Chavez-Thompson Retiring from AFL-CIO After 12 Years as EVP

Linda Chavez-Thompson, the AFL-CIO's executive vice president for 12 years, has announced she will retire this month from what she called "the greatest job I have ever had."

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, "In everything she has done, she has broken new pathways for the labor movement," citing her work rejuvenating state and local labor alliances, efforts on civil, human and women's rights and leadership on immigration issues.

Chavez-Thompson rose through the ranks of AFSCME, ultimately serving as international vice president, before being elected to her current position in 1995. As a second-generation Mexican-American, she is the first person of color to serve in one of the AFL-CIO's three highest offices.

Upon retiring Sept. 21, Chavez-Thompson will become the executive vice president emerita of the federation. With executive council approval, she will continue to chair the council's immigration committee, advise state federations and labor councils, and serve as president of the Inter-American Regional Organization of Workers, among other assignments.

Sweeney said he is nominating Arlene Holt-Baker, a top assistant to Sweeney and formerly to Chavez-Thompson, to fill the remaining two years of the executive vice president's term. Previously an area director for AFSCME, Holt-Baker oversaw organizing and political activity in California.