Teamsters Local 743 President Debra Simmons-Peterson makes history as Joint Council 25 first African American Woman appointed to the Executive Board

In a notice sent to all Teamsters Joint Council 25 affiliates, Joint Council 25 President Terrence Hancock announced the formal appointment of Local 743 president Debra Simmons-Peterson as trustee to the Joint Council 25’s Executive Board effective July 1, 2019.

Joint Council 25 President Terrence Hancock personally congratulated and welcomed local 743 President Simmons to the seven-member board and expressed how much he looks forward to working with her.  “I am pleased to announce the formal appointment of Debra Simmons-Peterson to a position of Trustee to the Joint Council No. 25 Executive Board. I, along with the entire Executive Board and staff, look forward to working together and move our joint agenda forward to fulfill our continued commitment to provide unwavering service to our Local Union Affiliates and members.” Said Joint Council 25 President Terrence Hancock.

As president Simmons- Peterson takes on her new role as trustee she will become the boards first African American female board member in it’s over 100-year history.

Mrs.  Simmons-Peterson has garnered many “firsts”.  In 2013 Mrs. Simmons-Peterson became the first African American female to be elected as President of Teamsters Local 743. In January of 2016, Simmons-Peterson was appointed as the first African American female to serve on the Teamsters Volunteer in Politics (T.V.I.P) Committee which convenes monthly to review and provide financial support to political candidates for state and local office who support the interests or organized labor.

.  “I am both honored and excited, but I also understand the weight of the commitment and responsibility to our local affiliates and members. “says Local 743 President Debra Simmons-Peterson, The history of Joint Council 25 is a powerful legacy of empowerment, equality and justice for over 100 years and I am eager to work with the fellow board members as we work together to fulfill our commitment to provide great service to the members of Joint Council 25. 

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 25's Executive Board is comprised of elected officials from Joint Council 25's local affiliates. representing more than 100,000 men and women with 25 local union affiliates.