D.B. Kenner elected Chairman of Montana State Legislative Board
CLEVELAND, July 13 — D.B. Kenner was elected by acclamation to serve as Chairman of the Montana State Legislative Board during the Board’s quadrennial meeting in Billings, Mont., June 12-13, 2012.
Brother Kenner, a member of BLET Division 195 (Forsyth, Mont.), is a BNSF locomotive engineer. He first joined the Brotherhood on September 1, 2004. Immediately prior to his election, Brother Kenner served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Montana State Legislative Board.
Incumbent Chairman Craig A. Gilchrist did not seek reelection after having served the Board for 12 years, winning elections in 2008, 2004 and 2000. However, he was elected to continue serving as 2nd Vice Chairman, allowing him to devote more time to his family as he prepares for retirement.
Also elected by acclamation were the following officers: 1st Vice Chairman James S. Cowan, Division 262 (Missoula, Mont.); Secretary-Treasurer Kris Melone, Division 504 (Great Falls, Mont.); 2nd Vice Chairman Craig A. Gilchrist, Division 298 (Glasgow, Mont.); and Alternate Secretary-Treasurer Barry E. Green, Division 180 (Glendive, Mont.).
Three members were elected by acclamation to serve on the Audit Committee, including: W.C. (Cory) Holmes, Division 392 (Havre, Mont.); Joe A. Courtney, Division 499 (Whitefish, Mont.); and Barry E. Green, Division 180.
BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce expressed regret that he was not able to attend the meeting, but thanked Chairman Kenner and all officers of the Montana State Legislative Board for their dedication to the Brotherhood. President Pierce also thanked outgoing Chairman Gilchrist for his passionate dedication and outstanding service to the Brotherhood over the past many years.
Representing the National Division at the meeting were: First Vice President E. Lee Pruitt; National Secretary-Treasurer William C. Walpert; Vice President and National Legislative Representative John P. Tolman; Special Representative David B. Ditzel; Special Representative and Coordinator of Education and Training Ken N. Kroeger; and Special Representative Rick A. Olson.
Additional special guests included: Cory L. Runion, Chairman of the Wyoming State Legislative Board; and Al Ekbald, Executive Secretary of the Montana State AFL-CIO.
Members of the Board conducted business for the good of the Order and discussed strategy for the upcoming elections, including local and state elections in Montana as well as the national elections coming up in November.
The BLET’s Montana State Legislative Board was founded on May 17, 1904.
Friday, July 13, 2012
bentley@ble.org
