San Juan, Puerto Rico • December 3–5, 2025
Union Plan 125 was honored to support and participate in the 2025 Meeting of the South Central Council AFL-CIO, held December 3–5 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This regional gathering brought together national AFL-CIO leadership, state federation presidents, officers, and trusted labor partners from across the South Central region to strengthen collaboration and align priorities impacting working families.
The meeting served as an important forum for shared learning, strategic planning, and relationship-building across states and territories.
Leadership & Speakers in Attendance
The meeting convened under the leadership of Doris Crouse-Mays, President of the Virginia AFL-CIO and Chair of the South Central Council, with participation from senior national and regional AFL-CIO leadership.
Speakers and participants included:
National & Regional AFL-CIO Leadership
Liz Shuler, International President, AFL-CIO
Charles Clark, South Central Regional Director, AFL-CIO
Nelly Martinez, Puerto Rico AFL-CIO
Elissa Johnson, Vice President, Criminal Justice Campaigns
Samantha Smith, Strategic Advisor to the President, AFL-CIO
Tiffany Heath, Director of State & Local Government Affairs, AFL-CIO
Sara Duran, AFL-CIO
Jody Calamine, AFL-CIO
Francine Thompson, Senior Administrator, AFL-CIO
State Federation Presidents & Officers
Yvonne Brooks, Georgia AFL-CIO
Forrest Bennett, Oklahoma AFL-CIO
Bren Riley, Alabama AFL-CIO
Kim Holdridge, Florida AFL-CIO
Gerald S. Sale, Arkansas AFL-CIO
Matt Woods, Louisiana AFL-CIO
Billy Dycus, Tennessee AFL-CIO
Boris Gibson, South Carolina AFL-CIO
Braxton Winston, North Carolina AFL-CIO
Josh Sword, West Virginia AFL-CIO
James Williams, Secretary-Treasurer, Georgia AFL-CIO
A.J. Parker, Secretary-Treasurer, Tennessee AFL-CIO
James Duke, Secretary-Treasurer, South Carolina AFL-CIO
Jason Parker, Secretary-Treasurer, Virginia AFL-CIO
Labor & Allied Partners
William Lawson, Florida AFL-CIO
Lacy Martin, American Income Life
Lindsay McClelland, American Income Life / Vice President, South Carolina AFL-CIO
Trent Chastain, Bank of Labor
Mitch Stevens, CEO, Union Plus
Union Plan 125
Scott O’Donnell, Founder & President, Union Plan 125
Meeting Focus & Regional Priorities
Across three days, council leaders engaged in discussions centered on:
- National AFL-CIO updates and regional coordination
- State federation reports on legislative, political, and organizing priorities
- A virtual address from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
- Emerging trends, including artificial intelligence and its impact on state legislation
- Data-driven strategy for organizing and policy planning
- Council business and planning for the 2026 South Central Council meeting
Union Plan 125 Engagement
Representing Union Plan 125, Scott O’Donnell participated as a speaker and engaged with council leaders and federation presidents in conversations focused on long-term planning, financial sustainability, and compliant benefit strategies that support union members and organizations.
Scott expressed deep appreciation for the invitation to participate in this highly respected and select gathering of labor leadership, noting what an honor it was to be included alongside national AFL-CIO officers, state federation presidents, and long-standing labor advocates working at the forefront of the movement.
Union Plan 125 remains committed to supporting labor councils through IRS-approved Section 125 benefit solutions, high-value supplemental programs, and strategies that strengthen member retention and financial well-being.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 South Central Council AFL-CIO Meeting underscored the power of unity and collaboration across the region. Union Plan 125 looks forward to continuing partnerships with labor leaders and councils as we work together to advance dignity, opportunity, and economic security for working families.
