IATSE_1stQrtr_2018_web

tarian player—able to assist local unions
in Canada and the United States. Indeed,
ATTP McGuire has worked not only with
local unions in both countries but has
represented the International’s interests
before governmental agencies and private
organizations in Canada and the United
States. His reputation as an upright,
straight-forward, conscientious worker
led to his appointment to ATTP in 2006,
one of the highest administrative staff positions
in the International. In his retirement
remarks, ATTP McGuire expressed
his appreciation to President Loeb, Vice
Presidents John Lewis and Damian Petti,
and Canadian Representatives for their
camaraderie and confidence.
President Loeb observed that ATTP
McGuire is a “smart, tough, committed
worker who brought credibility to the
International.” He commended ATTP
McGuire for a “distinguished career” and
thanked ATTP McGuire for tremendous
service to the International. President
Loeb remarked that while ATTP Mc-
Guire’s absence would most assuredly be
felt, ATTP McGuire had certainly earned
a long, healthy retirement.
ATTP McGuire was sent off with a
stirring standing ovation.
RETIREMENT OF VICE PRESI-
DENT WILLIAM E. GEARNS, JR.
On January 9, 2018, Vice President
William “Bill” Gearns, Jr. celebrated his
Golden Anniversary in the IATSE. For
the last thirty of those years, he was employed
by the International. Indeed,
either of these milestones would be a
reason to celebrate; but, apart from Vice
President Gearns marking them, these
achievements probably went unnoticed.
Vice President Gearns simply “does the
International Vice President William
Gearns giving his farewell remarks.
work”—without fanfare or attention.
He embodies stoicism, unpretentiousness,
politeness, and industriousness. His
quiet demeanor belies a sharp intelligence
and—as known by those familiar with
him—an extremely dry wit.
Vice President Gearns began his career
as an apprentice in Local 30, working in
the carpentry shop building scenery for
Starlight Musicals. Upon completing his
apprenticeship, he worked for ten years
as a stagehand. In 1977, he was elected
Business Agent of Local 30, a position he
held for ten years. In 1988, he was hired
as an International Representative, which
marked the naissance of the International’s
Tradeshow Department. In 2000, then
Representative Gearns was promoted
Tradeshow Department Director. Prior
to 1988, the International’s presence in
the tradeshow and display area consisted
of a mélange of agreements. Now, there
are scores of IATSE collective bargaining
agreements in the Tradeshow Department
covering Canada and the United
States. Moreover, today Representatives
in the IATSE’s Tradeshow Department
sit on the boards, and are members, of
several international exposition-industry
organizations.
In his remarks, Vice President
Gearns observed that that he is retiring
with mixed feelings, specifically noting
his appreciation for the dramatic culture
change in the International. Still, he
said that the time has come for him to
begin the next chapter. He expressed his
sincere gratitude to President Loeb for
unwavering support and friendship. He
also acknowledged his colleagues in the
Tradeshow Department, namely fellow
Vice President C. Faye Harper and Representatives
Joanne Sanders, Mark Kiracofe,
Donald Gandolini, Dan’l Cook,
Carlos Cota and John Gorey; General
Counsel Samantha Dulaney; and the
hundreds of local unions with which he
worked. After his remarks, Vice President
Gearns was saluted with a rousing
standing ovation.
President Loeb observed that Vice
President Gearns’ “dedication, intelligence,
and strategic leadership have left
an indelible mark on the International.”
Speaking directly to Vice President
Gearns, President Loeb stated “what you
have done as a member of the IATSE has
been stellar. You will be greatly missed.
We were happy and lucky to have you.
You are a stand-up guy.” And, with that,
President Loeb wished Retired Vice President
Gearns a long, blissful retirement.
ELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL
VICE PRESIDENT JOANNE
SANDERS
On Thursday, February 1, 2018, the
General Executive Board unanimously
elected Representative Joanne M. Sanders
to the position of Thirteenth IATSE Vice
President, filling a vacancy occasioned by
66 OFFICIAL BULLETIN