination and harassment to human resources policies, whistleblowing and regulatory issues. He has also served on the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and as president of both the Asian American Bar Association of the Delaware Valley and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.<\/p>\n

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\n Chapin, Aaron<\/p>\n

President, Pennsylvania State Education Association<\/p>\n

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Chapin, Aaron
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\n Randi Beth Chapin<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Education Association President Aaron Chapin has three decades of experience advocating for his colleagues and students at Pennsylvania public schools, beginning as a Stroudsburg Area Middle School teacher. His longtime labor advocacy includes serving in numerous roles for the Stroudsburg Area Education Association and in PSEA\u2019s Northeastern Region and, prior to his current post, as PSEA vice president. Recently reelected to his second term, he has prioritized teacher recruitment and equitable funding for all Pennsylvania\u2019s public schools.<\/p>\n

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\n Cherry, Rob<\/p>\n

CEO, Partner4Work<\/p>\n

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Cherry, Rob
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\n Janet McMillan<\/p>\n

Last year, Robert Cherry was appointed by the U.S. Department of Labor to chair its Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, recognizing his stature in workforce development and labor policy. Currently the CEO of Partner4Work, he previously held a series of leadership roles at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and at Employ Milwaukee, where he launched a career preparedness program for Milwaukee youth. He is a trustee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Cooper, Robin<\/p>\n

President, Commonwealth Association of School Administrators Local 502<\/p>\n

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Robin Cooper
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Robin Cooper is the first woman and first Black person to lead the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators\u2019 Local 502, a division of the Teamsters, which represents some 1,000 principals and other education professionals with the School District of Philadelphia. She has also held leadership roles with the Teamsters National Black Caucus, including chairing its Eastern Region, and served as president of the Philadelphia and Vicinity Black Caucus. Most recently, she has crusaded to maintain funding for SDP programming amid the threat of federal budget cuts.<\/p>\n

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\n Connors, Ben<\/p>\n

President & CEO, General Building Contractors Association<\/p>\n

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Connors, Ben
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\n Laura Hoffman Media<\/p>\n

As CEO of the General Building Contractors Association since 2014, Ben Connors has\u00a0 cultivated workforce partnerships and grown opportunities for union contractors across the Philadelphia region. He is also a trustee for union benefit and training funds with assets totaling over $11 billion. The Philadelphia native, who holds a law degree from Rutgers University, currently serves as vice chair of the executive leadership committee for the board of the Associated General Contractors of America and is a founding board member of Everybody Builds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Daquelente, Dave<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Master Builders\u2019 Association of Western Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Daquelente, Dave
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\n Master Builders\u2019 Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.<\/p>\n

For nearly a decade, Dave Daquelente has championed the Allegheny region\u2019s trade professionals \u2013 including at the Master Builders\u2019 Association of Western Pennsylvania, where he has served as executive director since 2019. He guides labor relations, political advocacy, education and workforce development for one of the Associated General Contractors of America\u2019s founding chapters, representing some 300 construction industry members. A Penn State graduate, he previously directed the Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

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\n Di Valerio, Sonia<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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\n Christopher Descano<\/p>\n

In 2024, Sonia Di Valerio joined the Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania as its executive director. Since then, she has been appointed as a trustee to the pension and other benefits funds of the Laborers\u2019 District Council, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542. A Temple University-trained attorney, she previously worked as a lawyer focusing on claims and litigation.<\/p>\n

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\n Diehl, Alison<\/p>\n

Vice President, Workforce Development, Pennsylvania College of Technology<\/p>\n

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Alison Diehl
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\n Pennsylvania College of Technology<\/p>\n

At the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Alison Diehl serves as vice president for workforce development, a non-degree applied technology department within the College that serves some 5,000 participants annually. Under her purview is workforce programming for building performance, plastics, apprenticeships, industrial training and health sciences. She joined the college in 2009 and previously cultivated the sustainability workforce pipeline as director of the college\u2019s Clean Energy Center.<\/p>\n

