Union staff and stewards carry out the daily work of the organization. Union staff includes managers, Organizing & Representational Specialists (ORS), and support staff.

Organizing & Representational Specialists (ORS) work directly with members and stewards to enforce the contract and resolve workplace issues.

Support staff handle operations, communications, legislative advocacy, and internal systems.

Staff are led by managers and directed by the elected President within the union’s governing rules.

Managers

Executive Director

Steve Sloniker

Email Steve:

Steve@wpea.org

Call Steve:

(360) 943-1121   ext 103

Leads all staff, except the accountant and other Directors.

Oversees contract enforcement, grievance strategy, and representational work across units.

Serves as lead negotiator for coalition bargaining.

Legislative & Organizing Director

Seamus Petrie

Email Seamus:

Seamus@wpea.org

Call Seamus:

(360) 561-8066

Leads organizing, legislative, communications, and technical operations.

Sets direction for political engagement, member outreach, and internal systems.

 

Support Staff

Marketing & Membership Coordinator

Aubrei Hansen

Maintains member records and contact information.

Manages communications and outreach, including social media and newsletters.

Designs flyers, handouts, and other materials for member campaigns and events.

Email Aubrei: Aubrei@wpea.org

IT Administrator & Digital Organizer

Joey Hicklin

Publishes content to the website and weekly email, and develops training content for members.

Supports digital organizing tools and communications, and manages devices, user accounts, and core systems (website, email, Discord).

Email Joey: Joey@wpea.org

Office Support & Special Projects

Lisa Franklin

Handles printing, mailers, and distribution of union materials.

Manages inventory of shirts, swag, buttons, and printed resources.

Assists with member records and contact information.

Email Lisa: Lisa@wpea.org

Lobbyist

Sam Tinsley

Tracks legislation and advises on issues impacting members.

Coordinates member outreach to elected officials and supports advocacy campaigns.

Provides updates and reports during the legislative session.

Email Sam: Sam@wpea.org

Accountant

Whitney Wenzel

Manages payroll and member reimbursements.

Oversees union finances, including budgeting support, vendor payments, and financial record-keeping.

Handles tax filings and ensures compliance with financial requirements.

Email Whitney: Whitney@wpea.org

Organizing & Representational Specialists

Austin Lyman

  • Department of Natural Resources
  • Department of Revenue
  • Military Department
  • Walla Walla Community College

Christi Hill

  • Big Bend Community College
  • Columbia Basin College
  • Highline College
  • Senate Legislative Assistants
  • Wenatchee Valley College

Deb Montez

  • Department of Revenue
  • Kitsap Regional Library
  • Olympic College

Heather Kafton

  • Cascadia College
  • House Democratic Staff
  • Military Department
  • Pierce College

Jared Stratton

  • Clark College
  • Department of Revenue
  • Washington Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth
  • Washington State School for the Blind

Judy Lumm

  • Grays Harbor College
  • Tacoma Community College
  • Washington State Patrol
  • Yakima Valley College

Octavia Flynn-Robinson

  • Department of Natural Resources
  • Fort Vancouver Regional Library

Shelley Withee

  • Bellevue College
  • Department of Revenue

Stacie Leanos

  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Licensing
  • Edmonds College
  • Liquor & Cannabis Board
  • Skagit Valley College