Jody Calemine Named AFL-CIO Advocacy Director

TL/DR -

The AFL-CIO has appointed Jody Calemine as its director of advocacy, succeeding Bill Samuel. Calemine, who recently served as senior fellow and director of labor and employment policy at the Century Foundation, will be the chief lobbyist and director of government affairs for the 12.5 million-member federation. Calemine has approximately 25 years of experience in government and the labor movement, having worked in roles such as general counsel and chief of staff at the Communications Workers of America, and in the U.S. House of Representatives on labor and education policy.

Jody Calemine Appointed as AFL-CIO's Advocacy Director

The AFL-CIO has announced the appointment of Jody Calemine as its new Director of Advocacy, succeeding retiring Bill Samuel. Calemine, previously a senior fellow and director of labor and employment policy at the Century Foundation, will serve as the federation's chief lobbyist and oversee government affairs for its 12.5 million members.

“Jody's extensive experience and commitment to the labor movement equip him to successfully lead the federation in legislative and policy priorities. We thank Bill Samuel for his 24 years of service, transforming the AFL-CIO into a legislative powerhouse on Capitol Hill,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

Before joining the Century Foundation, Calemine worked as the general counsel and then chief of staff at the Communications Workers of America (CWA) from 2014 to 2023. His role involved managing the union's legal strategies on collective action, employment discrimination, and challenges to anti-worker state laws.

With more than a decade of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives working on labor and education policy, Calemine played a central role in enacting key legislation such as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 and Affordable Care Act.

A West Virginia native, Calemine holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and American government, and a juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. He began his law career as headquarters counsel at CWA, specializing in public sector labor matters at the union-side firm of Zwerdling, Paul, Kahn, and Wolly.

For more information, contact Isabel Aldunate at 202-637-5018.

---
Read More USA Works News