Leadership

The leadership of our Local is democratically elected every three years. 

Our most recent term began November 1, 2023.

President

Colin Smalley • he/him/his • president@ifpte777.org

Colin is a third-generation union member, and is a geographer professionally. He has been serving as the President of Local 777 since 2020. He serves as a Director of the IFPTE National Council of Army Corps of Engineers Locals, and as a Delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor. He has previously been a member of the American Federation of Teachers and the Laborers International Union of North America; and has served in roles in his local unions including grievance committee member, bargaining committee member (including turns as lead negotiator), Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. He has served as a delegate to Indiana and Illinois State AFL-CIO Conventions, as well as LIUNA and IFPTE Conventions. He has been a panelist at the Labor Notes conference and has been interviewed in print publications such as the New York Times, Jacobin, and In These Times; as well as on podcasts such as The Valley Labor Report, Working People, and From A to Arbitration. Colin enjoys spending his free time with his spouse and children, and biking around Chicago.

Secretary-Treasurer

Richelle "Chelle" Huston • secretary-treasurer@ifpte777.org

Chief Steward

David Wisniewski • chief-steward@ifpte777.org

David is a full-time construction control representative, and part-time security and property management consultant. He has been serving as the steward for the workers at the T.J. O’Brien Lock & Dam in Chicago for over a decade. He serves as a Director of the IFPTE National Council of Army Corps of Engineers Locals. He has previously been a member and 5th Vice President of Local 584 of the American Federation of Government Employees. He has assisted with contract negotiations and has served as a member of the partnership committee, raising concerns and advocating for the positions of the bargaining unit employees.

Executive Board Member

John Berens • he/him/his

John has served as a hydraulic engineer with USACE since 2020. Since moving to the Chicago District in 2022, John has sought out roles as a Steward and a Delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor for Local 777. John’s interest in participating in Local 777 comes from his belief in practicing direct action and mutual aid in the workplace. John is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys traveling with his friends and family.

Executive Board Member

Danielle Gregoire

Danielle has 10 years of civilian federal experience, as well as 8 years of prior military service. At 17 years old she enlisted in the Army Reserves and fulfilled an 8-year contract serving as a Diesel Mechanic in a Fuel Transportation unit. She started her civilian service in 2014 when she was hired as a Mil-tech. Since then, she has worked with the DoD, USPS, VA, and USACE. The bulk of her employment has been with the blue-collar community. Danielle has a big heart for the men and women in the field operating, maintaining, and repairing our structures.