International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble and International Executive Council Chair Joe Calabro were elected to five-year terms on the opening day of the 41st IBEW International Convention.
In gracious acceptance speeches, both men celebrated the IBEW’s growth and other successes in recent years while they pledged to achieve even more going forward.
“We have created a bigger, better, stronger IBEW — and we’re just getting started,” said Noble, who was Sixth District international vice president before he was appointed to his current role.
Calabro, who represented the IEC First District before being elevated to Chair in January, is the council’s longest-serving member, as well as business manager of Newark, N.J., Local 1158.
“It is an honor I do not take lightly, and I will work every day to maintain your trust,” Calabro told delegates. “I’ve held many titles throughout my career. But no matter what title I’ve had in front of my name, I’ve always been dedicated to one thing: serving the hard-working brothers and sisters of the IBEW.”
Nominations also took place Monday morning for international president. Kenneth W. Cooper and Mike Richard were nominated.
The election for international president will be held Tuesday morning.
Noble and Cooper, previously international secretary-treasurer, were appointed by the IEC to their positions in January 2023 when Lonnie R. Stephenson retired as international president.
Noble’s nomination for a full term came from Steve Hughart, business manager of West Frankfort, Ill., Local 702, the same job Noble once held.
“We always knew we could count on Paul to do the right thing,” said Hughart, who’s known Noble more than 30 years. “He is an organizer, he is a leader, and I’m proud to call him my friend.”
Colin Lavin, business manager of Diamond Bar, Calif., Local 47 — one of the convention’s three host locals — nominated Calabro.
Extolling Calabro’s many contributions to the IBEW, Lavin said, “He leads with humility, kindness, and strength, always focused on representing working people and protecting the dignity of our members.”
