WASHINGTON, DC — The Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA) has announced the appointment of Thomas J. Kelly as the union’s new general secretary-treasurer, effective Sept. 1, 2002. He moves to this position after serving as business manager and president of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 19 in Philadelphia, PA, for more than 23 years.

“Tom Kelly is one of the most progressive labor leaders in the United States and brings to his new position a wealth of experience in running one of our largest locals,” said Michael J. Sullivan, general president of the international union. “He knows the importance of using resources effectively to bring change and fast-paced response to new challenges through training, technology, and cooperation with the contractors and employers for whom our members work.”

Kelly started his career in the labor movement following his apprenticeship in 1965. He became a business agent in Local 19 in 1973 and rose to the position of business manager in 1979 with his members reelecting him for seven consecutive terms.

His leadership roles have included serving as a general vice president on SMWIA’s General Executive Council, as president of the Pennsylvania State Council of Sheet Metal Workers, as president of the New Jersey State Council of Sheet Metal Workers, as a vice president of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council and the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council, as well as the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, and president of the Mechanical Trades District Council of the Delaware Valley.

His governmental activities include serving as chairman of the City of Philadelphia’s Zoning Board Adjustment.

Publication date: 08/12/2002