Donnie has been a member of Teamsters Local 743 for more than 25 years. He began his career with Chicago’s Spiegel Company in 1983. In 1988, Donnie joined Local 743 as an organizer and business agent. From 1988-1994, he served as the local’s Assistant Director of Organizing. In 1996, he was elected Secretary-Treasurer. In 1998, he began a 10-year career as a teacher. In 2008, Donnie returned to Local 743 to resume his career as an organizer. Donnie earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Kansas.
Debra has been active within Teamsters Local 743 for three decades. She began her career as a transport specialist with Rush University Medical Center. After being elected steward, she was able to interact with members daily and join six negotiations committees. In 2008, Debra became a business agent for Local 743. As the newly elected Secretary-Treasurer, she’ll continue to proudly serve members every day.
A one-time representative with UNITE, Emma Moreno joined Teamsters Local 743 more than four years ago as a community organizer. Born and raised in Mexico, Emma moved to Chicago with the desire to help Hispanic laborers and all workers gain the rights and respect they deserve. Three years ago, Emma moved from organizing to union representation and began assisting Local 743 members with Arrow Plastics, Water Saver, Economy Box Supply, Rush University and other units. She was officially appointed the local’s Vice President in October 2011. Emma is a bilingual mother of four, who earned a degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Mexico.
Since 1986, Robert has worked with the Central States Health & Welfare Pension Fund. After 25 years, he now serves Teamsters in Central States’ Research Department, processing medical claims to ensure members receive the best possible benefits. Robert has been a Teamster steward for more than 20 years and was previously a member of Teamsters Local 330 before joining Teamsters Local 743. Raised in a union home, Robert strongly believes in giving back to the community. He is currently a high school coach and umpire. Robert is an avid baseball fan and once played in the minor leagues for the White Sox.
Tracy began her union career in 1994 at Cermak Health Services of Cook County as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, where she was a member of AFSCME Local 1111. In 1999, she joined Teamsters Local 743 and began working at Provident Hospital of Cook County. As a rank-and-file member for 11 years, she has always been an advocate for members’ rights. She became a steward in 2009 and continues to fight for dignity and respect for all members. Tracy is passionate about women’s issues and regularly volunteers at women’s shelters. She is a member of the Chicago Pharmacist Association and the Local 743 Women’s Committee. A proud “basketball mom,” she is the mother of one son.
A member of Teamsters Local 743 for nearly 20 years, James currently works in the Environmental Service Department of Rush University Medical Center. For the last three years, he has served members as a loyal and dedicated steward. James is also a union musician and professional percussionist. His band, The Soul People, has been performing in Chicago since 2002.
Gary has been a Teamster for over 30 years. In the 1970s, he was recruited as a steward at the University of Chicago by legendary Local 743 organizer Regina Polk. Gary has helped negotiate several contracts, and assisted in rewriting the local’s bylaws. Elected to the Executive Board as a Trustee in 2010, he looks forward to the challenges of defending members and bringing the advantages of Teamster membership to all workers.
