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L21 EXPRESS
October 17, 2014
Alex Tonisson named Local 21's new
Field Service Director
Local 21 Executive Director Bob Muscat announced the appointment of Lead Representative/Organizer Alex Tonisson as Local 21’s new Field Service Director, filling the position opened up by Bob Britton’s retirement in June.
The Field Service Director position is the second highest-ranking staff position in the union, one of three management staff positions, and supervises all other Staff Representatives/Organizers.
“Bob Britton is not an easy person to replace, but Alex has been an outstanding staff leader, and after an exhaustive national search he clearly was the very best choice, especially when considering the challenges our union will face in the future,” Muscat said. “I believe we are very fortunate to be able to call on Alex to fill this very key role in our union.”
Alex has worked at IFPTE Local 21 for five years. His regular chapters included City and County of San Francisco IT & Sign Shop, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Redevelopment, and the Port of Oakland. He has also had assignments working with Local 21 chapters throughout the Bay Area, including Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Santa Clara Valley Water District and the City of San Jose. His work included co-chairing the 13-union Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition, and Field Coordinator for the successful No on B campaign.
Prior to Local 21, he worked around the country for SEIU as an internal and external member organizer, political organizer and campaign director, and union researcher. As the Proposition 63 Northern California Field Organizer, Alex helped pass the Mental Health Services Act, which has raised billions of dollars for mental health care for the state. A Bay Area native, Alex graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., with a History and Policy degree.
“I look forward to this new challenge and the chance to help build an even stronger union for all IFPTE Local 21 members,” Alex said.
Kyra Byrne Steele named Senior Staff Representative/Organizer
In other staff news, Bob Muscat has also announced the promotion of Kyra Byrne Steele as Local 21’s Senior Staff Representative/Organizer. The senior position provides leadership and support to other staff and handles many of the most challenging bargaining tables.
“Kyra, who served as second chair in the recently completed San Francisco negotiations, is a true staff leader and tremendously talented and resourceful,” Muscat stated. “I have a lot of confidence in her, and I know she’ll do a terrific job.”
Kyra has been with Local 21 for over 5 years was most recently San Francisco Lead Representative. She has previously represented our members in Alameda County and worked on the first contract in Contra Costa County, as well.
Prior to coming to Local 21, Kyra worked for the nurses union on the east coast where she helped to save hospitals from being closed and saw others out of bankruptcy. Before that, she was with the Laborers in New England, where she drafted and helped pass responsible contractor ordinances in several municipalities.
Open House planned for Local 21's Martinez office
 Last month, Local 21 opened its new office in historic downtown Martinez. And on Thursday, October 30, we will be holding a special open house!
Join us as we celebrate our new home--located at 624 Ferry Street in Martinez. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 Food, drinks, and "Get out the vote" fun is planned!
RSVP to Jonathan Wright at jtwright@ifpte21.org by October 28.
Announcement of Final Executive Committee Officer Candidates
The Local 21 Elections Committee is pleased to announce the final candidates for the union-wide election.
President:
Executive Vice President
Vice President for San Francisco
Vice President for the East Bay
Vice President for Oakland
Vice President for the South Bay
Vice President for Membership & Organization
Vice President for Legislative and Political Action
Vice President At-Large
Secretary
Treasurer
Additional information on the Executive Committee Officer election will be emailed to the membership during the week of October 20. All election information is also posted on the Local 21 website. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the election please contact the Elections Committee at ElectionCommittee@ifpte21.org. The Election Committee is made up of the following members: Tedman Lee, Chair; Carletta Starks, Gary Nagaoka, Margie Valdez, and Adele Carpenter.
As Election Day approaches:
* Educate yourself on Local 21’s endorsed candidates and learn about ballot measures on our website.
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