IBEW 1245’s Delegation to the Construction & Maintenance Conference, Washington DC, 2025
From April 3-5, 2025, more than a thousand IBEW leaders and members from across the United States and Canada met for the 2025 Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington, DC. The three-day event featured an array of speakers and workshops covering a range of issues from outside construction, membership development, government affairs, electrical training and alliance, legal matters, reciprocity, and veteran affairs.
IBEW President Kenneth W. Cooper, International Secretary-Treasurer of IBEW Paul A. Noble, and Director of the IBEW Construction and Maintenance Department Matt Paules kicked off the conference highlighting the gains and challenges facing the industry.
Tammy Duncan, President of the National Sisterhood United for Journeyman Linemen, inspired the gathering when she spoke passionately about their mission to provide immediate assistance to families of IBEW Journeyman Linemen, Apprentice Linemen, Operators, and Groundmen who have been injured or suffered fatalities on the job.
“Instructor of the Year” Janice Ruley and “Apprentice of the Year” Chase Blackburn shared their stories.
In a surprise appearance, former President of the United States Joe Biden spoke, emphasizing the critical role Unions play in our country as a check on unbridled greed and the special role of the IBEW.
I found the workshops to be incredibly valuable, as they embody the principle of “each-one teach-one.”
The scope and depth of experience, skill and knowledge in the room served as a reminder of the tremendous contributions our Union makes to provide the skilled labor vital to our social and economic wellbeing, and to advocate for the rights of our members doing the work.
First time conference attendee and IBEW 1245 Line Clearance Tree Trimmer Tiffany Clemons declared, “ I am inspired by the way the Brotherhood comes together to support one another and the communities we serve.”
Overall, the conference was an amazing experience, providing an opportunity to sharpen our skills, exchange best practices, and build relationships across the Brotherhood.
– Francisco Ferreyra, IBEW 1245 Senior Business Representative
IBEW 1245 Delegation to the 2025 Construction & Maintenance Conference
Business Manager Bob Dean
Sr. Assistant Business Manager Ralph Armstrong
Sr. Assistant Business Manager Bob Gerstle
Sr. Assistant Business Manager Dylan Gottfried
Assistant Business Manager Ralph Kenyon
Assistant Business Manager Roberto Balistreri
Assistant Business Manager Ethan Stonecipher
Sr. Business Representative Francisco Ferreyra
Business Representative Fred Aboud
Business Representative Mike Tilden
Line Clearance Tree Trimmer Tiffany Clemons
Outside Journeyman Lineman, Adam Beebee