In May, NFFE announced the BR/Organizer position, and accepted applications for more than one month. In the last several weeks, multiple candidates interviewed for the position. On August 8th, Arnold and Booher were offered BR/Organizer positions, which they accepted.
Rob Arnold will take over the Northwest region currently being serviced by BR/Organizer Gary Johanson. Johanson will take over the West region currently being serviced by Jan Thompson. Thompson has announced her retirement which will take place at the end of this month.
Amanda Booher will take over the Midwest region currently being serviced by BR/Organizer Amy Gollinger. Gollinger will take over the Atlantic region currently being serviced by Jim Davis. Davis has announced his retirement which will also take place at the end of August.
“I am very excited to see what Rob and Amanda can do for this union,” said Randy Erwin, NFFE National President. “Rob is a well-established and experienced leader with tremendous work ethic and an impeccable track record of high-quality representation, improving his local, and achieving membership growth. Amanda is a person who has spent over a decade working tirelessly to build the skills to be ready for this opportunity. She is passionate about representation and organizing. Having served in multiple executive board positions in her local, she has strong experience in a wide variety of areas. This union is extremely lucky to have found two outstanding candidates to replace outgoing BR/Organizers Jan Thompson and Jim Davis, both pillars of strength for this union for many decades.”
Arnold begins his assignment as BR/Organizer of the Northwest region on August 19, 2019. He will have the benefit of being mentored by current BR/Organizer of the Northwest region, Gary Johanson. Gary will spend a good portion of the next several weeks working with Rob and introducing him to NFFE locals throughout the Northwest.
“I was lucky to have great mentors who helped shape my development,” said Rob Arnold. “I wouldn’t be accepting this position without their help and guidance over the years. I was also very lucky to have sharp members and great leaders in my local, which consistently made me and Local 1998 look good. I am eager to meet with members from different agencies and excited about building and improving their locals. Overall, I am enthused about getting the opportunity to have a positive influence on a larger portion of our union.”
Meanwhile, Booher will likely begin her assignment in the Midwest region sometime next month. She will be mentored by current BR/Organizer of the Midwest region, Amy Gollinger.
“I’m very excited,” said Amanda Booher. “I love this organization and I want to help grow it. I’ve been a part of this union for twelve years and seen many changes over time – the way it is run and how it is impacted by different administrations. This is a strong organization that I am proud to be a part of, and I want to keep the positive momentum going by growing the union and being more active in it. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”