About Missouri Works Initiative | Affiliated with Missouri AFL-CIO

Serving as a non-profit organization sponsored and supported by the Missouri AFL-CIO, the Missouri Works Initiative is strategically positioned to address the state’s changing workforce needs, whether those needs are:

Creating healthy and recovery friendly workplaces
Connecting laid off workers with job-search or upskilling resources for future employment
Or collaborating with community partners to offer innovative points of entry to traditional apprenticeship opportunities.

Our expert team, network of labor professionals, and community-based organizations stand ready to work toward the shared goal of creating economic opportunities for all Missourians.

Our programs include:

Board Members

Jake Hummel

Missouri AFL-CIO President and Missouri Works Initiative President

Merri Berry

Missouri AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer and Missouri Works Initiative Secretary-Treasurer

Reginald Thomas

Missouri AFL-CIO Vice President and Missouri Works Initiative Vice President

John Stiffer

President, St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, Heat, Frost, Insulators and Allied Trades Local 1

Frank Jacobs

Business Manager I.B.E.W. Local 1

Doug Beck

Missouri State Senator and President, Missouri Building and Construction Trades

Emily Martin

Chief Operating Officer, Guarantee Electrical

Steve Morrow

President, Springfield Building and Construction Trades Council, Bricklayers Local 15

Ralph Oropeza

President, Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council

Staff

Megan Price

Executive Director

Amy Phillips

Operations Director

Dr. John S Gaal

Worker Wellness Director

Aurora Bihler

Building Union Diversity - St. Louis Coordinator

Rudy Chavez

Missouri Apprentice Ready - Kansas City Coordinator

Austin Fox

Missouri Apprentice Ready - Springfield Coordinator

Pat Dolan

BUD STL Program Facilitator

Ira Kirkwood