Robert Allen Spears

Allen began his career in the electrical industry after graduating from high school in 1976. He completed a four year apprenticeship in the electrical trade and an additional year of electrical code training before passing an exam for his Master Electrician License for Baltimore City in 1983. While working as a foreman electrician on a construction site, Allen had the opportunity to go to work for a small independent elevator company thus beginning his career in the elevator industry in 1986. Allen worked construction for this company until completing his mechanics exam in 1990 and then went to work for Millar Elevator as a route mechanic.

Allen was asked at an IUEC Local 7 Union meeting to temporarily fill in for the Recording Secretary, which was the begining of his years of service to Local Union 7, Baltimore. Allen was elected to the office of Recording Secretary in 1991 and served until his appointment to Business Representative in 2001. He completed the New Leader Training course at the Meany Center in 2001 and completed the Frontline Political Coordinator Training of the Building and Construction Trades Department in 2002. After serving four years as Business Representative of Local 7, in 2004 he was elected to the position of Business Manager/Financial Secretary. Allen also served as Warden of the Baltimore Building Trades Council for several years. In April of 2004 Allen was appointed to the position of Trustee to the National Elevator Industry Health Benefit Plan where he currently serves. He also currently serves on the JATC for Local 7.

Allen has been a NEIEP Instructor since 1997 and has completed several NEIEP training courses including Train the Trainer, Hydro Controller Troubleshooting Lab and Motor Generator Lab. Allen has completed the OSHA 500 course and the Disaster Response Training. He also earned his EIWPF-QEI certification in May of 2005.

Allen started with the EIWPF in January of 2007 as a National Coordinator. He has instructed portions of the QEI curriculum for the fund and has assisted in the continued development of the Residential Lift Program. He is now responsible for the Grant Programs offered and serves on the EIWPF Financial Committee. Allen became the Lead National Coordinator in 2008 and in April of 2013 he was appointed National Director of EIWPF by General President Christensen.