United Steelworkers elects its 1st woman president

The United Steelworkers union, a Pittsburgh-based giant of organized labor, has selected its next leader.

International vice president Roxanne Brown secured the presidency in a unionwide election, the United Steelworkers announced Friday. She’ll become the 10th person and first woman to hold the top job.

Brown was the sole nominee for international president in an election process that started in June and stretched into the fall. Her four-year term as head of the 850,000-member union starts March 1.

“I’m committed to the work ahead and pledge to live up to the trust our members have shown in me,” Brown said in a statement. “Together, we will build an economy that works for all of us, a system that rewards workers rather than corporations, and a bright future for generations to come.”

Brown takes over for David McCall, who was a battlefield promotion in 2023 after the death of his predecessor, Tom Conway. Brown will pick up where McCall left off in a challenging national climate for unions.

“I can think of no one better qualified to lead our union as we navigate this unprecedented era of largely unchecked corporate greed,” McCall said in a statement.

Amber Miller, director of the union’s Rapid Response network, will take over for Brown as international vice president.

District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who covers Pennsylvania, won reelection.