TWU’s International Executive Council unanimously put the finishing touches on important changes at the very top of the International Union to fill vacancies created by the retirement for medical reasons of President Michael T. O’Brien.

James C. Little was sworn in as TWU’s 8th International President on March 31, 2006, along with Harry Lombardo to replace Little as Executive Vice President, and Susan Resch replacing Lombardo as Vice President.

Secretary Treasurer John J. Kerrigan administered the oath of office at International headquarters. The event was witnessed by the International staff at headquarters, and live via teleconference to the Air Transport Division’s Regional Headquarters in Hurst, Texas.

O’Brien made the difficult decision to step down after a serious medical condition sidelined him since late December. In announcing his resignation, O’Brien said the decision was made easier in the knowledge that “the future of TWU is in good hands with Jim Little and Harry Lombardo in charge.”

Little comes out of Local 542 in Dallas, where he served as President for 12 years. He also steered the Air Transport Division for six years as its Director, and most recently as Executive Vice President since 2004. He was elected to a full four year term as Executive Vice President at TWU’s 22nd Constitutional Convention.

As per the TWU Constitution, Little automatically was elevated to President to replace O’Brien. However, the appointments of Lombardo and Resch required approval the Executive Council.

Lombardo cut his union teeth in Local 234 in Philadelphia, serving in numerous capacities in the Local including President for 7 years before joining the International staff in 1996.

Resch was a long time member and officer in Local 225 Branch 4 in South Jersey prior to joining the International staff in 2000. She was the key in-house organizer when she and her co-workers at the Township of Brick, NJ organized with Local 225 in 1972. She served as a shop steward, section officer and Section Chair from then until 1985, when the International chartered Local 225 Branch 4. At that time she was elected Local Recording Secretary and then moved up to Secretary Treasurer, a position she held until her appointment to the International staff.

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