Who's Who
The City & State Who's Who in Labor 2026
Meet the organizers, educators and advocates powering Pennsylvania’s workforce.
From left to right: Joseph Laquatra, Roxanne D. Brown & James Snell Hillary Ameris; United Steelworkers; Provided
Pennsylvania's labor scene spans longstanding unions, litigators remaking labor law, classrooms educating a diverse new generation of skilled tradespeople, and a workforce building the commonwealth's new clean-energy economy. That outsized political clout is evident across City & State PA’s Who's Who in Labor 2026 – a list of the state's most essential workers championing work.
Bair, Rob
A four-decade veteran of organized labor, Rob Bair, the longtime president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, is now leading the effort to ensure that union workers remain central to the clean-energy transition as president of Union Energy, a labor advocacy coalition. Bair is also a 39-year member of IBEW Local 143, where he previously served as the longtime business manager and executive board member. He currently serves on the state’s Apprenticeship & Training Council, Workforce Investment Board and Unemployment Compensation Advisory Board.
Ball, Jordan
As a government affairs associate at Long Nyquist & Associates, Jordan Ball represents several IBEW and UWUA locals. He also heads their utility-industry labor coalition, the PA Energy Workers Alliance, which represents three-quarters of Pennsylvania lineworkers. For more than a decade, Ball has advised candidates and elected officials at every level of government, focusing on blue-collar issues. He also represents Auberle, a human services agency focused on workforce development.
Bauder, Daniel P.
Daniel Bauder is the fourth president to lead the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, representing over 100 local unions across Southeastern Pennsylvania. A third-generation union member, he supported Whole Foods’ recent landmark unionization effort and a resurgence in union activity at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia’s largest employer; he also helped revitalize the city’s May Day events. Previously the council’s campaign manager, he serves on the Working Families Partnership of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and on Philadelphia’s Public Health Management Corporation Living Wage and Benefit Committee.
Boyer, Ryan
Among the most prominent names in Philadelphia labor, Ryan Boyer heads the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council and is a longtime ally of Mayor Cherelle Parker. A champion of construction industry diversity, he is active with the Philadelphia Equity Alliance and with Everybody Builds, a workforce diversity initiative. Boyer is known for leveraging his political clout to weigh in on city-defining building projects, from sports infrastructure to, most recently, the building trades’ $50 million investment in Philadelphia Housing Authority redevelopment.
Brown, Priscilla Sims
As CEO of Amalgamated Bank, Priscilla Sims Brown leads at the intersection of financial services and societal well-being. She heads a full-service, mission-driven lender with a longtime commitment to its labor and advocacy clientele. Under her leadership, Amalgamated directs a majority of investments toward organizations with community impact – and was recently named the official social responsibility partner of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association.
Brown, Roxanne D.
In 2025, Pittsburgh-based Roxanne Brown became the first woman to lead the United Steelworkers; she is also a vice president on the AFL-CIO Executive Council and a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Born in Jamaica, she grew up in New York, inspired by how her mother’s and aunt’s union jobs enabled the family’s upward mobility. Over a long USW career, she has played a pivotal part in the union’s contract negotiations and, as international vice president at large, in shaping federal policy.
Brunelle, Erika
For nearly a decade, Erika Brunelle has been a key architect of the Pennsylvania State Education Association’s legislative strategy. As assistant director of government relations, she has led efforts around cost-of-living increases to retired teachers’ pensions, broadening family and medical leave standards for educators and opposing a state-funded school voucher plan. Brunelle has also been part of an advocacy team that helped secure a historic school funding increase in the state budget.
Catanese, Steve
As the president of SEIU Local 668, Steve Catanese represents 25,000 workers across state and local government, nonprofits and higher education. This year, he was instrumental in organizing 5,500 Penn State faculty into SEIU 668 – the largest public-sector union election win in Pennsylvania in a half-century. He also orchestrated the local’s first strikes in decades to protect members’ contracts. In 2025, Catanese and Local 668 negotiated agreements with Gov. Josh Shapiro and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato to extend A.I. protections for public workers.
Cobb, Maurice
Inspired by his family and motivated by community service, Maurice Cobb serves as secretary-treasurer of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, where he works to createnew opportunities for future generations. Reelected by his peers to help lead the state’s labor movement, he prioritizes the interests of workers while driving organizational growth and engagement across the commonwealth. He is also deeply involved with his church, Dayspring Ministries, and its community outreach efforts.
Coleman, Wendy G.
