Bricklayers Convention Re-elect Flynn Team
By International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
Delegates to the 2005 International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Convention (BAC) gave a unanimous vote of confidence to the Union's Executive Board when they returned the "Flynn Team" to a new five-year term of service.
In speeches nominating the officers, delegates emphasized the Union's good fortune in having strong, bold, innovative leaders who have advanced BAC's strategic goals in the areas of training, organizing and expanding market share.
President John J. Flynn
President Flynn was nominated for his second full term by Local 1 Missouri Business Manager Don Brown, who said the incumbent has "proven to all of us he has the knowledge and experience to lead this great International Union into the future.... He's a team player, and he surrounds himself with team players."
"I want to thank all of you for your confidence. It is truly a privilege to lead this great Union," Flynn said upon his re-election.
Flynn became international president in 1999, and was elected to a full five-year term in 2000. A 53-year member of Local 1 Missouri, Flynn is a journeyman bricklayer who also worked as a foreman and superintendent. Flynn has served on the Executive Board since 1987, and was secretary-treasurer from 1995 until 1999.
Secretary-Treasurer James Boland
Secretary-Treasurer Boland was elected to his second five-year term after being nominated by Local 3 California President Jim Bresnahan. Bresnahan cited Boland's financial stewardship of BAC; praised his professionalism, integrity and ability to see a job to its completion; and emphasized that "Jim has a genuine concern for the men and women he's charged to serve." The nomination was seconded by Local 1 Hawaii President Larry Correa.
Boland, a member of Local 3 California, joined BAC in 1977. After working for more than a decade at the craft, he rose steadily in leadership positions and was elected to the Executive Board in 1995. In 1999, he became secretary- treasurer and was elected to his first full term the next year.
Executive Vice President Ken Lambert
Executive Vice President Lambert was nominated by Local 21 Illinois President Jim Allen, who praised his skill as an organizer and the strength of his leadership. Allen commended Lambert's dedication, saying, "If he feels it's good for the members, Ken will fight for it, and that's why I believe that he will continue to fight for all of us in Washington and throughout the country." Lambert, a member of Local 21 Illinois, will now enter his second term.
Executive Vice President Gerald O'Malley
Executive Vice President O'Malley, a member of Local 1 Michigan, was elected to his second five-year term after being nominated by Local 1 Michigan President Ray Chapman. Chapman cited O'Malley's dedication to the health and safety of masonry craftworkers, his oversight of apprenticeship and training, and his establishment of a disaster relief fund for members displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano
Executive Vice President Scarano, a member of Local 5 New Jersey, was nominated by Al Catalano of Local 2 New York, who said of Scarano, "He understands the complexity and challenges we all face. He will build on the strength of our past, humbly embrace the present and work to ensure the future of our great Union."
The BAC represents roughly 100,000 skilled masonry workers in the United States and Canada. It is the oldest continuously operating construction union in North America.
For more information, visit www.bacweb.org.
About the Author
Founded in 1865, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers represents craftworkers in the trowel trades across the United States and Canada including bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tilesetters, terrazzo and mosaic workers, and pointers/cleaners/caulkers. Learn more at www.bacweb.org.