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\n Direnna, Jesse<\/p>\n

Business Manager, IUOE Local 66<\/p>\n

At the helm of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 is Jesse Direnna, who, as business manager, leads the interests of a union serving 33 counties across Western Pennsylvania and three in Ohio. Under his purview are more than 7,000 members who provide services to contractors, municipalities and private companies. He also oversees the locals\u2019 apprenticeship program and a political action initiative aimed at registering more union voters and championing labor\u2019s interests in the Pennsylvania and Ohio statehouses, as well as nationally.<\/p>\n

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\n Eagen, Todd<\/p>\n

Partner, Welby Stoltenberg Cimballa & Cook<\/p>\n

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Eagen, Todd
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\n Angela Natale<\/p>\n

A partner at Welby Stoltenberg Cimballa & Cook in Scranton, Todd Eagen is an experienced union attorney representing 20,000 laborers across Pennsylvania in collective bargaining, arbitration, and before state and national labor relations boards. He has represented numerous unions in his 25-year career, including the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, the Teamsters and the United Food & Commercial Workers. He is one of seven elected members from Pennsylvania to the Democratic National Committee and co-chairs the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Lawyers Committee.<\/p>\n

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\n Emery, Dan<\/p>\n

Regional Sales Manager, Northeast & Chicago, Ullico<\/p>\n

Lifelong union member Dan Emery brings a deep knowledge of labor to his role as regional sales manager at the Union Labor Life Insurance Company, America\u2019s only labor-owned insurance and investment company. He manages health and welfare funds for numerous labor unions in Pennsylvania and throughout the Northeast and Chicago. He joined the century-old outfit in 2000 and also specializes in helping clients successfully manage Taft-Hartley matters.<\/p>\n

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\n Ferritto, Angela<\/p>\n

President, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

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Ferritto, Angela
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\n Hartman Benzon<\/p>\n

The first woman to head the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Angela Ferritto was unanimously reelected in 2024 to continue in her role; she also serves as president of Union Energy.\u00a0In addition, she served on Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s transition leadership board and was appointed by his predecessor, Gov. Tom Wolf, to serve on the Unemployment Compensation Advisory Board. She is also active with the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board, the Penn State Labor School Advisory Board and the PA Commission on Education & Economic Competitiveness.<\/p>\n

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\n Fox, Lynne<\/p>\n

Chair, Amalgamated Bank<\/p>\n

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Fox, Lynne
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\n Susan Beard Design<\/p>\n

Lynne Fox is the first woman to chair the board of Amalgamated Bank, a century-old institution created to service a labor clientele. She joined the board 25 years ago, steering a bank with a socially responsible mission and overseeing Amalgamated\u2019s healthcare and retirement funds and its life insurance company. She is also the international president of Workers United, the longtime manager of the Philadelphia Joint Board, a vice president on the Philadelphia AFL-CIO Council and president of the Philadelphia Jewish Labor Committee.<\/p>\n

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\n Gardler, James<\/p>\n

President, CWA Local 13000<\/p>\n

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\n AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

James Gardler, who joined the Communications Workers of America in 1992, currently heads its Local 13000, which represents nearly 5,000 workers in diverse media and related industries across Pennsylvania. He also co-chairs its political action committee and oversees its Community Services Fund. His two decades of union leadership include serving as secretary-treasurer of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and as a vice president on the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO.<\/p>\n

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\n Gerie, Sean<\/p>\n

Vice President, Northeast, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes<\/p>\n

Since 2018, Sean Gerie has served as vice president for the Northeast regional division of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, a branch of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He represents employees affiliated with a union composed of some 40,000 railroad maintenance workers who build and tend to the nation\u2019s network of rail tracks, bridges and structures. He also leads political advocacy for the rail industry, fighting to secure work opportunities, ensure safety standards, and bolster wages and benefits.<\/p>\n

