USW Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

USW has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and local representation.

Driven by a commitment to worker advocacy, USW champions the rights and interests of its 850,000 members across North America, fostering fair labor practices and driving industry standards in metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, and beyond.

Leadership Roles at USW

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jesse Whettnall
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Dennis Perrington
  • President & Business Agent - Richard Brooks
  • Local Union President - Mike Padgett
  • USWA President - Lloyd McBride
  • President - Jason Zugai
  • President 417 - Brian Chaney
  • President - Warren Luky
  • Local President - Eric Licht
  • President Local 1-912 - Stewart Armstrong
  • Jesse Whettnall - Chief Executive Officer

    Jesse Whettnall, the Chief Executive Officer at USW, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the union. This leadership position involves guiding the organization's efforts to represent 850,000 workers across diverse sectors including metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, and oil refining. Whettnall's responsibilities encompass ensuring the effective implementation of union policies and advocating for member interests at the highest levels. The Chief Executive Officer oversees the coordination of national and regional initiatives, working to strengthen collective bargaining agreements and promote workplace safety standards. This role demands a deep understanding of labor law and industrial relations, driving the union's mission to secure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for all represented employees. Jesse Whettnall's executive oversight ensures the union's continued impact and relevance in North America's evolving economic landscape.

    Dennis Perrington - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Dennis Perrington, the President & Chief Executive Officer at USW, spearheads the union's comprehensive strategic direction and executive leadership. This pivotal role involves guiding the representation of 850,000 members across North America, spanning industries from metals and rubber to chemicals, paper, and oil refining. Perrington's mandate includes championing worker rights, negotiating robust collective bargaining agreements, and ensuring the consistent application of union policies. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees national advocacy efforts, focusing on improving wages, benefits, and workplace safety. This position requires extensive expertise in labor relations and industrial economics to effectively navigate complex negotiations and industry challenges. Dennis Perrington's leadership drives the union's commitment to empowering its members and advancing fair labor practices throughout the service, public, and health care sectors.

    Richard Brooks - President & Business Agent

    Richard Brooks, the President & Business Agent at USW, manages the day-to-day operations and direct representation of union members within a specific local jurisdiction. This role involves actively engaging with employers to enforce collective bargaining agreements, resolve grievances, and ensure compliance with labor standards. Brooks' responsibilities include organizing member meetings, providing support on workplace issues, and advocating for improved working conditions. The President & Business Agent serves as a crucial liaison between the membership and the broader union structure, facilitating communication and ensuring member voices are heard. This position requires strong negotiation skills and a thorough understanding of local industry dynamics. Richard Brooks' dedicated service ensures the effective protection and advancement of member rights at the grassroots level.

    Mike Padgett - Local Union President

    Mike Padgett, the Local Union President at USW, leads the operational activities and member advocacy for a specific local chapter. This executive function involves direct engagement with union members to address their concerns, facilitate communication with management, and ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements. Padgett's duties include organizing local meetings, coordinating union activities, and representing members in grievance procedures. The Local Union President plays a critical role in fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity among workers in their designated area. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of local labor issues and effective interpersonal communication skills. Mike Padgett's leadership ensures that the needs and rights of local members are consistently championed and protected.

    Lloyd McBride - USWA President

    Lloyd McBride, the USWA President, directs the strategic initiatives and overall governance of the United Steelworkers union. This high-level executive role involves setting the agenda for national labor relations, overseeing major bargaining efforts, and representing the union's 850,000 members on a broad scale. McBride's responsibilities include shaping policy, guiding legislative advocacy, and ensuring the union's financial health and operational efficiency. The USWA President works closely with other union leaders to advance the interests of workers across diverse industries, including metals, chemicals, and manufacturing. This position requires extensive experience in labor negotiations and a profound understanding of economic trends impacting the workforce. Lloyd McBride's leadership is instrumental in driving the union's mission to secure fair treatment and economic security for its members.

    Jason Zugai - President

    Jason Zugai, the President at USW, leads the strategic direction and operational management for a designated sector or local chapter of the union. This executive position involves overseeing the representation of union members, ensuring the enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, and advocating for fair labor practices. Zugai's responsibilities include coordinating member services, facilitating communication between workers and management, and resolving workplace disputes. The President plays a key role in fostering solidarity and empowering members to achieve better wages, benefits, and working conditions. This role requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of industrial relations within the specific industries represented by the union. Jason Zugai's commitment drives the union's mission to protect and advance the rights of its membership.

    Brian Chaney - President 417

    Brian Chaney, the President 417 at USW, directs the specific operational functions and member representation for Local 417. This executive role involves actively engaging with union members to address their workplace concerns, negotiate with employers, and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Chaney's responsibilities include organizing local union activities, providing support on grievance procedures, and advocating for improved safety and working conditions. The President 417 serves as a primary point of contact for members, fostering a strong local union presence and ensuring effective communication channels. This position requires a detailed understanding of local industry dynamics and labor law. Brian Chaney's dedicated leadership ensures the robust protection of member rights within Local 417.

    Warren Luky - President

    Warren Luky, the President at USW, leads the strategic and operational execution for a specific local union or division. This executive capacity involves direct oversight of member representation, ensuring the integrity of collective bargaining agreements, and championing worker rights across various industries. Luky's duties encompass coordinating local union initiatives, facilitating dialogue between employees and management, and addressing workplace disputes. The President is pivotal in cultivating member engagement and advocating for enhanced compensation, benefits, and safer work environments. This role necessitates adept negotiation capabilities and a comprehensive grasp of labor relations within the union's represented sectors. Warren Luky's leadership reinforces the union's core mission of safeguarding and advancing its members' interests.

    Eric Licht - Local President

    Eric Licht, the Local President at USW, oversees the critical functions of member advocacy and local union operations. This executive responsibility includes direct engagement with union members to address their employment-related issues, facilitate negotiations with employers, and uphold the terms of collective bargaining agreements. Licht's duties involve organizing local chapter meetings, providing guidance on workplace rights, and representing members in dispute resolution processes. The Local President acts as a key representative for the membership, ensuring their concerns are effectively communicated and addressed. This role demands strong interpersonal skills and a thorough knowledge of labor regulations. Eric Licht's commitment ensures the diligent protection and advancement of local members' rights and interests.

    Stewart Armstrong - President Local 1-912

    Stewart Armstrong, the President Local 1-912 at USW, directs the operational leadership and member representation for Local 1-912. This executive function involves actively managing the relationship between union members and employers, ensuring adherence to collective bargaining agreements, and advocating for improved working conditions. Armstrong's responsibilities include organizing local union activities, resolving member grievances, and promoting workplace safety initiatives. The President Local 1-912 serves as the primary advocate for the local chapter's membership, fostering solidarity and ensuring their rights are protected. This position requires a deep understanding of local industry standards and labor law. Stewart Armstrong's dedicated leadership ensures the effective representation and support of members within Local 1-912.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USW Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USW?
    USW is led by Jesse Whettnall (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dennis Perrington (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Richard Brooks (President & Business Agent).
    Who is part of USW’s executive team?
    The executive team of USW includes leaders such as Jesse Whettnall (Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Perrington (President & Chief Executive Officer), Richard Brooks (President & Business Agent) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does USW have?
    USW has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in USW’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of USW includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Business Agent, Local Union President, USWA President.