AFL-CIO Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

AFL-CIO has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, information technology, and advocacy.

Driven by a commitment to worker empowerment, AFL-CIO operates as a democratic federation uniting numerous labor unions to amplify their collective voice and advance the interests of working people across diverse industries.

Leadership Roles at AFL-CIO

  • Chief Financial Officer - Chris Pettigrew
  • Co-Chair - State Labor Fed and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee To AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler - Julie Lind
  • Office of the President - Michawn Blakeney
  • President - Carlos Gomez
  • President - David Heindel
  • President - Paula Martinez
  • President - Douglas Schaller
  • Chief of Staff - Julie Greene
  • Chief Information Officer, Afl - Katelyn Hartford
  • Chief Information Officer, Afl - Michael Gillis
  • Chris Pettigrew - Chief Financial Officer

    Chris Pettigrew, the Chief Financial Officer at AFL-CIO, manages the federation's financial health, overseeing all fiscal operations, budgeting, and financial planning. Pettigrew directs the allocation of resources to support extensive legislative advocacy, policy development, and member engagement initiatives across diverse industries. This leadership position involves ensuring financial transparency and accountability while maximizing the impact of investments in worker protection and economic justice campaigns. By maintaining robust financial controls and strategic fiscal management, Pettigrew supports the organization's capacity to advocate for fair wages, benefits, and workplace safety standards. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight is critical for sustaining the federation's operational capacity and its ability to champion the interests of working families nationwide.

    Julie Lind - Co-Chair - State Labor Fed and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee To AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler

    Julie Lind, the Co-Chair - State Labor Fed and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee To AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, provides critical strategic guidance on state-level labor federation and central labor council operations. Lind collaborates directly with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, offering insights into regional labor dynamics and advising on policies that impact local union activities and member engagement. This advisory role is essential for aligning national advocacy efforts with the specific needs and challenges faced by workers in various states and municipalities. Lind's expertise helps to strengthen the federation's grassroots support and ensure that its legislative and policy initiatives resonate with local labor communities. The Co-Chair's input is vital for fostering robust state and local labor movements that champion worker rights and economic fairness.

    Michawn Blakeney - Office of the President

    Michawn Blakeney, representing the Office of the President at AFL-CIO, provides essential support and strategic coordination for the President's agenda and initiatives. Blakeney manages key projects and communications emanating from the President's office, ensuring alignment with the federation's overarching mission to advocate for working people. This role involves facilitating collaboration among various departments and member unions to advance legislative priorities, policy development, and grassroots mobilization efforts. Blakeney's contributions are critical for the effective execution of the President's vision, focusing on enhancing workplace rights, promoting fair wages, and securing economic stability for working families. The Office of the President's operations, guided by Blakeney, are central to the federation's impact.

    Carlos Gomez - President

    Carlos Gomez, the President at AFL-CIO, directs the federation's strategic vision and overall operations, championing the rights and interests of working people across the nation. Gomez leads advocacy efforts focused on legislative action, policy reform, and the advancement of collective bargaining rights. This leadership role involves uniting diverse labor unions to amplify their collective voice on critical issues such as fair wages, workplace safety, and economic justice. Gomez works to strengthen the federation's influence in shaping public policy and promoting worker protections. The President's guidance is instrumental in mobilizing membership and fostering solidarity to achieve tangible improvements in the lives of working families. Carlos Gomez drives the federation's commitment to empowering workers.

    David Heindel - President

    David Heindel, the President at AFL-CIO, leads the federation's strategic direction and operational execution, advocating for the rights and economic well-being of union members nationwide. Heindel oversees critical initiatives aimed at strengthening collective bargaining, advancing workplace safety standards, and promoting fair labor practices across various industries. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration among affiliated unions to amplify their collective voice on legislative and policy matters. Heindel's focus is on ensuring that the federation effectively addresses the evolving needs of working families, including issues related to wages, benefits, and job security. The President's efforts are central to advancing the AFL-CIO's mission of economic justice and worker empowerment.

