James F. Whitehead
Area Coordinator

James “Jimmy” Whitehead entered the elevator industry in April of 1979. His field career gained him a broad exposure to the industry. His experiences were varied both in work positions and company employment. Jimmy started with Otis Elevator Company in Dallas, Texas, Local #21. There his field experience consisted of working as a MIC in construction. After construction he worked in repair, modernization and finally maintenance for Otis. While at Otis he passed the NEIEP Mechanic's exam in October of 1982. His future field career at other companies would be in maintenance. In May of 1990 he left Otis to work for U.S. Elevator Company. Thyssen acquired U.S. Elevator while Jimmy was there. In August of 1994 Jimmy went to work for Armor Kone. They purchased Montgomery while Jimmy was there and changed their name to Montgomery Kone since the Montgomery name was so well respected in Texas.

Jimmy has been an active union member of Local #21 Dallas, Texas throughout his career. In September of 1996 he became their Business Representative. In that position he was responsible for monitoring and administering their NEIEP Program, new hires, organizing and labor issues. Jim was active with the Texas Elevator Advisory Board by not missing a meeting since September of 1996. Jim registered the NEIEP Program with the State of Texas, which allowed veterans to receive educational benefits.

Jim has been a delegate to many labor organizations. He has been active with the Dallas, Ft. Worth, and National Building Trades, becoming a Trustee for the Dallas Building Trades. He was also active in Central Labor Councils for Dallas and Ellis County. He holds positions as a Trustee on the Ellis County Central Labor Council and is Vice-President of the Dallas Central Labor Council. Jim was a Delegate to the Texas State Democratic Convention in 2002.

Locally, in Dallas, Jim volunteers for the United Way and campaigns for labor endorsed candidates. In joining the EIWPF he brings with him an Associates and Bachelor of Science degrees, both with honors.

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