CUPE Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

CUPE has 10 executives leading key functions including labor advocacy, public service representation, and organizational governance.

Committed to protecting the rights of workers across Canada, CUPE advances the delivery of essential public services through robust collective bargaining and strategic policy development.

Leadership Roles at CUPE

  • President - Bev Strachan
  • President - Tom Graham
  • President - Rick Peschel
  • 3906 President - James Chai
  • President Cupe Local - Tanya Paterson
  • President - Ron Maguire
  • President - Dawn Armstrong
  • President - Cathy Thomas
  • Local 5999 President - Sandra Seitz
  • President - Jennifer Mizerovsky
  • Bev Strachan - President

    Bev Strachan, the President at CUPE, directs the strategic advocacy efforts for public sector employees. Overseeing labor relations, the President ensures that collective bargaining agreements reflect the evolving needs of the workforce. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional representatives to maintain high standards for public service delivery. By fostering strong communication channels between members and the national office, Bev Strachan strengthens the organizational impact of the union. The President monitors legislative changes that affect public sector employment, ensuring that the union remains proactive in protecting member interests. Through consistent engagement with local chapters, the President drives initiatives that improve workplace safety and professional standards. This focus on member support ensures that the union effectively addresses the challenges faced by workers in the public sector, ultimately securing better working conditions and long-term stability for the entire membership base.

    Tom Graham - President

    Tom Graham, the President at CUPE, manages the operational framework for large-scale public service advocacy. Focusing on the administrative efficiency of the union, the President streamlines internal processes to better support frontline workers. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the executive board to align organizational goals with the broader mission of public service protection. Tom Graham executes complex negotiation strategies that safeguard the rights of members during contract renewals. By analyzing labor market trends, the President identifies opportunities to expand the influence of the union within the public sector. The President oversees the allocation of resources to ensure that local chapters receive the necessary support for their specific advocacy campaigns. Through rigorous oversight of union policies, the President maintains the integrity of the organization, ensuring that all actions directly benefit the workers who deliver essential services to the public.
    Tom Graham

    Rick Peschel - President

    Rick Peschel, the President at CUPE, leads the development of educational programs designed to empower union members. Overseeing the training initiatives, the President ensures that workers possess the skills required to navigate complex labor environments. This leadership role involves working closely with regional directors to implement workshops that focus on workplace rights and safety protocols. Rick Peschel drives the expansion of digital resources, making information more accessible to members across diverse geographic regions. By prioritizing member education, the President strengthens the collective voice of the union during negotiations. The President evaluates the effectiveness of current training modules, adjusting strategies to meet the changing demands of the public service industry. Through this commitment to professional development, the President fosters a culture of informed advocacy, ensuring that every member understands the value of the union in protecting their professional future and overall well-being.

    James Chai - 3906 President

    James Chai, the 3906 President at CUPE, focuses on the specific needs of academic and research-based public service workers. Overseeing the unique labor requirements of this sector, the 3906 President ensures that employment contracts address the nuances of institutional work environments. This leadership role involves direct engagement with university administrations to secure fair compensation and working conditions. James Chai drives the implementation of policies that support the professional growth of members within the academic sphere. By coordinating with other union leaders, the 3906 President aligns local objectives with the national strategy of the organization. The 3906 President monitors the impact of institutional funding changes on member job security, providing a robust defense against potential workforce reductions. Through strategic planning and persistent advocacy, the 3906 President maintains a strong, unified front that protects the interests of academic staff and researchers across the country.

    Tanya Paterson - President Cupe Local

    Tanya Paterson, the President Cupe Local at CUPE, manages the day-to-day operations of local chapters to ensure consistent service delivery. Overseeing the implementation of national policies at the local level, the President Cupe Local facilitates direct communication between the membership and the broader organization. This leadership role involves resolving workplace grievances and providing immediate support to members facing employment challenges. Tanya Paterson drives the recruitment of new members, expanding the reach of the union within the local community. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President Cupe Local ensures that local concerns are effectively communicated to the national leadership. The President Cupe Local monitors the performance of local committees, providing guidance to improve the effectiveness of advocacy efforts. Through this hands-on approach, the President Cupe Local strengthens the foundation of the union, ensuring that every member receives the representation and support necessary for professional success.
    Tanya Paterson

