In the past month, there have been significant changes to LIUNA’s General Executive Board, and consequently, to LHSFNA’s Board of Trustees. As of April 30, 2023, LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer and LHSFNA Labor Co-Chairman Armand E. Sabitoni and LHSFNA Management Co-Chairman Noel C. Borck retired following over two decades of service in their roles. Additionally, labor trustees Rocco Davis, John F. Penn and Raymond M. Pocino, as well as management trustee Kenneth N. Perry, have retired from the Board.

Throughout their tenure, Armand and Noel dedicated themselves to bettering the labor movement and providing working families with the opportunity to build meaningful and fruitful lives. These leaders recognized that a commitment to worker health and safety – both on and off the job – are a cornerstone of making that possible. As Co-Chairmen, they worked tirelessly to ensure the Fund operated at its full potential and that its staff used every resource available to fight for the health and safety of every worker. They’ve overseen the passage of crucial occupational safety and health legislation, advocated for the best health and welfare benefits possible for LIUNA members and provided guidance to keep our staff aligned with the Fund’s mission every day.

Armand E. Sabitoni

Armand is a lifelong Laborer who, over the course of his 54-year career, has served as a general construction laborer, Auditor, Vice President and President of LIUNA Local 271, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council, LIUNA Vice President and New England Regional Manager and Assistant to the General President. He was appointed Co-Chairman of the LHSFNA’s Board of Trustees in 1994. In 2001, he also became LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer.

“This union has been more than a career,” Armand said in his remarks at the recent LIUNA 120th Anniversary Conference. “It has been a calling and I can think of no greater purpose than to have served this great union that has helped so many working people build better lives.”

Armand’s unwavering commitment to this organization and to fighting for every single member out in the field is what made him such a remarkable leader. His leadership and oversight will be missed at the Fund. Effective May 1, 2023, LIUNA General President Brent Booker now serves as LHSFNA Labor Co-Chairman.

Noel C. Borck

Throughout his career, Noel has been a leader in labor management. Notably, he worked as Executive Vice President for the National Erectors’ Association and as an Employer Representative for CPWR – the Center for Construction Research and Training. He has served as a management trustee since the LHSFNA’s inception in 1988. Having been part of the Fund from its very beginning, Noel has helped usher us through decades of growth and development. He has provided extraordinary oversight and advocacy and remained committed to our mission: putting the health and safety of workers first.

“It has been an honor to serve on the LHSFNA’s Board of Trustees for the past 35 years,” said Noel. “From the very beginning, I’ve been impressed by this organization’s dedication to improve the lives of working men and women, as well as the partnership between labor and management it has fostered. I know the new chairmen understand the value of the Health and Safety Fund and are well-equipped with the skills and perspective to succeed.”

Noel will be succeeded by Trustee David F. Rampone, who assumed his duties as LHSFNA Management Co-Chairman effective May 1, 2023. Also effective May 1, 2023, the Fund is excited to welcome the following labor trustees to the Board: Michael F. Sabitoni, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer, Robert F. Abbott, LIUNA Vice President and Northwest Regional Manager, Michael E. Hellstrom, LIUNA Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager and Ernesto J. Ordonez, LIUNA Vice President and Pacific Southwest Regional Manager.

About the Board

Among the first comprehensive health and safety initiatives to be adopted in a union setting, the LHSFNA has taken the lead among organized labor employers in the development of a broad array of programs and services that benefit both labor and management. As such, our Board of Trustees is composed of representatives from both labor and management, embodying the common interest of union members and union employers in the areas of health and safety. These trustees use their industry expertise to govern the Fund and ensure we’re adhering to our mission: working for healthier Laborers and healthier employer bottom lines.

Following decades of exceptional leadership, guidance and oversight, the Fund is ushering in a new set of leaders who will build upon the great work of Armand and Noel. A changing of the guard provides us with a unique opportunity to take stock of our successes, identify our emerging opportunities and develop a plan to propel our work forward. We wish Armand and Noel a safe and happy retirement and are excited to welcome Brent, David and all of the new trustees to our Board. We know they will advance the Fund’s mission and continue to make a difference in the lives and livelihoods of all LIUNA members and affiliates.

[Hannah Sabitoni]