Washington, D.C. – June 21, 2022 – North America’s Building Trades Unions announced today that Melissa Wells has been named Special Assistant to the President.

Wells comes to NABTU with an extensive policy background. She currently represents the 40th district in the Maryland House of Delegates and serves as Deputy Majority Whip, 2nd Vice-Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, and the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Legislative Review Board. Prior to joining NABTU, Wells served the Baltimore-DC Building Trades Council as Baltimore Director, leading the growth of Apprenticeship Readiness Programs and community partnership development. Wells, who began her new position this month, will report directly to NABTU President Sean McGarvey.

“We are excited Melissa has joined the NABTU team,” said Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions. “Melissa’s wealth of experience in policy, labor and community development will be an incredible asset for our organization. Her first-hand knowledge of NABTU’s grassroots efforts makes her a great representative and spokesperson for leveraging and expanding our career pathway programs to transform lives and lift up more people into the middle class through career opportunities in union construction.”

In her role, Wells will work closely with international affiliates, state and local councils, as well as industry partners, with a particular focus on all matters related to workforce development and career pathway programs. She will also coordinate and advise on activities throughout the country to develop, integrate and articulate NABTU’s prioritization of diversity and inclusion through policy advancement and recruitment and retention strategies.

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