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\n Giotto, Tom<\/p>\n

Chair, Labor & Employment, Cozen O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n

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Giotto, Tom
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The chair of Cozen O\u2019Connor\u2019s Labor & Employment practice group, attorney Tom Giotto represents management in myriad labor- and employment-related matters. His expertise includes union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, grievance arbitrations and litigation involving discrimination and violations of federal labor law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and COBRA. He has particular experience in the fields of manufacturing, oil and gas, hospitality, healthcare, higher education, sports and office building associations.<\/p>\n

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\n Hall, Bernie<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania Director, United Steelworkers<\/p>\n

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Hall, Bernie
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\n Steve Dietz<\/p>\n

Bernie Hall represents 50,000 active members in 120 local unions of the United Steelworkers, where he is the Pennsylvania director. A fourth-generation union steelworker, he began as a journeyman industrial mechanic at Zinc Corporation of America, joining USW Local 8183 in Bridgewater. He now co-chairs the USW\u2019s national Cement Council, serves as the USW national bargaining chair for ATI and is a trustee to the USW Pennsylvania Heavy and Highway benefits funds, as well as a member of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board.<\/p>\n

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\n Hall, Marcus<\/p>\n

Director, Workforce Operations, Philadelphia Works<\/p>\n

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Hall, Marcus
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Opening up opportunities for Philadelphians, Marcus Hall directs workforce operations for Philadelphia Works, the city\u2019s nonprofit workforce development agency. An MBA graduate of Saint Joseph\u2019s University, he is responsible for ensuring the efficacy and quality of Philadelphia Works\u2019 adult and youth programs and other employment initiatives. He recently led efforts to create Philadelphia\u2019s youth application portal, a central registration hub for work-based learning experiences aimed at teens and young adults.<\/p>\n

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\n Hamilton, William<\/p>\n

Vice President, Eastern Region, International Brotherhood of Teamsters<\/p>\n

Bill Hamilton, a second-generation Teamsters leader who first joined the union as a trucker in 1966, serves as vice president for the Eastern Region of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters \u2013 and has the ear of many a politician, having advised Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s transition committee. He is also the 25-year president of Teamsters Local 107, a position his father once held, and heads both the 95,000-strong Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters and Joint Council 53.<\/p>\n

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\n Harrity, Jim<\/p>\n

Councilmember-At-Large, City of Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Harrity, Jim
\n \/
\n Michael Gray, TML Communications<\/p>\n

Jim Harrity, a former union construction worker, chairs the Labor Committee for Philadelphia City Council, to which he was elected in 2022 as an at-large member. The Philadelphia Democrat frequently cites the support of his union for giving him opportunities to advance to roles that include serving as auditor at the City Controller\u2019s Office and as political director for the state Democratic Party. In City Council, he has championed worker protections and access to family-sustaining jobs.<\/p>\n

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\n Holubec, Lauren<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association<\/p>\n

Lauren Holubec strengthens the state\u2019s talent pipeline as executive director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. She champions policies and partnerships that spur opportunity and leads initiatives spanning apprenticeships, career and technical education, and economic development. Previously, she held a series of leadership roles at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, including as director of professional development programs. She holds an Ed.D. and is a sought-after speaker on workforce innovation and generational shifts in employment.<\/p>\n

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\n Hover, Benjamin<\/p>\n

Director, Community Engagement; Legislative Representative, PFT Local 3<\/p>\n

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Hover, Benjamin
\n \/
\n Hameen Diggins<\/p>\n

Veteran teacher Benjamin Hover directs community engagement and serves as the legislative representative for the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers Local 3 in Philadelphia, leading outreach and advocacy around higher wages and better working conditions. Over 25 years, he has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels with the School District of Philadelphia \u2013 for the last decade at Central High School. His public service also includes serving as the Borough of Lansdowne\u2019s Council President.<\/p>\n

