Wilmington, North Carolina • September 2025
Scott O’Donnell – Sponsor & Advocate for Working Families
Scott O’Donnell was honored to attend the 68th Annual Convention of the North Carolina AFL-CIO as a personal sponsor, investing his own resources to support the state’s labor movement and the leaders who champion working families every day.
More than 350 union members, statewide leaders, community organizers, and elected officials gathered in Wilmington for a powerful three-day event focused on leadership transitions, legislative priorities, and building long-term economic security for workers across North Carolina.
Connections Strengthened With Regional Labor Leadership
Throughout the convention, Scott spent time meeting and reconnecting with influential labor leaders from across the Carolinas and the broader Southern labor community, including:
- Braxton Winston II – President, North Carolina AFL-CIO
- MaryBe McMillan – Outgoing President, North Carolina AFL-CIO
- Boris Gibson – President, South Carolina AFL-CIO
- Yvonne T. Brooks – President, Georgia AFL-CIO
- Sean M. O’Brien – General President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
- Lindsay McClelland – Vice President, South Carolina AFL-CIO
- Denicia L. Montford – Executive Director, NC APRI
- Jeremy Sprinkle – Communications Director & Operations Manager, NC AFL-CIO
These conversations helped deepen relationships across state lines and support ongoing regional collaboration within the Southern labor movement.
A New Era of Leadership: Braxton Winston Elected President
A major milestone of this year’s convention was the election of Braxton Winston II of IATSE Local 322 as the next President of the North Carolina AFL-CIO.
Delegates united behind Winston’s bold vision for a modern, worker-centered labor movement— one that strengthens organizing capacity, advances worker protections, and builds statewide solidarity. His election marks an important turning point in North Carolina’s labor future.
Honoring President MaryBe McMillan’s 20 Years of Service
The convention also celebrated MaryBe McMillan’s remarkable 20-year tenure of service, leadership, and advocacy.
Her unwavering commitment has expanded worker protections, strengthened union visibility, and uplifted tens of thousands of working families across the state.
Scott was honored to be present for this historic moment and joined leaders statewide in expressing deep gratitude for her legacy.
A Gathering Driven by Power, Purpose & Progress
The convention brought together leaders from across North Carolina and beyond to:
- Celebrate transitions in leadership
- Strengthen cross-state and regional alliances
- Share strategies for advancing worker protections
- Engage in policy conversations and organizing updates
- Build momentum for a more unified and effective labor movement
The atmosphere throughout the event was energized, purposeful, and deeply committed to the belief that every worker deserves dignity, opportunity, and economic security.
Scott O’Donnell’s Ongoing Support for North Carolina’s Labor Community
Scott remains deeply committed to supporting North Carolina’s unions through:
- Advocacy for financially empowering benefit solutions
- Strengthening cross-union collaboration
- Supporting legislative and organizing efforts
- Building relationships rooted in trust, respect, and shared values
- Standing with leaders who fight every day for the well-being of working families
Scott looks forward to continuing these partnerships and contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more secure future for North Carolina’s labor community.
