Lisa Maldonado to take helm at Service Employees International Union

Lisa Maldonado, executive director of the North Bay Labor Council, is resigning her post to take a new position as field director for Service Employees International Union, Local 1021, Sonoma County’s largest union.

Maldonado, 52, became an outspoken leader in her eight years with the North Bay Labor Council, the large coalition of private and public labor groups. During her tenure, the group successfully pushed the county to adopt a policy mandating union rules and benefits on its largest construction projects.

The coalition, with SEIU Local 1021’s support, also now regularly goes toe-to-toe with opposing political interests, including real estate and agricultural groups, in backing candidates for city and county elected offices.

In her new post, Maldonado, who announced the move this week, will oversee union operations within a region stretching from Marin County to the Oregon border, including 6,000 members.

She will replace Jason Klumb, the current SEIU Local 1021 director for the region.

Maldonado, an attorney, described the decision to leave the North Bay Labor Council, which advocates on behalf of 30,000 members of 71 unions throughout California, as difficult.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done. We’ve turned the organization into a real political force,” Maldonado said. “But I’m happy to be coming to SEIU - it’s a larger union that has more influence politically, and I’m looking forward to taking on issues that are at the forefront at the regional, state … and national level.”

Maldonado citied issues such as raising the minimum wage and enacting local living-wage laws, as well as encouraging development of affordable housing and strengthening protections for renters.

She is set to begin her new job Sept. 1. It comes with a $28,000 pay increase - her salary will be $103,000 annually - and will be headquartered in Santa Rosa. Unlike her previous position, Maldonado will have a seat at the table when it comes to issues that union delegates vote on, such as political endorsements and local ballot measures.

“I’m looking forward to making a stronger labor movement and advocating on behalf of all working people in the North Bay,” Maldonado said.

You can reach Staff Writer Angela Hart at 526-8503 or angela.hart@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ahartreports.