IAFF Secretary Treasurer: The Right Stuff
Tried and True
It’s time to think about who will be the next secretary treasurer.
This is no ordinary time for our union.
Our next treasurer needs the experience and the toughness to save an organization embroiled in serious trouble and which has significant financial challenges.
The members on this list may not be remotely interested in the job, but all of them have demonstrated leadership ability, integrity, experience and are real trade unionists.
If the eventual candidate isn’t on this list, he (or she) should capture their qualities and dedication to an honest and ethical IAFF.
The list in alphabetical order,
Mike Crouse
Mike comes from the federal sector and was a longtime IAFF vice president.
He served as IAFF chief of staff during both 9/11 and Katrina.
Crouse understands how our union works from top to bottom.
He is currently president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine.
Kelly Fox
Fox is a longtime former president of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters.
He also served as the 7th district IAFF vice president.
He’s currently a pension expert with CalPERS, the California public pension giant.
Kelly has a background, resume and temperament which are hard to beat.
Pete Gorman
Gorman served as an FDNY firefighter and fire officer for over 30 years.
He was president of IAFF local 854, the FDNY fire officers union, one of our largest locals.
Pete led his union through the trials and aftermath of 9/11 when some 88 of his members were killed at the World Trade Center.
He has served as IAFF chief of staff, affording him a comprehensive knowledge of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses.
Andrew Pantelis
Pantelis is the relative youngster in the crowd in age only.
He is currently IAFF fourth district vice president and is also president of the Prince George’s County, Maryland, local.
Andy is articulate, focused and thoughtful.
In the past six months he has proven he has the brains and the toughness to take on any job he wants.
Ricky Walsh
Trade union historians will know that the Pacific Northwest has a history of producing strong union leaders, and like Kelly Fox, here’s another one.
Ricky is the consummate union organizer and educator with a broad range of skills.
Walsh is a natural leader, and as the current 7th district IAFF vice president, has demonstrated the courage and skills to lead effectively.
Tough times ahead
We need a leader with integrity who will not buckle under pressure.
These five have not only proven their capacity to lead, but they excel at doing it.
And not to be downplayed, they sincerely care about people and the future of our great union.
It’s time to take our union back.
