Brothers and Sisters,
It’s April 9 and we’re ready to lead with a strong transition team dedicated to moving our great union into the next chapter while continuing to deliver high-level programs and services to our 324,000 members across the United States and Canada.
As the transition process continues, we have appointed members to serve as part of the transition team tasked with reviewing every aspect of the IAFF’s programs and services. The transition team, led by 4th District Vice President and Transition Chair Andrew Pantelis, includes highly regarded local, state and provincial leaders, as well as elected International officers who represent IAFF members in locals large and small in every district across the U.S. and Canada.
Members serving in these key roles will conduct a thorough analysis of programs and services offered by the IAFF and make recommendations on how to improve these programs to meet the ever-evolving needs of the members of the IAFF.
As I promised during my campaign, we are committed to reviewing every program and service offered by our union to identify efficiencies, as well as areas of improvement, with the ultimate goal to provide the highest level of services to our dues-paying members serving on the frontlines.
The transition team – which includes 21 work groups and more than 70 members selected based on their skills and expertise – is organized into three sections, with each addressing specific programs to be evaluated by a work group of subject matter experts.
Evaluation of Services
The Evaluation of Services team, led by Vice Chair Jay Fleming, is tasked with providing a comprehensive review of programs and services currently offered by the IAFF. The work groups will collectively identify strengths, weaknesses and areas of improvement to ensure that only the best possible product is provided to members. IAFF Assistant to the General President Patrick Morrison will serve as the program manager for Evaluation of Services, providing leadership and guidance to the work groups. Serving as senior advisors are 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert and 6th District Vice President Michael Carter.
Non-Profits/Subsidiaries
The Non-Profits and Subsidiaries team, led by Vice Chair Kurt Becker, will provide a comprehensive review and analysis of IAFF relationships with outside non-profit organizations, as well as subsidiaries of the IAFF. Serving as senior advisors are 12th District Vice President Walt Dix and Mathew Golsteyn (IAFF). Both individuals are well positioned to provide sound guidance and technical expertise.
Vision to Mission
The Vision to Mission team, also led by Vice Chair Jay Fleming, is tasked with creating an action plan to serve as the blueprint for the Kelly administration to address the issues most important to the dues-paying members of the IAFF. Robert Green (Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts) will serve as the program manager, providing guidance and oversight to the work groups. Serving as senior advisors are 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert and 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh, who are subject matter experts in membership engagement and satisfaction.
At the completion of the transition phase, which we anticipate being July 9, the work groups will have collectively created a pathway to ensure that the IAFF is stronger than it has ever been before and that we continue to provide high-level services to our dues-paying members.
Let’s get to work together to build a stronger union and create a brighter future for our great profession!
Edward A. Kelly
General President
Andrew K. Pantelis
Transition Chair
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