Springfield, Ill. – Eleven new labor leaders were sworn in Tuesday night in Springfield.
Illinois AFL-CIO President and Springfield resident Tim Drea administered the oath of office to 11 newly elected officers of the Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council. The officers affirmed their commitment to advocating for union members and their families across Central Illinois.
According to the council, the newly elected officers include President David Schultz of AFSCME Local 1019; Vice President Josh Banks of IAFF Local 37; Secretary-Treasurer Carolyn Franke of LIUNA Local 362; and Sergeant at Arms Hewitt Douglass of CBTU.
Executive Board members sworn in include Nick Yelverton of CWA; Meredith Mahoney of AFSCME Local 1019; Rosetta Shinn of IBEW Local 21; Chad Ludwig of NALC Local 80; Brian Baskett of IW Local 46; Jenn Whalen of UIS-IFT; and Gina Darden of AFSCME Local 370.
Schultz said he is honored to serve as president and emphasized the council’s role in uniting workers from multiple unions.
“When we work together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve,” Schultz said, noting his lifelong connection to the labor movement and his belief in collective advocacy.
Schultz also thanked outgoing President Nick Yelverton and the previous Executive Board for strengthening the council and advancing labor priorities in the region.
Drea congratulated the new officers on behalf of the Illinois AFL-CIO and said he looks forward to their continued advocacy for working families in Central Illinois.
Illinois’ 19 Central Labor Councils represent local unions statewide and engage in grassroots organizing, political advocacy and community partnerships. The Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council said it will continue working with unions, community groups and elected officials to support working families throughout the region.
