Eighth District International Representative Scott Hudson was appointed Director of Construction Organizing for Membership Development, effective September 1.

A native of Billings, Mont., Brother Hudson was initiated into Billings Local 532 in 1975, working as an inside wireman. Attending school in Billings, he was a member of the Teamsters and Laborers unions before joining the IBEW.

Serving on Local 532's bargaining committee, he was appointed organizer/staff representative in 1993. In 2002 he was appointed assistant business manager before becoming business manager in 2003.

Local 532 represents inside, outside, telecommunications and utility workers throughout southern Montana. Hudson was active in enhancing the local's training program, ensuring Local 532 continued to produce the best trained electrical workers in the state.

Hudson also served as president of the Southeastern Montana Building Trades Council and as delegate to the Yellowstone Valley Central Labor Council.

In 2007, he was appointed International Representative for the Eighth District. Based in Utah, he was responsible for servicing Salt Lake City Locals 57 and 354 and Delta, Utah, Local 1619.

"I thank President Hill for this opportunity," says Hudson. "I'm committed to working tirelessly to make sure the IBEW continues to grow, assuring that our Brotherhood remains the right choice for workers and contractors alike."

The IBEW officers, staff and membership wish Brother Hudson much success in his new position.

The IBEW is saddened to report the September 27, 2010, death of retired International Representative Owen "Linn" Kerth at the age of 87.

A native of Padukah, Ky., Brother Kerth was initiated into Local 816 in 1948, serving as president and business manager before his appointment as Kentucky state industrial relations commissioner. He served in that office from 1959 to 1962, during which time he chaired the International Association of Governmental Labor Officials' joint Canadian/United States minimum wage committee.

He was also president of the Padukah Building Trades Council, the city central labor council and the Western Kentucky Area Labor Council. He served on the Council on Industrial Relations several times.

He was appointed Fourth District International Representative in 1962, then moved to the International Office the following year, where he worked in the Construction and Maintenance Department. A member of the Masons who also enjoyed sports, Brother Kerth was known around the office for his sense of humor. He retired in 1983.

The IBEW officers, staff and members wish Brother Kerth's children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends and family our most heartfelt condolences.