Officers + Staff

UFCW 951 Leadership

A democratic organization, UFCW 951 members elect their leadership every three years. Three officers and an executive board composed of rank-and-file members, just like you, are elected to lead the union. The board meets regularly to approve the union’s activities which are implemented and overseen on a day-to-day basis by the officers.

John Cakmakci

UFCW 951 President

John Cakmakci was elected UFCW 951’s president in 2013. A union member for more than 35 years, he brings extensive experience to the office of president. As a high school student, John joined the union when he began working for Kroger. He went on to work his way through college as a Jewel food clerk, where he was elected steward by his co-workers at age 18. In 1981, John was elected to the executive board of UFCW Local 36 in Kalamazoo, which later merged with UFCW 951.

Early on, John served as a volunteer union organizer, helping workers at Knouse Foods, Dowagiac Nursing Home and Harding’s stores achieve union representation. By the time he graduated from college, John was elected to the union’s executive board. In 1985, shortly after completing his graduate degree, John was hired as a UFCW 951 union representative.

As a UFCW 951 staff member, John’s experience includes organizing, contract negotiations and office management. In recent years, John was the director of the local’s field staff, organizers and collective bargaining departments. In 2008, he was elected as UFCW 951’s secretary-treasurer, and in 2013 became UFCW 951’s president.

Courtney Phillips

UFCW 951 Secretary-Treasurer

Courtney Phillips became a UFCW 951 member in 2005 when she joined as a member of the field staff. She worked her way up through the ranks, as a team supervisor, training supervisor, and director of the Local’s entire field staff team. Courtney grew up in a working-class union family and prior to joining UFCW 951, she worked as an organizer for another labor union. Throughout her career, Courtney has advocated for workers as a union representative, bargained contracts, and worked on organizing campaigns. She has served as a member of the UFCW 951 Executive Board since 2023 and is a member of the Labor Heritage Society of West Michigan board of directors. Courtney was appointed Secretary-Treasurer in March 2024.

Todd Regis

UFCW 951 Recorder

Todd Regis serves as the Director of Legislative and Community Affairs for the local and has been serving as Vice President on the Executive Board until he was appointed Recorder in January 2023.

Regis joined the local as a teen when he was hired as a courtesy clerk at Meijer #21 in Kalamazoo. During his college years, he served members at his store as a union steward while working third shift. He has 40 years of active membership with the local and has been on staff for 34 years, during which he has also served as a union representative and field team leader.

Executive Board

UFCW 951’s executive board is comprised of the president, secretary-treasurer, recorder, two executive vice presidents, and numerous vice presidents. The board meets quarterly to conduct union business and to authorize expenditures. The board functions on the membership’s behalf, making critical decisions under the guiding principle of doing what is best for current members and strengthening the local union for future generations. Your vice presidents are listed below:

  • Western Region

    Lori Baker, Meijer #119

    Karla Calkins, Meijer #195

    Tequan Compton, JBS

    James Flowers, Meijer  #158

    Amanda Foltice, Meijer #311

    Jeffrey Frederickson, Meijer #50

    Kristy Geldersma, Meijer #201

    Teresa Jones, Meijer #310

    Devin Senneker, UFCW 951

  • Eastern Region

    Karen Hampton, Meijer #63

    Dawanda Hollie, Meijer #286

    Anthony Larkin, Meijer #27
    Anthony Murphy, Meijer #242

    Jamie Peacock, Meijer #173

    Stephen Speare, Meijer #882

    Brad Wilson, UFCW 951

  • Central Region

    Sharon Clover, Meijer #315

    Tammy Hunt, Kroger #887

    Nizigama Judita, Meijer #86

    Jessica Timko, Meijer #209

    Jason Palomba, Meijer #971

    Courtney Phillips, UFCW 951

    Kathy Stevens, Meijer #69

  • UFCW 951 Staff

    UFCW 951 members have an experienced and dedicated staff working for them in a variety of capacities. Every day and in a variety of ways, the UFCW 951 staff works to make members’ lives better and the local union stronger and more efficient. Some staff members spend their time in the field visiting members’ workplaces making sure their contract is being followed, while others meet with employees at non-union companies to help them achieve the protections of a union contract. Other staff members spend most of their time at the union office, managing the local’s finances, maintaining accurate member records, producing membership communications, and developing membership programs. When needed, staff members lead union contract negotiations and represent members’ best interests in the political arena.

    Union Representatives

    UFCW 951 union representatives are committed to helping members. Each union representative is assigned to assist members at several workplaces. Union representatives make regular visits to members’ workplaces to check in with them regarding working conditions, questions about their union contract, potential contract violations, and other issues that may affect them as UFCW 951 members. Union representatives will also have information about the latest union events, scholarships and discounts.

    Find your union representative here or call the UFCW 951 office at 1.800.999.0951.

    Union representatives are required to return all calls from members within 24 hours.

    Union Organizers

    UFCW 951 organizers understand the many challenges workers face on the job, and help those who need a voice in the workplace gain union representation. Union organizers educate workers about their rights, explain the union organizing process and help workers win union representation despite their employer’s union-busting efforts.

    Organizing new workplaces not only brings the benefits of a union contract and representation to workers employed there, but it also protects current members’ contracts and strengthens the local union. UFCW 951’s organizers help workers make real improvements in their living and working conditions by building power in the workplace and winning legally binding union contract with employers.

    If you’re interested in more information about what it takes to bring the union to your workplace, click here.

    UFCW 951 Office Staff

    The UFCW 951 office is home to several departments.

    Members of the local’s Communications Department produce all of the union’s print and electronic media, develop membership and steward trainings, and coordinate member events, discounts and special services. The department welcomes your input.

    The local’s Finance Department oversees all of the local’s financial and accounting operations including budgeting, investments and cash flow analysis to make sure UFCW 951 remains a financially strong organization with the ability to provide excellent service to the membership.

    Members of the Business Office Department perform a variety of duties to ensure the smooth operation of the union including clerical support, data processing, building and equipment maintenance, dues processing and technological support. You can contact them if you have a question about your union dues.