IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards are appointed by the Business Manager and President to advance the union’s leadership program and organizing activities. The position was created by the Executive Board in 2013.
Organizing Stewards dedicate time and energy to IBEW 1245’s organizing activities and campaigns, and recruit and mobilize others to join them, working closely with the team of staff organizers. Organizing Stewards are a public face of IBEW 1245.
Meet the Organizing Stewards:
Dionicio Martinez
Elias Escamilla
Ashley Soria
Melissa Echeverria
Mark Goodwin
Brandon Fosselman
Inez Hernandez
Ruben Hernandez
Bridgette Thomas
Nilda Garcia
Pedro Sandoval
Georgette Carrillo
Greg Kestel
Bob Vieira
Mike Avedesian
Serena Moss
Luz Garcia Vargas
Joe Sanchez
Rachelle Rendon
Danielle Bonds
Cinnamon Stafford
Eric Tracy
Vanessa Mejia
Ivan Pereda
Alex Abrego
Rachel Ramirez
Taf Gwarada
Julie Gonzalez
Ladrena Gunn-Swangin
Sandra Cisneros
Steve Marcotte
Anna Hernandez
Lhondin Tyra
Osvaldo Rodriguez
Ashley Finley
Leo Ramirez
Ricardo Hernandez
Rita Weisshaar
Emilio Sanchez
Maria Renteria
Brian Huffman
Marisa Nagore
Isaac Mazon
Brenda Balcazar
Victor Barajas
David Palmer
Paul Vincent Gallon
Kathie Preston
Monique Mendoza
Dorine Shaner
Foster Goree
Donnyale Davis
David Jensen
Rodrigo Flores
Alvin Dayoan
Marilyn Phillips
Andrew Garcia
Kristen Rasmussen
Marintia Gonzalez-Ulloa
Joanne Viloria-McGrath
Kim Camatti
Linda (Mila) Diaz
Arnaldo Lizarraga
Jim Baker
Mona McCarthy
Luz Rivera-Nunez
Charlene Peele
Jesse Hoch
Thomas Mora
Oswaldo Guzman
Joseph Stewart
Carlos Hernandez
Vashawn Perkins
Jim Lappin
Jerico Jimenez
Greg Simmons
Felicia Lynch
Kevin Krummes
Alfredo Ramirez
Kurene Turner
Jaspreet Kaur
Veronica Rivera-Avilez
Gabrielle Baker
Melissa Fernandez
Laquania Thompson
Trent Twisselman
Joseph Loc Hoang
Darla West
Brittany Santana
Cynthia Lopez
John Sleuter
Patrick McCarl
Alex Presting
Hugo Ramirez
John Wilson
Ron Borst
Latoya Carter
Dean "Red" Ohlen
Charlotte Stevens
Patricia Moreno
Theresa Hernandez
David Ly
Ruth Bailey
Bill Wallace
Mike Scafani
Vickie Borst
Anjanette Jones
Anthony Seemster
Andrew Hernandez
Cory Alves
Candace Koff
Tammie Sullivan
Michael Patterson
Ken Rawles
Jasmine Williams
Aileen Zuehlke
Griselda Fernandez
Teresa Hinojosa
Zavi Heiland
Nikki Neal
Criteria for Appointment
- A commitment to the ideals of the union and IBEW 1245’s organizing agenda;
- Team player who works closely with IBEW 1245’s organizing team;
- Energy, enthusiasm, exemplary work ethic, respect of co-workers;
- Desire and commitment to take on an active role within the local on paid time as well as on their own time;
- Willingness and proven track record of recruiting other members to participate in organizing activities.
Activities of an Organizing Steward
Organizing Stewards are members who contribute to building the local union and the labor movement, and participate in:
- Trainings;
- IBEW 1245 campaigns, such as contract campaigns, organizing drives, educational outreach, team building;
- Political campaigns prioritized by IBEW 1245, such as labor-related state initiatives, local elections, and Central Labor Council efforts on behalf of labor-endorsed candidates;
- Solidarity campaigns, such as efforts to support Walmart workers, and key labor battles in other states (in recent years these have included Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, Alaska and Illinois);
- Community action, such as Earth Day, Charity Bowl, IBEW unit support for charitable activities;
- Special events that educate and mobilize our members and the larger community to support worker organization and recognition of workers’ rights and dignity.
Recruitment
Prospective organizing stewards will be identified by Business Representatives, Organizing Staff and other Organizing Stewards. Members are also encouraged to express interest to their Business Representative or co-workers already involved. Once identified, candidates will be vetted by their Business Representative in consultation with the Organizing Staff, using the criteria mentioned above.
Training
Organizing Stewards will participate in regular trainings, seminars, campaigns and online education.
Appointment
Just as in the case of Shop Stewards and Safety Stewards, Organizing Stewards are appointed positions. Formal appointment will be executed by IBEW 1245 Business Manager and President at the recommendation of the organizing staff in consultation with Business Representatives. For more information, contact our staff organizers.
IBEW 1245 Staff Organizers
Check out this video from 2014 to learn more about the organizing stewards and their work.