In 2025, Wendy G. Coleman became the first Black president of the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania, where she had long served on its Executive Council. As president, Coleman has organized voter registration events across the state and re-launched the organization’s Harrisburg Advocacy Day and its legislative guide. Raised in a family of union teachers and educated in Philadelphia public schools, she currently holds leadership roles with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.
Cooper, Robin
As president and principal officer of Teamsters Local 502, Robin Cooper is the first woman and first Black leader of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators. She leads advocacy on behalf of some 1,000 principals and other education professionals with the School District of Philadelphia, as well as overseeing union benefits, professional development and retirement resources. Cooper, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Joseph’s University, previously held leadership roles with the Teamsters National Black Caucus and the Philadelphia and Vicinity Black Caucus.
Connors, Ben
Since 2014, Philadelphia native Ben Connors has led the General Building Contractors Association, representing union contractors across the region. In the role, he has strengthened partnerships with organized labor and championed workforce development, including as a founding board member of the Everybody Builds industry diversity initiative. He is a trustee of union benefit and training funds with assets over $11 billion and serves on the boards of the Associated General Contractors of America and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
Cruz, Amber
A rising influence on the state’s labor scene, Amber Cruz serves as chief of staff for AFSCME District Council 33, representing nurses, police and other public-sector workers. She earned a reputation for effective leadership over nearly a decade organizing healthcare workers – including leading efforts to mandate safer staffing standards in nursing homes and hospitals. She also helped organize Philadelphia’s first LGBTQIA+ clinic and, more recently, supported AFSCME DC33 in its 2025 strike against the City of Philadelphia.
Dawkins, Jason
State Rep. Jason Dawkins of Philadelphia chairs the House Labor & Industry Committee, supporting policies that alleviate poverty, promote education and workforce development, and help Pennsylvanians improve their lives. Among his initiatives are a first-of-its-kind reform allowing those life sentences to petition their cases before a parole board; he also promotes policies that hold businesses accountable to customers, incentivize graduates to remain in-state, and require recovery facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Doxzon, Randy
Randy Doxzon helps build the next generation of skilled construction professionals for Associated Builders and Contractors’ Keystone chapter, where he oversees workforce development and apprenticeships. He joined the organization as an instructor in the plumbing apprenticeship program, after spending 15 years as a plumber and project manager, beginning his career at James Craft & Son. In addition to coordinating ABC’s girls’ construction summer camp and other industry-related youth activities, Doxzon volunteers with his local school district.
Eagen, Todd
Union attorney Todd Eagen is a partner in the Scranton office of Welby Stoltenberg Cimballa & Cook. Over his quarter-century legal career, he has represented tens of thousands of unions and their members, including state troopers, state corrections officers, the Teamsters, and United Food and Commercial Workers. He has obtained landmark judgments under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, vice-chairs a committee of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Emery, Dan
Regional Sales Manager Dan Emery measures his labor involvement not in years, but in decades. A union member his whole adult life, he has worked since 2000 for The Union Labor Life Insurance Company, where he is a regional sales manager. Emery handles health and welfare funds for a union clientele across Pennsylvania and nine other states, and is known in labor circles for his expertise in Taft-Hartley matters.
Ferritto, Angela
In April, Angela Ferritto was reelected as president of Pennsylvania’s AFL-CIO, where she is the first woman to serve in the role. She also chairs the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board’s Apprenticeship and CTE Committee. She serves as president of Union Energy, an organization she helped launch to ensure union workers’ participation in building the transition to clean energy. In addition to sustainability, Ferritto has championed initiatives around diversity in the building trades.
Foy, James
James Foy serves as president of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, an influential Philadelphia union founded in 1900. Under Foy’s leadership, Local 98 has debuted a new headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, bolstered its apprenticeship program – with historic enrollment and diversity figures – and inked an education partnership with Rowan University. Foy has also helped rebuild the local’s political and fundraising clout.
Galuska, John
Earlier this year, the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council elected John Galuska as president of the organization, a Western Pennsylvania branch of the national AFL-CIO. The Pittsburgh native supports local affiliate unions, works to expand opportunity for union laborers, supervises community outreach and leads political advocacy – including voter mobilization and education. A 38-year trade unionist and former Teamster, he was a longtime leader with AFSCME Council 13 and is currently a board member of the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System.
Gardler, James J.
James J. Gardler serves as president of Communications Workers of America Local 13000, a Philadelphia-based union with statewide reach and a nearly 5,000-strong membership in fields including media, healthcare, aviation, manufacturing, law enforcement – and, most recently, firefighters. Gardler is also secretary-treasurer of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and serves as a board member of Union Energy, the labor coalition advocating for union participation in building the sustainable-energy economy.
