Wendy G. Coleman Elected To Lead AFT Pennsylvania
Union’s Convention Featured Gov. Shapiro, AFT’s Weingarten, and Endorsed PA Supreme Court Justices For Retention
PHILADELPHIA – On Sunday, AFT Pennsylvania elected Wendy G. Coleman president of the statewide teachers union at the conclusion of their Biennial convention. Coleman is the first Black person elected to lead the union. Coleman and her slate of officers from across the state, representing educators and support staff from early childhood education through higher education as well as state professional employees, were elected to two-year terms.
“I look forward to serving at the helm of AFT Pennsylvania and continuing our union’s critical work of advocating for the millions of Pennsylvania public school students, supporting our more than 36,000 members across the state, and working with our union and movement allies to protect our rights to bargain, protest, and participate in our democracy,” said President Coleman. “Our work has never been more important, and I am prepared to work with and for our members to navigate whatever lies ahead for us over the next two years.”
Coleman attended Philadelphia public schools and grew up in a family of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers #3 (PFT3) members. She graduated from Temple University with a degree in Elementary and Childhood Education, earned a master's in Reading Specialist from Gwynedd Mercy College, a master's in Education from Cabrini College, and her ELL certificate from Penn State University. She became a member of PFT3 and AFT Pennsylvania in 2003, has served on the AFTPA Executive Council since 2009, including as the immediate past Secretary, and has served on the leadership team of PFT3 since 2016, including as General Vice President elected in 2024.
“I’d also like to recognize the steady leadership of our former President Arthur Steinberg, who I have been honored to serve alongside on the AFT Pennsylvania Executive Council for more than 15 years,” said Coleman. “Arthur’s leadership, mentorship, and unparalleled union acumen have guided AFTPA for the past six years, and our union is stronger today because of him.”
The AFT Pennsylvania Biennial Convention featured Governor Josh Shapiro, AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick C. Ingram, AFT Director of Lobbying and Outreach Tor Cowan, and PA AFL-CIO President Angela Ferritto as guest speakers. PA Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty attended the union’s reception on Friday evening, and AFT Pennsylvania unanimously endorsed PA Supreme Court Justices Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht for retention.
2025-2027 Executive Council Officers
President Wendy G. Coleman
Executive Vice President Billy Hileman
Treasurer Erik Fleming
Assistant Treasurer Arthur G. Steinberg
Secretary Trina Dean
Assistant Secretary Denise Rogers
Legislative Representative Benjamin Hover
Assistant Legislative Representative Diane Zeitlman
Vice President for Paraprofessionals Brenda Marks
Vice President for Paraprofessionals/School Related Personnel Marguerite Ruff
Vice President for Area Career & Technical Education Timothy Mello, Jr.
Vice President for AFTPA Retirees Donna Matthews
Vice Presidents at-Large
- Carrie Badger
- Cyndi Bolden
- LeShawna Coleman
- Luke Dougan
- Harold Halbert
- Colin McCann
- Kathryn Monti-Trievel
- Elisabeth Yoder
Vice President for Central Region Julia Puza
Vice President for Colleges Region Jeffrey Doshna
Vice President for Northeast Region Jennifer Telesco
Vice President for Northwest Region Matthew J. Mikovich
Vice President for Southeast Region Tara Huber
Vice President for Southwest Region John Harrell
Vice Presidents for Philadelphia
- Christopher Aichele
- Victoria Aristoklis
- Suzanne Cataline
- Andrea Gaskins-West
- Bruce A. Harris
- Ed Olsen
Vice President for Pittsburgh Robert Mitchell
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