Secretary-Treasurer

My commitment to Local 7 began in 2002 when I was hired as a Deli Clerk at Safeway 027 in Littleton, Colorado. This initial role was my entry point into the retail grocery world and, more importantly, into the union. For nearly a decade, until 2011, I immersed myself in the operations of the deli department, steadily advancing through the ranks. I gained invaluable experience as an Assistant Deli Manager and eventually as a Deli Manager across several Safeway stores in the bustling Denver Metro area. These years on the front lines provided me with a deep understanding of the daily challenges and triumphs faced by our members.

Beyond my management duties, I took on the crucial responsibility of a Union Steward. This role allowed me to directly advocate for my fellow employees, ensuring their rights were protected and their voices heard. One of the most impactful experiences during this period was participating in open bargaining. Sitting at the table and witnessing the negotiation process firsthand, understanding the intricacies of contract discussions, and seeing the collective power of our union in action, solidified my dedication to the labor movement.

 In January 2011, my involvement with Local 7 underwent a significant shift as I transitioned from a retail position to a staff role as the Downtown Denver Union Representative. This was a pivotal moment, allowing me to serve our members on a broader scale. My territory was extensive, encompassing the inner-city King Soopers, Safeway, and Albertsons stores, which are vital hubs for many of our members. Additionally, I had the privilege of representing members at the Safeway Distribution Center, a crucial part of the supply chain, the King Soopers Meat Plant, and the Pepcol and Darling facilities. Each of these locations presented unique challenges and opportunities to support our diverse membership.

 My journey continued to evolve in early 2014 when I was reassigned to the Pueblo/Southern Colorado area to serve as the Union Representative for that region. This move allowed me to expand my reach and support members in a different geographical and economic landscape. I serviced members in Pueblo and the outlying Southern Colorado Safeway stores, adapting to the specific needs of those communities. A notable addition to my responsibilities in this area was representing members at the Mission Foods plant, further broadening my experience with different types of workplaces and member concerns.

 By late 2014, my dedication and experience led to my promotion to Retail Director. In this leadership role, my responsibilities grew significantly. I was tasked with supervising and assisting the Retail Union Representatives, guiding them in their efforts to support our members. A critical part of my role involved processing grievances in pre-arbitration meetings, acting as a crucial bridge in resolving disputes before they escalated. I also played an active role in bargaining various contracts, leveraging my prior experience to advocate for favorable terms for our members. Above all, my primary objective as Retail Director was to assist Local 7 members to the absolute best of my ability, ensuring their well-being and upholding the principles of this Union. 

 Most recently, my long-standing commitment and leadership within Local 7 were recognized in April 2024 when the Executive Board appointed me Secretary-Treasurer. This was a tremendous honor and a testament to the trust placed in me by the union's leadership. Building on this appointment, I was subsequently elected as the Local's Secretary-Treasurer in the Fall of 2024, solidifying my position and empowering me to continue serving our members in this critical leadership capacity.