Lorna Harnum
Lorna Harnum is an International Representative with the International Union of Operating Engineers. She is the first female International Representative in the organization's history. Prior to this role, she was the first female IUOE Training Director. Apart from her dedicated work at the IUOE, Lorna also serves as the chair of Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board (PACB). Additionally, she serves as a member of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) Executive Board and Board of Directors. Lorna's commitment to promoting and enhancing apprenticeship throughout Canada extends to her involvement in various other boards and committees.
Over her 30-year career in the labor movement and adult education, Lorna has constantly advocated for apprentices and journeypersons in the building trades industry. Her guidance has been pivotal in supporting numerous apprentices to navigate the apprenticeship system and progress to journeyperson certification. Notably, she spearheaded a collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador government, ExxonMobil, and Operating Engineers Local 904 to train tower crane operators for a mega oil and gas project. This initiative resulted in the first female Red Seal tower crane operator in Canada, a testament to Lorna's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the trades.
Lorna’s commitment to the well-being of skilled tradespeople is unwavering. As a strong advocate for women in the trades, she has championed their rights and representation. Her dedication extends to all skilled tradespeople, as she actively promotes fair wages, apprenticeship training, and excellent work conditions.
Linda Hamilton
Linda Hamilton is the Dispatcher for IUOE Local 132 in Glen Dale, West Virginia. Linda joined the IUOE after graduating from John Marshall High School and being accepted into the IUOE Local 132 Apprenticeship Training Program in 1993. Upon successful completion of the 3-year apprenticeship program, Linda achieved Journeyman status. She worked for 17 years in the field and became Dispatcher for the Local in 2013.
Linda was appointed by IUOE General President James T. Callahan to the be the IUOE Representative to the NABTU Women in Trades Committee in 2018. She was later appointed to serve on the IUOE Trades Women Committee in 2023.
Linda is the President of the Church Board and Treasurer at the Graysville United Methodist Church. She is the President of the Graysville Cemetery Association. She is on the Leadership Team for American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Marshall County and serves on the AFL-CIO Marshall, Wetzel, Tyler Central Labor Council as Delegate and Auditor.
In her spare time, Linda enjoys spending time on her farm with her horses, cattle and honeybees.
Marie Sullivan
Marie Sullivan started her career in construction through the Non-traditional Employment for Women's (NEW) pre-apprenticeship program. After graduating the NEW program, she became an apprentice with IUOE Local 15 and completed a four-year apprenticeship in 2004.
During her apprenticeship, Marie volunteered to work the post 9/11 clean-up efforts at the site of the World Trade Center. As a journey woman, she worked on some of New York City's historic projects, such as the Yankee Stadium; John F. Kennedy airport's main runway; the Astoria Energy Plant; and the Westside Highway project. She also returns to the NEW program as a speaker for up-and-coming graduates.
After several years of working in the field as a journey woman, Marie became an instructor at Local 15's training center. She was also appointed to the position of liaison to Local 15's apprentices. Marie is a certified instructor to teach HAZMAT, OSHA for construction workers, forklift evaluator, and CPR.
Four years later, Marie was promoted to Training Coordinator. During this time, she was selected to lead a team of sixteen Local 15 members to assist in clean-up efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in October 2016.
In 2021, Marie was promoted to Recruitment Coordinator which enables her to guide candidates through the recruitment process and execute strategies that will lead to enhanced retention.
During her career, Marie has received various recognitions and awards, including the Non-traditional Employment for Women's Leadership Equity Award and a certificate of appreciation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Diversity and Civil Rights. She has also received the H. Von King Award (Phenomenal Women Award 2011), the annual Heroes of Labor Award in 2014, and the Port Authority Women's Month 9/11 Tribute Center recognition.
Marie serves as an IUOE Local 15 Trustee and is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Trades Women Committee. She is a proud veteran, having served in the United States Navy for 13 years in the cargo handling unit. Presently, Marie is pursuing a certification in construction management/liberal arts degree.