IBEW 1245 is proud to welcome Shawna O’Neal to the union staff as a Business Representative.
O’Neal has worked at SMUD for 25 years and has been a member of IBEW 1245 since 2007. She began her career at SMUD in Credit and Collections, where she represented the utility in Small Claims and Superior Court in cases involving contractors and members of the public who had damaged SMUD property and refused to pay for repairs.
The experience gave O’Neal an early introduction to the legal world—and she discovered she enjoyed it.
“I found I really liked arguing my case in front of a judge and winning,” she said.
But ultimately, the pull of working outside was stronger. O’Neal moved into the trades and has spent the past 20 years as a Cable Locator in SMUD’s Line Department.
Years later, that early experience would prove useful when O’Neal became more involved with IBEW 1245. As a Shop Steward and, most recently, a member of the SMUD Bargaining Committee, she found herself once again analyzing language, making arguments and advocating for a position.
During bargaining, O’Neal also had the opportunity to fill in for Business Representatives who were on vacation or leave, giving her a firsthand look at the work she is now taking on full-time.
“I’m excited to start this new phase in my career,” O’Neal said. “I had anticipated retiring from SMUD after 30 years. Now I look forward to taking on the new challenges that being a Business Rep will bring.”
In her new role, O’Neal will represent IBEW 1245 members at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), City of Gridley, City of Roseville, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in California.
Please join us in welcoming Shawna to her new role with IBEW 1245.