Don Whitaker - Grand Lodge Representative

Grand Lodge Representative Don Whitaker has been an IAM Member for 27 years. Brother Whitaker started in the trade at Reitz Mfg.,( located in Santa Rosa, California,) as an Apprentice Welder. In 1975 he graduated to the Journeyman Welder Classification. During his nine years in the factory, he held the position of Union Steward, District Lodge Delegate, Executive Board Member, and Recording Secretary. In 1981 Brother Whitaker was appointed to the District Lodge 115 Staff, as a Business Representative, and served in that capacity until 1990 when he was appointed to the Western Territory Grand Lodge Staff, as a Special Representative. Brother Whitaker has served the GL Staff as Federal Sector Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Territorial Organizing Leader, Aero Jet Coordinator, Electronic and New Tech. Coordinator, Lean Aircraft Coordinator, Legislative Liaison to GVP Lee Pearson and is the Convention 2000 Host Committee Coordinator. He has arbitrated grievances, negotiated contracts, handled investigations and assisted with organizing campaigns. Don has recently been appointed by California Governor Gray Davis to serve on the California Workforce Investment Board.