Giotto, Thomas
Thomas Giotto has long served as a chair of the labor and employment department at Cozen O’Connor, where he represents management in labor, employment and related matters. Known for his expertise in litigation involving federal labor law – including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and COBRA – he is also experienced in matters involving union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining and grievance arbitrations. Based in Pittsburgh, he is a regular in Chambers USA’s and the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’ lists of top attorneys.
Karoll, Ira
Former federal prosecutor Ira Karoll brings extensive experience in workplace litigation and compliance to UPMC, where he is vice president for employment, labor, litigation and external affairs, and division chief legal officer. His background includes stints as senior counsel for litigation and compliance director for MSA-The Safety Company, as well as service as a deputy associate attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice and an assistant United States attorney based in Pittsburgh.
Laquatra, Joseph
As business manager of Pennsylvania Laborers’ District Council, Joseph Laquatra is responsible for 15 locals active in 62 of the state’s 67 counties; he also chairs the union’s Western PA Pension and Welfare and Training funds. Laquatra began his career at 17 as a construction worker with Local 1058, rising through the ranks to leadership positions with Liuna International and Local 1058 – including, until last year, as the latter’s business manager. He is an active volunteer with numerous community organizations, especially youth sports and veterans’ groups.
Mash, Kenneth M.
Dr. Kenneth Mash is the longest-serving president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, which represents instructors and coaches at state-owned universities. He was elected in 2022, after previously serving in the role from 2014 to 2020 – and leading the 89-year-old union through its first faculty strike, in 2016. The East Stroudsburg University political science professor is known for his successful contract negotiations and for steering the union’s affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers.
May, Maureen
Leading the state’s frontline healthcare workers through a period of transition and challenge is Maureen May, the president of the 10,000-member Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals. Over her eight years in the job, the Temple University Health nurse’s role has ranged from supporting striking nurses and fighting for better worker contracts to, more recently, advocating for measures preventing workplace violence and for guardrails around private equity’s presence in commonwealth healthcare.
McIntyre, Thomas R.
A 42-year veteran of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 5 and a respected figure in Pittsburgh’s labor scene, Tom McIntyre serves as the local’s business manager and financial secretary. He is also a longtime leader with the Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council, where he is a vice president. He has also served as a board member of the Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund and Labor Management Trust Fund.
O’Shea, Rebecca
Rebecca O’Shea is deputy director of policy and strategy at the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, where she leads strategic initiatives supporting the state’s 22 local workforce development boards. Previously, she directed workforce initiatives for the organization and managed advocacy for United Way of Pennsylvania. She contributed to the development of last year’s Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, secured $5 million in state funding for Pennsylvania’s 211 system, and leads her association’s annual Policy & Advocacy Fellowship to develop workforce leaders’ skills.
Pape, Declan
Declan Pape is rounding out his first year as the elected chair of the Northwestern PA Area Labor Federation, where he is a longtime member of the Executive Board. In the role, he leads an AFL-CIO-affiliated coalition of six central labor councils representing some 42,000 members across 256 unions; under his purview are apprenticeship and training programs, voter mobilization efforts, and political action around social and economic justice. Pape is also president of IBEW 712 in Beaver.
Parker, Koren
Koren Parker is the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, a branch of the only national organization for American union women. A longtime member of AFSCME District 13 and District Council 88, Parker was recipient of the coalition’s 2018 Rising Star Award when she was a vice president. As chapter president, she has championed women’s leadership as well as policy around issues like healthcare access, reproductive freedom, violence prevention and, most recently, heat protection for workers.
Pegram, George
At the helm of Philadelphia-based Plumbers Local 690 is George Pegram, the union’s longtime business manager and financial secretary-treasurer. He guides a union with a 126-year legacy of championing the interests of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s plumbers, including political action that galvanizes union membership on behalf of labor-friendly candidates. Pegram also oversees Local 690’s robust apprenticeship and continuing education programs, preparing the next generation of workers to build infrastructure as diverse as power plants, paper mills, airports and hotels.
Perryman, Angelo
A second-generation construction chief with a decidedly modern outlook, Angelo Perryman has won numerous accolades for championing building industry diversity as CEO of Perryman Construction and Building Services. The Philadelphia-based leader, a highly visible supporter of Black entrepreneurship, has been named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the Philadelphia Tribune’s SBA Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Person of the Year. Perryman has also served on the board of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
Reilley, James
In his fifth year as business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, James Reilley steers a Philadelphia-area union representing heavy equipment operators and mechanics for construction and infrastructure projects. He previously served the union for three decades as a business agent and 15 years as president. Reilley has prioritized IUOE’s training and apprenticeship program, along with support for collective bargaining and political advocacy in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
Rivera, Pedro
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Pedro A. Rivera II brings a commitment to equitable education access and funding to his role as president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where he has grown two-year and certificate programs to prepare more students for sustainable careers. A lifelong educator, he previously served as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education. Rivera is a member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, where he chairs its Council of Higher Education, and the newly formed State Board of Higher Education.
