AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka has named Paul Lemmon as his chief of staff and executive assistant. Paul is a third-generation coal miner from western Pennsylvania, who has an established record as an organizer, labor leader and administrator. He will take over from Jon Hiatt, who is retiring after serving 21 years in various capacities at the labor federation.
“Paul’s years of experience, work and commitment toward empowering America’s working people will be an asset for the federation,” said President Trumka. “I am confident he is the right person to serve the federation in these challenging times, as we push forward with our fight for good jobs and an economy that works for all working people.”
“I am deeply grateful to Jon Hiatt for his friendship and wise advice over many years,” he added.
“I am thrilled to be back at the AFL-CIO,” said Lemmon. “In all my years as a miner and as a labor organizer, I saw how working people can make a difference when they stand together. It is only with resilience and fortitude that together we can move forward, even in the most turbulent times. I am looking forward to continuing with my life’s work of fighting for workers’ rights.”
Lemmon served in numerous offices with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), including as local union president. In 1994, during his tenure as deputy director of organizing for the UMWA region I, he led the largest organizing drive in the union since the 1940s. In 1996, Lemmon became a field representative with the AFL-CIO and has served in several capacities since that time, including political and legislative coordinator, and state director for Pennsylvania. Lemmon served as President Trumka’s executive assistant during Trumka’s tenure as secretary-treasurer.
He is a past trustee of the UMWA Education Fund and a two-term California University trustee. Since 2011, he has served as labor liaison for the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation.
He is married to Anna Marie and has four children and seven grandchildren.
Contact: Josh Goldstein (202) 637-5018