    Paula Martinez - President

    Paula Martinez, the President at AFL-CIO, directs the federation's strategic priorities and operational initiatives, advocating for the advancement of working people's rights and economic security. Martinez leads efforts to strengthen collective bargaining agreements, enhance workplace safety regulations, and promote equitable economic policies nationwide. This role involves fostering unity and collaboration among diverse labor unions to amplify their collective impact on legislative and policy landscapes. Martinez's leadership focuses on addressing the critical needs of working families, including fair compensation, healthcare access, and retirement security. The President's commitment is vital to empowering workers and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of labor.

    Douglas Schaller - President

    Douglas Schaller, the President at AFL-CIO, leads the federation's strategic direction and operational execution, championing the rights and economic interests of working people across the United States. Schaller oversees critical advocacy efforts focused on legislative priorities, policy development, and the strengthening of collective bargaining power for union members. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration and solidarity among numerous national and international labor unions to amplify their collective voice on issues vital to workers. Schaller's work ensures that the federation effectively addresses challenges related to fair wages, workplace safety, and economic justice. The President's guidance is essential for mobilizing membership and advancing the AFL-CIO's mission of empowering working families nationwide.
    Douglas Schaller

    Julie Greene - Chief of Staff

    Julie Greene, the Chief of Staff at AFL-CIO, directs the operational execution of strategic initiatives and ensures seamless coordination across all organizational departments. Greene oversees internal policy development and manages the flow of information between the executive leadership and member unions, facilitating efficient communication and alignment. This role involves optimizing administrative processes and resource allocation to support the federation's advocacy efforts and member services. Greene's leadership ensures that the federation's day-to-day operations effectively advance its mission of protecting and expanding workers' rights and economic security. By managing key internal functions, Julie Greene drives the effective implementation of the federation's agenda, supporting collective bargaining, workplace safety, and fair wage policies across the nation.

    Katelyn Hartford - Chief Information Officer, Afl

    Katelyn Hartford, the Chief Information Officer, Afl at AFL-CIO, directs the federation's technology strategy and infrastructure, ensuring robust digital capabilities to support organizational operations and advocacy. Hartford oversees the implementation and management of information systems that facilitate communication, data analysis, and member services across numerous affiliated unions. This role is crucial for enhancing the federation's operational efficiency and its ability to mobilize members effectively on critical issues. By driving technological innovation, Hartford supports initiatives related to workplace rights, economic policy, and worker protections. The Chief Information Officer's leadership ensures that AFL-CIO leverages technology to amplify its collective voice and advance the interests of working people nationwide.

    Michael Gillis - Chief Information Officer, Afl

    Michael Gillis, the Chief Information Officer, Afl at AFL-CIO, spearheads the federation's information technology infrastructure and digital transformation efforts. Gillis manages the development and deployment of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, data security, and communication channels for member unions. This leadership position is vital for supporting the federation's extensive advocacy work, including legislative campaigns and policy development aimed at improving worker conditions and economic security. Gillis's focus on technological advancement ensures that AFL-CIO remains at the forefront of utilizing digital tools to empower working people and strengthen collective bargaining efforts. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision drives the federation's capacity to adapt and thrive in an evolving technological landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AFL-CIO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AFL-CIO?
    AFL-CIO is led by Chris Pettigrew (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Julie Lind (Co-Chair - State Labor Fed and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee To AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler) and Michawn Blakeney (Office of the President).
    Who is part of AFL-CIO’s executive team?
    The executive team of AFL-CIO includes leaders such as Chris Pettigrew (Chief Financial Officer), Julie Lind (Co-Chair - State Labor Fed and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee To AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler), Michawn Blakeney (Office of the President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AFL-CIO have?
    AFL-CIO has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AFL-CIO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AFL-CIO includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Co-Chair - State Labor Fed and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee To AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Office of the President, President, President.