EST Jenkins (left) and Council President Dan Morris (right) presents Victor with his retirement gifts
Victor White, the Southeastern Carpenters’ Director of Organizing and Business Development, has retired after 37 years of service to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Victor is a member of Chattanooga Local 74, where he served as president, vice president, financial secretary, and delegate over the years. Since 1999, Victor has also served as a Business Agent for the former Mid-South Carpenters Regional Council and the Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council after the two groups merged in 2018. He also has been a long-time member of the Council's Executive Board. At the national level, Victor was a frequent teacher and teaching fellow at the UBC’s intensive training for business agents.
SECRC's E-Board gives Victor a great send-off (left to right) Jeremy Tallent, Ray McCullough, EST Tom Jenkins, Dan Morris, and William Condon
Before joining the carpenters' union, Victor worked as a residential carpenter for several years. He learned about the benefits and career advancement opportunities of union membership and worked his way into the organization as a journeyman, focusing on concrete work. Working with concrete forms at Arnold Air Force Base was his most memorable project.
“I fell hook, line, and sinker for the Union and its commitment to making lives better for its members,” Victor said. “I didn’t just build a career; I built a life. I owe everything I have, and my ability to retire with dignity is because of the UBC. If I would’ve remained non-union, all I’d have is my social security check.”
At the Southeastern Carpenters’ latest delegate conference, staff and delegates honored Victor for his unmatched work ethic and dedication to helping fellow members succeed in their career journey.
“Don’t blink because it goes fast. Really fast,” Victor said to his mostly younger brothers and sisters. “This is a great time in your life. Be sure to stop and enjoy what you’ve achieved and what the years ahead will bring.”
Victor was an integral asset to not just Local 74 and the Southeastern Carpenters, but also to every employer who received the signature outstanding workforce that Victor coordinated,” said Southeastern Carpenters’ Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Tom Jenkins. “Replacing someone like Victor will be difficult. He set the standard for dedicated union membership for everyone.”
Victor said his retirement plans include tinkering with his properties and spending time with his wife of 50 years, Susan, and his family.
Well done, Victor. We already miss you!