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\n Howell, James<\/p>\n

Administrator, AFSCME Council 13<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, longtime AFSCME leader James Howell became the administrator of the union\u2019s Council 13 in Harrisburg; he was previously the council\u2019s deputy administrator. In this role, he is responsible for organizing and advocating for 65,000 members employed in Pennsylvania\u2019s public and private nonprofit sectors. He began his union career as a police officer in 1988 and has also served as AFSCME International\u2019s Eastern region director.<\/p>\n

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\n Hunter, Christopher<\/p>\n

President, Western Psychiatric Hospital Chapter of JNESO and SEIU Healthcare PA<\/p>\n

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Hunter, Christopher
\n \/
\n Molly Hunter<\/p>\n

At UPMC\u2019s Western Psychiatric Hospital Local, Christopher Hunter tends to patients as a psychiatric staff nurse \u2013 and to his union colleagues as president of the hospital\u2019s local chapter of JNESO, a 5,000-strong regional health workers\u2019 union, and SEIU Healthcare PA, the largest caregivers union in the state. The two locals have a joint operating\u00a0agreement at Western Psych. Last year, he led contract negotiations that yielded a $40-an-hour wage by 2027 for new-hire nurses with bachelor\u2019s degrees in Pittsburgh. Hunter joined the hospital nearly a decade ago and served as the union local\u2019s vice president before being elected to the top job last year.<\/p>\n

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\n Kane, John I.<\/p>\n

Chair, Labor & Industry Committee, Pennsylvania Senate <\/p>\n

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Kane, John I.
\n \/
\n Provided<\/p>\n

Plumber, labor leader and now minority chair of the Pennsylvania Senate\u2019s Labor & Industry Committee, state Sen. John Kane has devoted his career to workers and their families. In 2020, he became the first Democrat in nearly 150 years to win election to represent his suburban Philadelphia district in the Senate. The Delaware County plumber previously served five terms as business manager for Plumbers Local 690, and he continues to champion priorities like healthcare access in his current role.<\/p>\n

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\n Kelly, Darrin<\/p>\n

President, Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council<\/p>\n

Whether standing alongside Magee-Womens Hospital nurses seeking to unionize or crusading for state public transit funding, Darrin Kelly is a highly visible champion of workers in his Pittsburgh region and beyond. The U.S. Navy veteran serves as president of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, a Western Pennsylvania AFL-CIO affiliate with 100,000 members. A longtime Pittsburgh firefighter, he is also involved with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1 and the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association.<\/p>\n

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\n Kocsis, Jack<\/p>\n

Co-Chair, Carpenter Contractor Trust<\/p>\n

Jack Kocsis, the CEO of Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey, co-chairs\u00a0 the Carpenter Contractor Trust alongside William Sproule, the executive secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, whose benefit funds Kocsis co-chairs. At CCR, he guides a Philadelphia-based partnership between labor \u2013 some 42,000 skilled craftspeople \u2013 and management, aimed at bolstering their collective fortunes. He serves on numerous labor boards and committees, including the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority.<\/p>\n

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\n Laquatra Jr., Joseph<\/p>\n

President & Business Manager, Pennsylvania Laborers\u2019 District Council <\/p>\n

As of this summer, Joe Laquatra is the newest chief of the Pennsylvania Laborers\u2019 District Council \u2013 filling a role once occupied by his father, who led the Laborers\u2019 District Council of Western Pennsylvania for decades. In addition to leading the Pittsburgh-based LIUNA affiliate representing workers across Pennsylvania, he serves on the organization\u2019s executive board. Recognized last year for 50 years of service to the union, he has also been the longtime business manager of Local 1058, another role previously held by his father.<\/p>\n

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\n Lynch Jr., Mark<\/p>\n

Business Manager, IBEW Local 98<\/p>\n

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Lynch Jr., Mark
\n \/
\n Provided<\/p>\n

