Leanne Kunze began serving as the union’s executive director this February after being selected by the AFSCME Council 28/WFSE Executive Board in January. She is the fifth person and first woman to hold the position.
Kunze brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job, both as a member activist and staff leader.
“In my estimation, the executive board made a great choice to help drive our energetic staff,” said outgoing executive director, Greg Devereux.
“I expect great things out of the Federation over the next decade, in part because Leanne is running [union operations] day to day.”
She previously served as WFSE’s deputy executive director and oversaw several departments within our union, including Labor Education, External Organizing, Field Services, Data, and our Member Connection Center.
“I’ve seen firsthand how collective power can beat back the forces of greed in our country," said Kunze.
"I consider myself blessed to be able to perform meaningful work that reflects my faith in action. Society is a structure capable of both good and bad, and when we stand together, we have the power to steer it in the right direction.”
Originally from Minnesota, Kunze became active in Teamsters Local 320 and AFSCME Local 2789 while witnessing injustices in the criminal justice field. She was a detention deputy, a licensed peace officer, and a child protection specialist investigating child abuse and neglect.
She became a shop steward, elected officer, negotiator, labor advocate, organizer, and eventually served as the assistant director of AFSCME Council 65. From there, she went on to work in AFSCME’s national field department, where she led campaigns and assisted several councils and affiliates with their organizing programs.
“It’s an honor to be selected to serve as executive director for one of the strongest AFSCME councils in the country,” said Kunze. “WFSE is a powerful, member-driven union with an excellent team of devoted staff. Together, we are unstoppable.”
Please join us in welcoming Leanne Kunze.
