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 and is currently in its tenth year.
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 IBEW 1245 Staff Organizers.
Meet the 1245 Organizing Staff:

2023 IBEW 1245 Organizing Staff, from left: Melissa Echeverria, Assistant Business Manager Rene Cruz Martinez, Rick Thompson, and Charlotte Stevens
Meet the Organizing Stewards:
Andrew Hernandez
Kevin Krummes
Leo Ramirez
Ashley Soria
Juan Montoya
Rodrigo Flores
Joshua Facht
Ramona Garcia
Ashley Precissi
Danielle Bradley
Cristian Escobar
Luz Rivera-Nunez
Julie Gonzalez
Maria Renteria
Inez Hernandez
Hugo Ramirez
Griselda Fernandez
Ellen 'Lanie' Richardson
Nicole Frazier
Alex Abrego
Tim Neal
Charlene Peele
Jesse Hoch
John Wilson
Brandon Fosselman
Joseph Loc Hoang
Patricia Moreno
Danielle Bonds
Steve Marcotte
Ruben Hernandez
Kristen Rasmussen
Arnaldo Lizarraga
Bob Vieira
Marilyn Jade Phillips
Jim Lappin
Mike Scafani
Veronica Rivera-Avilez
Gabrielle Baker
John Sleuter
Greg Kestel
Foster Goree
Bill Wallace
Lorenso Arciniega
Brenda Balcazar
Sandra Cisneros
Ricardo Hernandez
David Palmer
Derrick Maynard
Kathie Preston
Mona McCarthy
Ken Rawles
LaDrena Gunn-Swangin
Candace Justice
Rachel Segale
Ivan Pereda
Valarie Moralez
Dahlila Grayson
Nilda Holguin
David Ly
Alvin Dayoan
Teresa Aguilar
Aileen Zuehlke
Dawn Akolo
Vickie Borst
Tamara Cacuyog
Luz Vargas Garcia
Jim Baker
Laquania 'Q' Thompson
Dan Dougherty
Jennifer Adams
Nikki Neal
Serrita Jackson
Rita Weisshaar
Natalie Villanueva
Dionicio Martinez
Emilio Sanchez
Daniel Morrison
Alicia Rivas
Michael Bowers
Victor Barajas
Rafael Burgos Jr
Georgette Carrillo
Ruth Bailey
Ron Borst
Noe Rodriguez
Donyale Davis
Vashawn Perkins
Monique Mendoza
John Hoang
Felicia Lynch
Serena Moss
Kurene 'KT' Turner
Rocio Gianelli
Jeff Munoz
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.
Check out this video from 2014 to learn more about the organizing stewards and their work.