Roberts-Johnson, Wendy-Anne
As president and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network, Wendy-Anne Roberts-Johnson leads efforts to connect young people with meaningful career exploration and pathways to long-term success. Under her leadership, the network has grown from managing the city’s summer youth employment system to becoming a more comprehensive direct-service and intermediary professional resource. Roberts-Johnson also spearheaded the creation of the Philadelphia Opportunity Youth Collaborative, a coalition aimed at expanding opportunities for young adults who are disconnected from postsecondary education and the workforce.
Robinson, Devlin
State Sen. Devlin Robinson of Allegheny County chairs that chamber’s Labor & Industry Committee. Since being elected in 2020 to the Senate, he has had 10 bills signed into law – including a measure to improve early-literacy rates – and championed the successful movement to prevent PennDOT’s bridge tolls. Robinson, a Pittsburgh native, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of three overseas combat tours.
Snell, James
At the helm of a Philadelphia-based union representing 350,000 essential tradespeople is James Snell, the business manager of Steamfitters Local 420. Having begun his career with the Steamfitters 35 years ago, he now tends a constituency – plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians – that in turn tends to the infrastructure of the region’s largest metropolitan area. Snell also represents the Philadelphia Building Trades on the Philadelphia Port Authority Advisory Committee, and serves as a delegate to the AFL-CIO.
Sproule, William C.
Under the leadership of Executive Secretary-Treasurer William C. Sproule, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters has expanded work opportunities, strengthened apprenticeship programs and advanced labor standards on behalf of its 43,000 members across six states and Washington, D.C. Sproule recently debuted the union’s new headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, featuring a state-of-the-art training center; last year, he oversaw the consolidation of the union technical centers’ training funds, standardizing its accredited programs across 17 locations.
Steffee, Shawn
A highly visible advocate for unions, skilled trades workers and the fossil fuels industry, Shawn Steffee has served since 2018 as the business agent for Boilermakers Local 154, where he also serves on the executive board and chairs the Legislative-Education-Action Committee. The Indiana County native and third-generation power plant worker joined the Boilermakers a quarter-century ago, graduating from the local’s apprenticeship program before earning a welding degree. He currently serves as president of the South-Central Building Trades.
Walker, Nancy A.
Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker guides the Shapiro administration’s labor agenda – including, most recently, the department’s leadership role in multi-state efforts opposing federal proposals to weaken worker protections and rights, reduce employer accountability and restrict work authorization for asylum seekers. Since her 2023 appointment, she has also overhauled the state’s unemployment compensation system, strengthened labor law enforcement and increased child labor investigations by 40%. The Pitt Law graduate and labor lawyer previously served as Chief of the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Section.
Williams Jr., James A.
Fourth-generation glazier and union member Jimmy Williams Jr. leads the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, where he got his start at Philadelphia’s District Council 21, Local Union 252. He is the youngest general president in the international union’s history and the youngest leader of any U.S. building trades and AFL-CIO affiliate union. Elected in 2021, he has spearheaded campaigns around membership engagement and to free an ICE-detained laborer. He also leads state efforts to modernize the labor movement and volunteers with Jobs with Justice.
Yarnell, Matt
For the past decade, Matthew Yarnell has helmed the 25,000-strong SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, the state’s largest and fastest-growing healthcare union and a leading organization in the national labor movement. Yarnell began his union career as a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility; more recently, he celebrated a $120 million investment in wages and staffing for Pennsylvania nursing home workers. He also supported unionization efforts at Magee-Womens Hospital, stronger job standards in hospital employees’ contracts, and a $15 minimum wage for home care workers.
Young IV, Wendell
A powerful veteran of Pennsylvania’s labor scene, Wendell Young IV is the longtime president of UFCW Local 1776 Keystone State, a union with 35,000 members across the commonwealth and three nearby states. Philadelphia Whole Foods workers are among the most recent additions to a growing membership that includes workers at supermarkets, drugstores and state-owned liquor stores. Young, who began his career at Acme, is also a vice president of the UFCW International Union and trustee of a $35 million state employee pension system.
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