CUPE Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

CUPE has 10 executives leading key functions including advocacy and local representation.

Driven by a commitment to public services, CUPE champions the rights and needs of workers across Canada, fostering a strong collective voice for essential service providers.

Leadership Roles at CUPE

  • President - Tom Graham
  • President - James Liz
  • Local 5999 President - Sandra Seitz
  • President - Daniel Cavanagh
  • President - Rick Peschel
  • Local President - Carol Gottlob
  • 3906 President - James Chai
  • President - Cynthia Steeves
  • President - Cathy Thomas
  • President - Ian Hillman
  • Tom Graham - President

    Tom Graham, the President at CUPE, directs the organization's strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts. Overseeing national campaigns, Tom Graham ensures alignment with the core mission of supporting public service workers. This leadership role involves driving policy changes and strengthening collective bargaining power across various sectors. By championing worker rights, Graham directly impacts the stability and quality of public services nationwide. Ultimately, Graham secures improved working conditions and benefits for CUPE members, reinforcing the union's commitment to its foundational principles. The President's oversight extends to inter-union relations and public engagement, solidifying CUPE's position as a leading voice for Canadian workers.
    Tom Graham

    James Liz - President

    James Liz, the President at CUPE, spearheads local chapter operations and member engagement strategies. Overseeing regional initiatives, James Liz ensures effective implementation of union policies at the grassroots level. This leadership position involves fostering strong communication channels between membership and national leadership, driving local advocacy efforts. By empowering local representatives, Liz directly contributes to the union's ability to address specific workplace challenges. Ultimately, Liz strengthens the collective voice of members within their respective communities, upholding CUPE's dedication to worker representation. The President's focus includes coordinating local training programs and supporting new member recruitment drives.

    Sandra Seitz - Local 5999 President

    Sandra Seitz, the Local 5999 President at CUPE, manages the specific operational needs and representation for Local 5999 members. Overseeing all local union activities, Sandra Seitz ensures compliance with collective agreements and advocates for member interests. This leadership role involves direct negotiation support and grievance resolution for the local chapter. By addressing the unique concerns of Local 5999, Seitz directly enhances the workplace conditions for its members. Ultimately, Seitz upholds the union's commitment to localized support and effective representation, ensuring member satisfaction and security. The Local President's responsibilities include organizing local meetings and facilitating communication with employers.

    Daniel Cavanagh - President

    Daniel Cavanagh, the President at CUPE, drives the strategic direction for member services and organizational development. Overseeing national programs, Daniel Cavanagh ensures the union's resources effectively support its advocacy goals. This leadership position involves cultivating partnerships and expanding the union's reach within the public service sector. By innovating service delivery, Cavanagh directly strengthens the value proposition for CUPE members. Ultimately, Cavanagh reinforces the union's mission to advocate for workers who deliver essential public services, promoting fairness and equity. The President's mandate includes exploring new avenues for member support and enhancing union visibility.
    Daniel Cavanagh

    Rick Peschel - President

    Rick Peschel, the President at CUPE, leads the charge in mobilizing members and coordinating national campaigns. Overseeing communication strategies, Rick Peschel ensures a unified message across all CUPE initiatives. This leadership role involves galvanizing support for legislative action and public awareness efforts. By amplifying member voices, Peschel directly contributes to the union's influence on public policy. Ultimately, Peschel champions the cause of public service workers, driving progress and securing better futures for them. The President's responsibilities include developing campaign materials and engaging with media outlets to promote CUPE's agenda.

    Carol Gottlob - Local President

    Carol Gottlob, the Local President at CUPE, directs the day-to-day operations and member representation for a specific local chapter. Overseeing local governance, Carol Gottlob ensures adherence to bylaws and effective management of chapter resources. This leadership position involves facilitating local meetings and resolving member concerns promptly. By providing dedicated local leadership, Gottlob directly supports the well-being and rights of the chapter's members. Ultimately, Gottlob strengthens the union's presence at the local level, ensuring accessible support and advocacy. The Local President's duties include managing local finances and coordinating volunteer efforts.

    James Chai - 3906 President

    James Chai, the 3906 President at CUPE, manages the specific representation and advocacy for members within Local 3906. Overseeing local negotiations and dispute resolution, James Chai ensures fair treatment and adherence to collective agreements. This leadership role involves direct engagement with employers to address workplace issues. By focusing on the unique needs of Local 3906, Chai directly improves the working conditions for its members. Ultimately, Chai upholds the union's commitment to robust local representation, safeguarding member rights and benefits. The 3906 President's responsibilities include organizing local member forums and communicating updates.

    Cynthia Steeves - President

    Cynthia Steeves, the President at CUPE, leads strategic planning and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing national partnerships, Cynthia Steeves fosters collaborations that enhance the union's advocacy capacity. This leadership role involves guiding the development of new programs and services for members. By driving innovation, Steeves directly contributes to CUPE's ability to adapt to evolving labor landscapes. Ultimately, Steeves strengthens the union's impact in championing public service workers and their essential contributions. The President's focus includes exploring opportunities for growth and enhancing member engagement across the organization.

    Cathy Thomas - President

    Cathy Thomas, the President at CUPE, directs efforts to strengthen member solidarity and collective action. Overseeing internal communications, Cathy Thomas ensures that members are informed and engaged with union activities. This leadership role involves organizing educational workshops and promoting leadership development within the membership. By empowering members, Thomas directly enhances the union's grassroots strength and effectiveness. Ultimately, Thomas champions the collective power of CUPE members, driving positive change in public service workplaces. The President's responsibilities include developing strategies for member mobilization and participation in union events.

    Ian Hillman - President

    Ian Hillman, the President at CUPE, oversees the strategic implementation of advocacy campaigns and policy initiatives. Directing research and analysis, Ian Hillman ensures that CUPE's positions are informed by robust data and evidence. This leadership role involves collaborating with external stakeholders to advance the union's objectives. By providing strategic direction, Hillman directly supports CUPE's mission to advocate for workers delivering vital public services. Ultimately, Hillman strengthens the union's influence in shaping public discourse and policy related to labor rights. The President's mandate includes guiding the development of policy recommendations and legislative proposals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CUPE Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CUPE?
    CUPE is led by Tom Graham (President), along with executives such as James Liz (President) and Sandra Seitz (Local 5999 President).
    Who is part of CUPE’s executive team?
    The executive team of CUPE includes leaders such as Tom Graham (President), James Liz (President), Sandra Seitz (Local 5999 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, Local 5999 President, President, President.