Changes in Union Leadership

Tony Sapienza took over as the Business Manager/Financial Secretary with the retirement of Dick Rogers, effective October 1, 2020. He was unopposed in the Union election held this summer. Brother Sapienza had served as Assistant Business Manager for New Hampshire the previous two years. He realizes that taking over from Dick Rogers will be a tough act to follow.

“Dick left some big shoes to fill and I’m glad that he has offered to continue to work with us and provide advice when we need it,” Sapienza said. “I’m grateful for the mentoring and confidence he has provided me.

Tony is on a leave of absence from Eversource NH, where he began work as a System Electrician for Public Service Company

of New Hampshire (PSNH) nearly 35 years ago. Brother Sapienza has also served his union as an E-Board member, a Chief Steward and as Unit 2 (Manchester) Recording Secretary for over 20 years. He has also served as an Alderman for the City

of Manchester since 2015.

“I’ve always been grateful to my union for the wages that allowed me to raise four kids,” Tony said. “The union paycheck

made a big difference to my family.”

When he’s not working for our members, Tony and his wife Shirley enjoy Maine beaches, good food, family and friends.

Renee Gilman has beeen appointed as the new Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local #1837 by Business Manager Tony Sapienza after serving for five years as a Business Representative for the Union under Dick Rogers.

Before taking a position on the Union’s staff, Sister Gilman worked for 20 years in Customer Service at Bangor Hydro and Emera Maine, which is now Versant. She helped negotiate contracts under three IBEW Business Managers while there and served as a Steward and Recording Secretary for Unit 10. Renee grew up in a Union family and says being Union is a core value for her, and it’s how she’s raised her kids.

“My husband Aaron is a Lead Working Mechanic at Versant, and he’s been a Steward for years,” Renee said. “I think it’s crucial for all of us to make sure our families and our young people, understand the importance of Unions, especially in the midst of this pandemic. If there’s any doubt, just look at who became “essential employees” when everything else shut down.”

When not working, Renee and her husband Aaron (seen here) enjoy fishing, snowsledding, and being in the woods.