Join Local 2 in congratulating Jim Cassidy on his upcoming retirement and celebrating a decade of dedicated leadership as Business Manager, along with the many years of commitment and service he has given to the organization and its members.
“This Local means everything to me and my family. I am forever grateful to be a part of this organization,” Cassidy says.
Before Cassidy began his tenure as business manager, he also served on the executive board as business agent/recording secretary, business manager/financial secretary, president, and as co-chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee and the Pension and Annuity Committee.
Since 2016, Cassidy has led the Insulators through many changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of great uncertainty. One of his proudest achievements as a leader was launching a social media outreach initiative to members during this time, advocating for their mental health.
“Ever since I was a child, I have struggled with my own mental health. I turned to alcohol to help me cope, and we all know that is not the answer,” says Cassidy. “I thought that if I quit drinking, everything would be ok but quickly found out that I needed a lot more help. Men, especially, were afraid to get help, so I wanted to let them know they were not alone.”
He took the stance that mental health should be a priority for all Local 2 brothers and sisters and launched regular and concentrated videos focused on mental health even after the immediate threat of the pandemic was over. These discussions about taboo topics inspired more than just Local 2 members as well as union members across the country.
“I know it sounds cliché, but I never did anything on my own; I’ve always had good Business Agents, Presidents, executive board members and committee members, including contractors, that made these changes possible,” he said.
Cassidy would like to thank his wife, Kim, his uncle, Rick Suchma, and his aunt, Marlene, for all their support. Suchma served as Local 2 President for many years, and his advice guided Cassidy through his time in leadership positions.
He also appreciates his co-workers in the office, everyone he worked for in his early career, and previous leadership.
“I want to thank the membership for letting me represent them all these years,” Cassidy said. “I am truly grateful and ask that they put their faith in the new leadership and help them to keep our Local strong for another 120 years.”