WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), the only IBEW electrician in Congress, released the following statement regarding the retirement of IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson:

“Lonnie R. Stephenson is a worker’s labor leader. He began his career as an IBEW apprentice, and that experience shaped his service on behalf of working people over the next five decades. Lonnie’s tenure as international president has been marked by a fierce commitment to fair working conditions. IBEW is larger, stronger, and more diverse than ever before, thanks to Lonnie’s commitment to the working men and women who are the backbone of the American economy.

On the appointment of International Secretary-Treasurer Kenneth W. Cooper to fill the remainder of Stephenson’s term and Sixth District International Vice President Paul Noble to fill the remainder of Cooper’s term, Congressman Norcross had this to say:

“Like Lonnie and me, Kenneth Cooper and Paul Noble began as apprentices and have worked their way up, proving their dedication to America’s workers and IBEW’s members through tenacity and hard work. I am confident that as the next international president and international secretary-treasurer, Kenneth and Paul will carry on Lonnie’s legacy and further advance workers’ rights.”