Business Manager Mark Lynch Jr. has a lot to celebrate at Philadelphia\u2019s IBEW Local 98, the politically influential electrical workers\u2019 union he has headed since 2021. Last February, Lynch cut the ribbon on the local\u2019s new Navy Yard headquarters and apprenticeship training facility; in March, he cheered the third graduating class of Rosie\u2019s Girls, a women\u2019s career initiative he spearheaded. Lynch\u2019s tenure has also grown participation among veterans and minority groups, leading to historic recruitment numbers for the organization.<\/p>\n

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\n Mash, Kenneth<\/p>\n

President, Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties<\/p>\n

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Mash, Kenneth
\n \/
\n Courtesy of APSCUF<\/p>\n

For over a decade, Kenneth Mash has been among the most prominent labor figures on Pennsylvania\u2019s higher-education landscape. The East Stroudsburg University political science professor has led the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, the union representing some 5,000 educators across the State System of Higher Education, for all but two years since 2014. As such, he has advocated for his peers as the system navigates intense transition, including the recent consolidation of state universities and the creation of new, merged institutions.<\/p>\n

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\n McIntyre, Thomas<\/p>\n

Business Manager & Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 5<\/p>\n

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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh labor leader Thomas McIntyre is the longtime business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 5, the electrical workers\u2019 union formed in 1897. He was recently elected vice president representing electrical workers on the Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council, and has also served on the boards of several labor and apprenticeship trust funds. A four-decade IBEW member, he oversees an award-winning training program, political advocacy and key workforce partnerships.<\/p>\n

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\n Melman, David<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President, Workers United <\/p>\n

David Melman, a commonwealth labor leader for three decades, is executive vice president for Workers United and manager of the Pennsylvania Joint Board \u2013 a position he has held for 20 years. He is also a trustee of the Taft-Hartley Pension and Health Insurance Funds, which serve tens of thousands of union-affiliated beneficiaries. Known for his expertise in labor negotiations across diverse sectors, he is a veteran of numerous organizing campaigns and represents Workers United in the global Federation of Industrial Unions.<\/p>\n

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\n Miller, Sam<\/p>\n

President, West Penn Hospital Chapter, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Miller, Sam
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\n SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

Last year, registered nurse Sam Miller led efforts to win a groundbreaking union contract for West Penn Hospital, where she is president of the local chapter of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. Her efforts helped establish staffing levels set by the National Association of Women\u2019s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, along with significant raises to retain and recruit experienced nurses. An 18-year veteran of the profession, she currently works in the hospital\u2019s Labor and Delivery department.<\/p>\n

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\n Morgan, Gabe<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President & State Director, SEIU 32BJ<\/p>\n

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\n Gabe Morgan<\/p>\n

Gabe Morgan serves as executive vice president for SEIU 32BJ, which represents 185,000 property service workers throughout the U.S. He is also the union\u2019s state director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, representing 21,000 cleaners, security officers, building engineers, school and airport workers and food service employees in private-sector, public-sector and government contract roles. He began his career as a Chicago construction worker, organizing and leading advocacy campaigns throughout the Midwest before settling in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

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\n Mulvey, Ryan T.<\/p>\n

Director, Government & Public Affairs, PhilaPort<\/p>\n

In February, Ryan Mulvey became the director of government and public affairs for PhilaPort, the organization that oversees operations at the Port of Philadelphia. In this role, he manages relationships with elected and other public officials for a state agency that supports thousands of workers unionized through the International Longshoremen\u2019s Association. Previously, he honed his government relations skills through chief of staff positions in both the Pennsylvania Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as working for Pennsylvania\u2019s First Judicial District.<\/p>\n

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\n O\u2019Brien, Jon<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Keystone Contractors Association<\/p>\n

