Lonnie R. Stephenson was unanimously elected the IBEW’s 17th international president at the opening of the 39th International Convention.
International Secretary-Treasurer Salvatore “Sam” Chilia was re-elected and New York City Local 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson was chosen to be the chairman of the International Executive Council.
Choosing the three senior officers of the IBEW was the convention’s first order of business. Nearly 2,000 delegates from almost 700 locals elected Stephenson, Chilia and Erikson by unanimous voice vote.
“Lonnie Stephenson is a construction electrician with a solid record in the union movement,” said Local 213 Business Manager Adam Van Steinburg. “He’s pledged to support local efforts to grow our organization, and to build a more professional union through initiatives like the IBEW Code of Excellence.”
Stephenson’s election came, he said, 25 years after he attended his first convention as a delegate for his home local, Rock Island, Illinois, Local 145.
“If anyone had told me then that I would be back here 25 years later as president of our great international union, I would have told them they’re crazy,” he said. “It would have been the furthest thing from my mind. But now that I’m here, I couldn’t be prouder or more humbled than I am right now standing before you today.”
Stephenson has been International President since the IEC appointed him to complete the term of International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill, who retired in 2015.With the election, he begins a full 5-year term.
Stephenson used his acceptance speech to shine a light on the people who mentored him and to thank the members for their trust.
“You are our foundation, you are the trunk of our oak tree that feeds and supports each branch of our great union,” he said. “While each branch is different, each one is equally important to our very existence. Together, you and I and everyone I mentioned previously – we together are the IBEW and I’m damn proud to be here.”