SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN – The AFSCME Council 5 Executive Board has appointed Bart Andersen as the permanent Executive Director of our union, representing more than 43,000 dedicated workers in state and local government and nonprofit service! Andersen, who has served as Interim Executive Director since August 2023, brings a deep commitment and extensive experience to this role, having been an active union member since 1996 while employed at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and employed in various roles at AFSCME Council 5 since 2006.

Upon his appointment, Bart Andersen said, "It is a profound honor to receive the continued trust of our Executive Board to help lead our union into the future. I am wholeheartedly committed to working collaboratively with our Board, local leaders, rank-and-file members, staff, and allies, prioritizing growth, activism, advocacy, collaboration, and inclusion in every facet of our decision-making and programming. Together, we will harness our collective and diverse strengths to advocate for the rights of our members, ensure fair and safe working conditions, and foster an environment where every voice is truly heard and valued. Our Council is ready to build upon the investments and positive reforms we have made together in the service to our 43,000 members, staff, family members, and communities."

AFSCME Council 5 President Eric Hesse said, "Under Bart Andersen’s leadership and collaborative approach to decision-making, his vast experience within our union, and the significant progress we have made in reaching our goals, his appointment as our Executive Director will ensure that our union is well-positioned to face the opportunities we will encounter with a renewed focus on member engagement, activism, inclusion, advocacy, and true collaboration. We are confident that his vision and dedication will propel our union forward into our next chapter, strengthening our impact and influence across our workplaces, the halls of power, and our communities."

Read more about Bart's background here: https://www.afscmemn.org/council-5/about-us/bart-andersen

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AFSCME Council 5 is a labor union representing more than 43,000 workers across Minnesota who fight for excellence in services to the public, dignity in the workplace, and opportunity and prosperity for all workers.