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\n Provided<\/p>\n

As executive director of the Keystone Contractors Association, Jon O\u2019Brien oversees collective bargaining agreements with construction trades, from carpenters and operating engineers to masons and bricklayers. Additionally, he serves on four labor-management joint apprenticeship committees, the state\u2019s Prevailing Wages Appeals Board and the Apprenticeship Training Council. To encourage future workers, he speaks frequently to high school and college students and recently led the KCA\u2019s launch of a student chapter at the Pennsylvania College of Technology and an ACE Mentor Chapter in Centre County.<\/p>\n

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\n Pegram, George<\/p>\n

Business Manager & Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Plumbers Local 690<\/p>\n

George Pegram, the business manager and financial secretary-treasurer of Plumbers Local 690, leads a 125-year-old union with highly regarded apprenticeship and continuing education programs, and steers key industry partnerships in various construction industry sectors. Under his leadership, the union advocates for effective labor representation in workplaces, higher wages and benefits and more political involvement on water, infrastructure and energy issues.<\/p>\n

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\n Pollitt, Brian<\/p>\n

President, TWU Local 234<\/p>\n

As president of Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents SEPTA workers, Brian Pollitt negotiates his constituency\u2019s interests amid the transit agency\u2019s funding challenges. Last year, he averted a strike, coming away with increases to both pay and benefits for 5,000 train, trolley and bus operators and mechanics. After three-plus decades in Philadelphia transit, he is prioritizing safety and regional mobility in the face of falling ridership, budget gaps and faltering political support.<\/p>\n

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\n Rivera, Pedro<\/p>\n

President, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology<\/p>\n

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Rivera, Pedro
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\n Thaddeus Stevens College Communications Office<\/p>\n

A first-generation college graduate, Pedro A. Rivera II became Pennsylvania\u2019s secretary of education \u2013 and is now the 10th president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, a role he began in 2020. Appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, he chairs the board\u2019s Council of Higher Education and also serves on the newly formed State Board of Higher Education. Dedicated to equitable access and funding for education, he holds an education doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

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\n Roberts-Johnson, Wendy-Anne<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Philadelphia Youth Network<\/p>\n

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Roberts-Johnson, Wendy-Anne
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\n Ceisler<\/p>\n

As president and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network, Wendy-Anne Roberts-Johnson promotes career exposure and work experiences leading to sustainable career pathways for the city\u2019s teens and young adults. She has 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in Philadelphia \u2013 including, most recently, serving as executive director of Need in Deed, an education-focused nonprofit that helps public school students create solutions for issues in their communities while building academic, social and emotional skills.<\/p>\n

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\n Sload, G. David<\/p>\n

President & CEO, ABC Keystone Chapter <\/p>\n

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Sload, G. David
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\n Keystone Marketing & Communications Department<\/p>\n

G. David Sload brings four decades of construction and design experience to the leadership of Associated Builders & Contractors Keystone Chapter, where he champions the industry and cultivates its local pipeline through a comprehensive apprenticeship program and by promoting the trades to area youth. Prior to becoming CEO in 2017, he served as vice president for education and workforce development. He began his career as an architectural draftsman, has held construction management leadership roles and has also chaired the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board.<\/p>\n

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\n Snell, James<\/p>\n

Business Manager, Steamfitters Local 420<\/p>\n

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Snell, James
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\n Ceisler Media<\/p>\n

Business Manager James Snell guides his Philadelphia union, Steamfitters Local 420, with the insights and political relationships cultivated over three decades in labor. Having begun his career as a pipefitter, he now represents the interests of 4,500 members, promoting energy and infrastructure workforce opportunities for fitters, plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians. He has worked to expand educational opportunities for his constituency, recently launching an academic partnership for union apprentices with Rowan University.<\/p>\n

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\n Sproule, William C.<\/p>\n

Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters<\/p>\n

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\n EASRCC<\/p>\n

Forty-three thousand carpenters across six states and Washington, D.C., look for leadership to William Sproule, the longtime executive secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. Under his leadership, the council has expanded work opportunities, strengthened apprenticeship programs and advanced labor standards through political advocacy for pro-worker policies. He has also secured key industry partnerships and driven major organizing efforts, ensuring the growth and strength of the union.<\/p>\n

