Eleven-year IBEW member Ethan Stonecipher has been promoted to IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager and will lead IBEW 1245’s Outside Line and Vegetation Management/Line Clearance Tree Trimming Group. A Journeyman Lineman with extensive experience working in Outside Construction as well as in the Line Clearance Tree Trimming industry, he has also served as a part time instructor at the CA-Nevada JATC. Asked about his reaction to his promotion, Stonecipher said, “I am honored to serve the membership of Local 1245.”
Sheila Lawton, a twenty-seven-year IBEW 1245 member, has been promoted to IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager for the Public Sector/Private Sector. Originally a Customer Service Representative out of Frontier, Sister Lawton came on staff as a Business Rep in 2008, representing Irrigation Districts and Regional Transit agencies. Over the last sixteen years, she has honed her negotiating skills, winning strong contracts and the respect of the membership and her co-workers.
Thirteen-year IBEW 1245-member, Jessica Stillwell has joined the staff of IBEW 1245 as a Business Representative. In her new role, Sister Stillwell will represent 1245 members at Sacramento Regional Transit, the City of Lodi, Merced Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, Turlock Irrigation District and the Tri Dam Project. Prior to coming on staff, Sister Stillwell worked at Modesto Irrigation District, (MID) as a Water Quality Supervisor at the Domestic Water Treatment plant. She has served on multiple Bargaining Committees at MID and has served as a Shop Steward and Organizing Steward.
Sheila Lawton who was recently promoted to Assistant Business Manager and who has worked side by side Stillwell as her Rep stated, “Jessica is incredibly smart and dedicated. I believe she’ll do a fantastic job for the members.” When asked about joining the staff, Stillwell said, “I’m really excited. I’ve seen so much at MID, both highs and lows. And even though progress comes in small steps, each step motivates me to push further for the entire membership.”
Twenty-year IBEW 1245 member Francisco Ferreyra has been promoted to Senior Business Representative. Ferreyra joined the IBEW 1245 Staff in 2021 as a Business Representative, supporting 1245 Vegetation Management members (including Line Clearance Tree Trimmers, VM inspectors and Pole, Test and Treat) following seventeen years in the field. “In my 19 years of working in vegetation management, I have personally seen IBEW 1245 fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that!” Ferreyra said.