Eric Dean was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His career as an Ironworker began in December 1980 when he joined the Apprenticeship Program as a fourth generation Local Union No. 63, Chicago, Illinois, Ironworker. He completed his Apprenticeship Program in 1984 and went on to become a Journeyman, Foreman, and Apprentice Instructor. Eric became a Local Union officer in 1989 and held various offices within the Local.
In 1999 he was appointed General Organizer of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers working in the Department of Ornamental, Architectural and Miscellaneous Metals. In 2005 he became President of the Chicago and Vicinity District Council of Iron Workers. He was appointed 9th General Vice President in 2008. Effective February 1, 2011 he was appointed General Secretary of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. In August 2011 he was elected by the Delegates to the 42nd International Convention as General Secretary for a five-year term. In February 2013 he graduated from the Harvard Labor Trade Program.
On April 22, 2015 Eric Dean was unanimously elected General President by the General Executive Council of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers effective July 1, 2015. On May 29, 2015 Eric was elected Secretary of the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans (NCCMP). As General President, he is a member of the Building and Construction Trades Department’s Governing Board of Presidents.
He is married and the proud father of three and one granddaughter. He and his wife, Judy, relocated to Alexandria, Virginia.
