Directors Bio

Robert LaVenture was appointed director of District 12 in May, 2009, to succeed Terry Bonds, who retired.

Prior to his appointment by the International Executive Board, LaVenture had been an assistant to the director of District 12.

A native of Wisconsin, LaVenture joined the union when he went to work at an International Harvester foundry in Waukesha, Wis., in 1970 after high school graduation.

Once his probation period was up at International Harvester, now Navistar, he joined Local Union 3740 and accepted an appointment as a local trustee. He later served as local union steward and vice president before being elected president of the local, a position he held for five terms.

While local president, LaVenture was involved in developing the Navistar Education Center, the first employee education center in Wisconsin. The center was replicated in 11 locations across the state.

In 1988, LaVenture worked briefly as a state AFL-CIO coordinator assisting in the setup of the education centers. He joined the USW staff in 1989 to service the Milwaukee area in what was formerly District 32.

In 1993, he transferred to Concord, Calif., in what was then former District 39. Four years later, in 1998, he moved to Oklahoma as a staff representative to fill a vacancy and a year later became sub director for Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Director Bonds asked LaVenture to relocate to Albuquerque, N.M, in 2003 as an assistant director. His duties included, among other things, assisting the staff in negotiations. He was also dues and first contract coordinator.

LaVenture also serves on the Advisory Board of the Institute for Career Development (ICD).

USW District 12

3150 Carlisle Blvd., NE

Suite 110

Albuquerque, NM 87110

505.878.9756 - Telephone

505.878.0763 - FAX

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