    Ron Maguire - President

    Ron Maguire, the President at CUPE, directs the financial oversight and resource management for the organization. Focusing on the long-term sustainability of the union, the President manages the budget to ensure that funds are allocated to high-impact advocacy projects. This leadership role involves working with the board to audit expenditures and optimize the use of member dues. Ron Maguire executes strategies that increase the financial transparency of the union, building trust among the membership. By analyzing economic data, the President identifies potential risks to the financial health of the organization and develops mitigation plans. The President oversees the investment of union assets, ensuring that resources remain available for future contract negotiations and legal support. Through disciplined financial management, the President secures the stability of the union, allowing the organization to continue its vital work in protecting public service workers across the nation.
    Ron Maguire

    Dawn Armstrong - President

    Dawn Armstrong, the President at CUPE, leads the public relations and communications strategy for the union. Overseeing the messaging of the organization, the President ensures that the public understands the critical role of public service workers. This leadership role involves managing media relations and crafting campaigns that highlight the contributions of members to the community. Dawn Armstrong drives the development of digital content that engages the public and builds support for union initiatives. By coordinating with external stakeholders, the President amplifies the voice of the union in the national discourse. The President monitors public opinion, adjusting communication strategies to address misconceptions about public sector labor. Through effective storytelling and strategic outreach, the President builds a positive image for the union, ensuring that the public recognizes the value of the services provided by members and supports the efforts to protect their rights.

    Cathy Thomas - President

    Cathy Thomas, the President at CUPE, oversees the health and safety initiatives for all union members. Focusing on the physical and mental well-being of workers, the President develops policies that mandate safe working environments across all public service sectors. This leadership role involves collaborating with safety inspectors and management to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. Cathy Thomas drives the implementation of training programs that educate members on their rights to a safe workplace. By monitoring incident reports, the President identifies trends that require immediate intervention and policy adjustment. The President works with the legal team to ensure that employers comply with safety regulations, providing a strong defense for members who face unsafe conditions. Through this commitment to safety, the President protects the health of the workforce, ensuring that every member can perform their duties without compromising their physical or mental well-being.

    Sandra Seitz - Local 5999 President

    Sandra Seitz, the Local 5999 President at CUPE, manages the specific labor interests of healthcare support staff. Overseeing the unique challenges of the healthcare sector, the Local 5999 President ensures that employment agreements reflect the high-pressure nature of this work. This leadership role involves direct advocacy for better staffing ratios and improved working conditions in medical facilities. Sandra Seitz drives the development of support networks for healthcare workers, providing a platform for members to share experiences and address common concerns. By collaborating with hospital administrators, the Local 5999 President negotiates terms that prioritize both patient care and worker safety. The Local 5999 President monitors the impact of healthcare policy changes on the workforce, providing timely updates and guidance to members. Through persistent advocacy and strategic negotiation, the Local 5999 President secures the rights of healthcare support staff, ensuring that these essential workers receive the recognition and protection they deserve.

    Jennifer Mizerovsky - President

    Jennifer Mizerovsky, the President at CUPE, leads the policy research and analysis division of the union. Focusing on the long-term impact of labor laws, the President directs the research team to provide data-driven insights for contract negotiations. This leadership role involves analyzing legislative proposals to determine their effect on public service workers. Jennifer Mizerovsky executes research projects that support the union's position on key social and economic issues. By collaborating with academic experts, the President ensures that the union's policy recommendations are grounded in rigorous evidence. The President oversees the publication of reports that inform members and the public about the state of the public sector. Through this commitment to research, the President provides the foundation for effective advocacy, ensuring that the union's strategies are based on accurate information and a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing workers in the modern economy.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CUPE Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CUPE?
    CUPE is led by Bev Strachan (President), along with executives such as Tom Graham (President) and Rick Peschel (President).
    Who is part of CUPE’s executive team?
    The executive team of CUPE includes leaders such as Bev Strachan (President), Tom Graham (President), Rick Peschel (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CUPE have?
    CUPE has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CUPE’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CUPE includes roles such as President, President, President, 3906 President, President Cupe Local.