New York, NY — The Union Labor Advisory Network (ULAnetwork) and the ULA Network Charitable Foundation proudly announce the appointment of John McDermott as Strategic Advisor, with a focused mandate to support the growth, structure, and long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s mission-driven initiatives.
McDermott will work closely with ULAnetwork leadership to expand and strengthen programs that connect union labor, workforce development, veterans services, and community-based economic opportunity. His advisory role will emphasize strategic partnerships, funding alignment, program design, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that the Foundation’s initiatives deliver measurable impact for union members and the communities they serve.
John began his career in the construction industry before transitioning into politics, where he worked on nine campaigns ranging from New York City Council to Presidential races. He later served as a union political director for a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local, deepening his commitment to labor advocacy and worker empowerment.
In 1999, McDermott joined the Consortium for Worker Education (CWE), the workforce and community development arm of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. There, he led new program development, grant acquisition, and strategic partnerships supporting education and workforce services for more than 50,000 New Yorkers annually.
Among the initiatives he helped create were:
Throughout his career, McDermott has built strong partnerships with labor-management coalitions, the NYC Department of Education, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of NY/NJ, the NYC Office of Veterans Services, the NYC Human Resources Administration, the City University of New York, and numerous community-based organizations.
In his role as Strategic Advisor, McDermott will focus specifically on supporting the ULA Network Charitable Foundation’s economic development and workforce initiatives, including:
“John’s experience sits at the intersection of trade unionism, workforce development, and public policy,” said Michael V. Fina, Founder and Executive Director of ULAnetwork. “His guidance will help us scale responsibly, deepen institutional partnerships, and ensure our Foundation initiatives remain focused on sustainable economic opportunity for union families and our communities.”
McDermott added:
“The Union Labor Advisory Network is uniquely positioned to combine media, education, and direct workforce initiatives into a unified strategy that strengthens unions while expanding access to opportunity. I am proud to support the Foundation’s efforts to build lasting economic pathways rooted in union labor.”
The Union Labor Advisory Network (ULAnetwork) is a mission-driven media and workforce development platform dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting union labor and the communities it serves. Through strategic storytelling, charitable initiatives, apprenticeship awareness, veterans programming, and cross-sector partnerships, ULAnetwork advances high-road economic development models rooted in strong union careers.
The ULA Network is dedicated to honoring the strength and solidarity of union labor by educating, connecting, and empowering individuals through shared experiences, opportunities, and support. Our mission is to uplift families and communities by promoting the value of union careers, economic development, and workforce resilience. Through collaboration and storytelling, we aim to build a future where every person understands the power of unity, dignity in work, and the promise of a better tomorrow. http://www.ulanetwork.com Subscribe to the ULA Network for more interviews, insights, and inspiration about union labor, skilled trades, and the opportunities waiting for you in the construction industry!
The ULA Network would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for believing in our mission to support educate and promote our union labor family and our communities. To learn more visit: https://www.ulanetwork.com/supporters