Leo W. Gerard, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC

The son of a union miner and activist, Gerard went to work at a nickel smelter in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario, at age 18. As a young man, he studied economics and political science at Laurentian University, where he later received an honorary doctorate of laws degree. Gerard was awarded a second honorary doctorate of laws degree, this one from the University of Guelph in Canada, in recognition of his contributions to social justice. Gerard was appointed International President on Feb. 28, 2001 by the USW's International Executive Board to succeed the late George Becker, who had retired. That November, Gerard was elected by acclamation in union-wide elections. Previously, Gerard was the union's International Secretary-Treasurer (1994-2001), the National Director for Canada (1991-1994) and Director of District 6 in Ontario (1986-1991). In 2005, Gerard led a ticket of International Officers and District Directors who, for the first time in the union's history, were elected without opposition. He was again re-elected by acclamation in 2009 and was installed in his current term on March 1, 2010. Call and Comment during this Live Program www.usw.org