President Both Announces Staff Changes

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 continued with staff changes at the end of 2009 that will better prepare the Union for the upcoming negotiations and challenges in the future.

UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both announced that Vice President and Field Director Fred Walter would become the Executive Vice President replacing newly appointed Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Speelman. Fred has been with the Union for 21 years as a Union Representative, Field Director and Vice President.

President Both also announced the promotion of Union Representative Robert Newell who replaced Recorder Rhonda Nelson as a Field Director. Rob has been with the Union for 15 years as an organizer and Union Representative. Rob started with Local 1500 as a Special Projects Organizer on the Wild By Nature campaign back in 1995-1996 which lead to the successful organizing of those workers.

Patrick Purcell Jr., formerly the Director of Special Projects for Local 1500, has been promoted to the position of Assistant to the President. Pat was formerly a Union Representative and Director of Organizing for the Local in addition to having been the Director of Special Projects.

“These three individuals are each talented in their own way and have helped this Union grow and succeed. In addition to the other promotions announced earlier this year, I feel confident that our Union is well prepared for the challenges that we face in the coming years,” stated President Both.