After a forty-year career at IBEW 1245 and PG&E, Business Representative Todd Wooten is retiring. “Todd joined the staff ten and half years ago and took the North Valley job to new level. He’s a good friend, a hard worker, and an awesome guy. Todd Wooten, thank you brother!” said IBEW Business Manager Bob Dean.
Wooten, who is fondly known as “Rep of the Decade” by his peers, shared, “I started on Ad Council back in the nineties, and worked the line department for thirty years before coming on staff.”
“I met Todd in 2002, when we were both on crews in Sierra Division,” said Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Gerstle. “Wooten was a driver and also played a key role in developing the M&C Coordinator classification when he was still at PG&E,” he added. “Todd was IBEW through and through. I played a role in convincing him to come on board as a Business Rep for 1245. He was my favorite rep, I cannot lie. He had the perfect personality for his assignment in North Valley. I miss redneck Bill already!” declared Gerstle.
For his part, Wooten shared, “It was a great ten plus years at 1245. Thanks to Tom D. and Bob D. for giving me the opportunity. Thanks to those I worked for and those I worked with at 1245 for all the help and support they all gave me. Being a nine-time ROTY (LOL) would not have been possible without everyone’s support. 1245 is a great place with a great staff and members. Do all you can to keep that going. I still enjoyed the job, but after 45 years of working, I’m ready to be on Todd’s schedule.”
Wooten’s family joined the IBEW 1245 family at the Hall to celebrate.
Congratulations, Todd! Wishing you the best as you embark on the next chapter.
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Lou Mennel has capped a 39 year career in the field and is retiring.
Before joining the IBEW 1245 staff as a Business Representative, Lou worked as a Gas Service Representative at PG&E for twenty-seven years. Brother Mennel served members at PG&E before switching to the Public Sector where he represented members at SMUD. In his final act at the Union, he joined the Organizing Team, bringing his energy and experience to the task in a labor intensive new organizing fight at Siemens Mobility.
Senior Assistant Business Manager Anthony Brown stated, “Lou was one of a kind. He was my Business Rep in the East Bay before I came on staff. He paved the way for me. Getting to know him on the PG&E negotiating committee opened my eyes to the opportunities. We had lots of conversations about representation of the PG&E Gas group which enabled me to picture what was possible.”
Assistant Business Representative Mike Adayan first met Lou when they served on a committee together. Eight years ago when Adayan joined the IBEW 1245 staff, “Lou became my partner. Without having to ask, he took me under his wing and taught me how to be a rep,” he said. Adayan added, “Lou was a fantastic Rep. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. He’s a good friend, and an outstanding person.”
Dannika Bynum described Lou as a “hoot!” She said, Lou was very pleasant to work with.”
Reflecting on what he loved best as a Business Rep, Mennel shared, “I loved that every day was different, and events where I got to know the members off the job. My co-workers were my lifeline.”
When asked for words of wisdom, Mennel said, “Not much! I feel lucky to have worked for so many years and to still have my parents, sisters, my three kids, and the love of my life, Kathy. Time to make new memories with my seven grandchildren. I literally could not be happier!”
Thanks for the years of service and comaraderie, Lou. Congratulations on your well earned retirement.
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After three fruitful years heading up IBEW 1245’s Vegetation Management and Line Clearance Tree Trimming group, Assistant Business Manager Mark Maumau will be moving on. In addition to leading the Tree side of the house, Brother Maumau stood up the IBEW 1245 Veterans’ Committee.
A twenty-four year member of IBEW, brother Maumau brought unrivaled energy to every task he undertook.
IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean shared the news saying, “Mark has not only been a dedicated member of our team but also a wonderful friend to us all. His contributions to the tree group and the veterans committee have left a lasting impact on our organization; his presence will be greatly missed both professionally and personally.”
Statements from his work group reaffirmed the tight team he built.
Business Representative Francisco Ferreyra wrote, “You’ve directed the path of the Vegetation Management group to become the well-oiled machine that it is now….Your genuine willingness to help was always done in love and unconditionally….You were more than just a Boss; you were our brother and friend!”
Business Representative Ray Banfill added, “You have been a great leader and inspiration to us reps and to the membership. You will be greatly missed.”
The longest serving Business Representative, Junior Ornelas stated, “The energy & the passion you brought to the table was on display. The Team is strong & has a solid organizational foundation. We wish you nothing but the best life has to offer!”
Bob Dean summed up the sentiment of the day, saying, “I know I speak for everyone when I say that we are incredibly grateful for the hard work, passion, and positive energy Mark has brought to Local 1245. We have been through a lot together, and it won’t be the same without him.”
Wishing you only the best going forward, Mau!