BAC Journal>New Leaders Develop Their Organizing Skills
New Leaders Develop Their Organizing Skills
2026 Issue 1
News in Brief
The March 2025 class of New Leaders Program graduates. Front row from left: Mike Fasulo of NJ ADC, BAC Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan, BAC President Tim Driscoll, Nicole Ohmer of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, Kyle Moreau of Local 7 CN, Victor Torres of Local 4 CA, and John Moss of Local 8 SE. Second row from left: Frank Andreas of WI ADC, Donnie Joswick of Local 1 PA/DE, BAC Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar, Jeremiah Schmitendorf of ADC 1 of IL, George Dych of Local 1 PA/DE, Ramon Melendez of Local 7 NY/NJ, Scott Ansell of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, and John Brassow of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD. Third row from left: Nick Peters of Local 1 AB, John Walker of 1 SK, James Giddens of 8 IL, Aaron Forck of Local 15 MO/KS/NE, Andy Bradley of Local 2 MI, and Otis Peebles of Eastern MO ADC
Thirty-four local leaders from across the US and Canada participated in the International Union’s 2025 New Leaders programs, held during two separate sessions in Washington, DC.
A fundamental education program for over 50 years, the training offers a comprehensive orientation to the IU’s programs, resources, and personnel for recently appointed or elected Local/ADC officers and staff.
“The New Leaders training gave me a deeper understanding of leadership, communication, and the importance of staying active and engaged in our union,” reflected Local 7 NY/NJ Field Representative Ramon Melendez.
“President Driscoll’s message of passion, planning and persistence was an empowering send-off. These are essential requirements for building and strengthening the health of not only our Locals, but collectively as an International Union and its importance in the industry we love so much,” shared Local 1 MN/ND/SD Secretary-Treasurer Nicholas Musech.
The June 2025 class of New Leaders Program graduates. Front row from left: Jose Serratos of Local 2 MI, Mason Carrican of Local 3 NY, BAC Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan, James Millard of Local 1 PA/DE, Eugene Findley of Local 1 CT, Anthony Merkel of Local 1 PA/DE, Joseph Harrison of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, Ryan Harmon of Local 2 MI, and Michael Soltis of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD. Back row left to right: Cory Willeck of Local 1 MN/ND/SD, Greg Pudlo of ADC 1 of IL, Stephen Carney of Local 1 CT, Michael Beamer of Local 3 NY, Drew Fernandez of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, BAC Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar, BAC President Tim Driscoll, Nicholas Musech of Local 1 MN/ND/SD, Joshua Harrison of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, and Thomas Dieringer of Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD.
