Welcoming Our New Leadership at the Chicago News Guild

The Chicago News Guild is proud to welcome our newly elected leadership team. At a moment of rapid change and uncertainty in our country, this transition marks both continuity and renewal: continuity in our shared commitment to strong union values, and renewal in the energy, ideas, and perspectives our new leaders bring to the table.

Before we bring in the new guard, we want to thank our outgoing leaders for their dedication and service. President Andy Grimm, Secretary Tim Campbell, and VP Scott Quider all worked to strengthen our local, defend our members, and helped guide us through challenges that required resilience, creativity, and solidarity. The foundation they built makes it possible for new leaders to step forward with confidence, and we are so grateful for their time and care.

We are excited to welcome President Owen Schmidt, Co-Vice President Kaitlin Washburn, Co-Vice President Ramah Kudaimi, Co-Treasurer David Mulcahey, and Secretary Shawn Mulcahy. We also welcome back some familiar faces: Co-Treasurer Omar Salem and Co-Vice President Billy Rivi have retained their respective seats for 2026-2028. Each of them brings a strong track record of involvement, advocacy, and collaboration, along with a clear belief in the power of collective action. They step into these roles with a true understanding of the realities facing workers in Chicago and a shared determination to meet those realities head-on.

Our new leadership has made clear that they are committed to listening to members, communicating transparently, and building power across shops. That means showing up for contract negotiation support, for grievance support, for organizing efforts, and for moments when solidarity matters most. It also means creating space for new voices, encouraging member involvement, and strengthening connections across the Guild.

This is not the work of a few people alone. A strong Chicago News Guild depends on engaged members, active stewards, and a culture of mutual support. As we welcome our new leaders, we also encourage every member to stay involved: attend meetings, ask questions, share ideas, and help shape the priorities of our local. The strength of our union has always come from the people who make it up.

Please join us in congratulating our new leadership team and thanking them for stepping up to serve. We look forward to the year ahead and to continuing the work of protecting journalism, supporting workers, and standing together as the Chicago News Guild.

In solidarity,

The Chicago News Guild