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\n Steinberg, Arthur<\/p>\n

President, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers<\/p>\n

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Steinberg, Arthur
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\n PFT<\/p>\n

A graduate of Philadelphia public schools, Arthur Steinberg now leads the city\u2019s educators union as president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, which represents 14,000 employees in the commonwealth\u2019s largest school district. He is also vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, which represents 1.8 million educators, health professionals and public-service workers. He previously served as president of AFT Pennsylvania and continues as the organization\u2019s assistant treasurer.<\/p>\n

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\n Vera Jr., Esteban<\/p>\n

Business Manager, Laborers\u2019 Local 57<\/p>\n

For nearly a decade, Esteban Vera Jr. has led Laborers\u2019 Local 57, serving as the public face of Philadelphia\u2019s diversifying organized labor representation in the trades. The first Latino to lead a major Southeastern Pennsylvania labor organization, he represents a majority non-white membership of over 3,000 workers across construction and other building trades. He also serves on the board of SEPTA and advocates for his workforce in regional political circles.<\/p>\n

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\n Walker, Nancy A.<\/p>\n

Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry<\/p>\n

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Walker, Nancy A.
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\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

In charge of the commonwealth\u2019s working standards is Nancy Walker, who has served as Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s secretary of Labor & Industry since 2023. Her tenure has seen upgrades to the state\u2019s unemployment compensation system, stronger enforcement of labor laws and a focus on apprenticeship and other job-training programs. The longtime labor and employment lawyer had previously served as the inaugural chief deputy attorney general for the state Office of Attorney General\u2019s Fair Labor Section.<\/p>\n

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\n Willig, Deborah<\/p>\n

Managing Partner, Willig, Williams & Davidson<\/p>\n

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Willig, Deborah
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

A sought-after advocate for workers across the commonwealth, Deborah R. Willig has handled labor relations and employment law for more than four decades. She is currently a managing partner at Willig, Williams & Davidson, where she negotiates on behalf of diverse labor unions to secure fair outcomes, higher wages and living standards, and strong pension and health care benefits. In 2023, she received the American Bar Association\u2019s Margaret Brent Award for her groundbreaking career as a model for women in the legal profession.<\/p>\n

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\n Yarnell, Matt<\/p>\n

President, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Yarnell, Matt
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\n SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

As president of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania since 2016, Matthew W. Yarnell has led the largest and fastest-growing union of caregivers in the state. He first became a union member as a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility as a teenager, and helped organize actions for better care. He went on to become an organizer, then union officer, and was elected president in 2016. Yarnell coordinates advocacy to: protect patients, defend funding and expand access to quality health care for all; improve working conditions; and make sure all healthcare workers have good union jobs.<\/p>\n

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\n Yobbi, Annale<\/p>\n

President, Allegheny General Hospital Chapter, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

Annale Yobbi is proud to be part of Allegheny General Hospital\u2019s nursing team, which has fought for union gains that have raised job standards for nursing throughout the Pittsburgh region \u2013 and inspired other local nursing teams to organize. Yobbi, a 42-year veteran of the profession and currently a LifeFlight nurse, serves as AGH\u2019s chapter president for SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. She helped secure 2023\u2019s groundbreaking union contract, which improved nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, raised pay to retain and recruit experienced nurses, and cemented protections against workplace violence.<\/p>\n

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\n Young IV, Wendell<\/p>\n

President, UFCW Local 1776<\/p>\n

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Young IV, Wendell
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\n UFCW<\/p>\n

For nearly a half-century, Wendell Young IV has organized workers, negotiated contracts and led political engagement for UFCW \u2013 including, for the past 20 years, as president of Local 1776, which he helped form through a 2018 merger. He is responsible for a constituency of some 35,000 workers in diverse industries across Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia. He is also a vice president of the UFCW International Union.<\/p>\n

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