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LMCI Names New Administrator

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Labor Management Cooperation Initiative has named Kevin LaRue to succeed retiring Administrator Bill McDevitt.

The change was effective Jan. 1, following McDevitt’s retirement.

“It has been a true privilege to lead LMCI over the last eight years,” said McDevitt. “I had the good fortune of working with a team that is completely dedicated to growing the industries of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and its partner, the Finishing Contractors Association.

LaRue, former recruitment manager for the IUPAT Finishing Trades Institute, was unanimously approved by the LMCI Board of Trustees to succeed McDevitt.

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., LaRue began his career in the painting industry in 1987. In the following years, he split time working as both an employer and employee in District Council 4 (New York). He was a project manager/foreman for R.W. Painting Inc. in Buffalo, and a trade instructor in painting and safety at the IUPAT Job Corps Program. In 2008, he was hired to be one of two full-time recruitment managers for the IUPAT Finishing Trades Institute.

“I am honored that the LMCI co-chairs have the confidence in me to entrust me with such an important position within our industry,” said LaRue. “The opportunity to work with them is a true privilege, and I am excited to work together to carry forth the agenda of the LMCI into 2010 and beyond.”

Bill McDevitt has been a member of IUPAT for 20 years, most of that time in leadership positions.

“Bill McDevitt has been a consistent champion of the LMCI," said Ed Smith, LMCI co-chair and FCA chairman. “His vision and efforts have paid huge dividends for union labor and management within the finishing industries. Bill took his responsibilities very seriously and his personal efforts have gone a long way in assuring the constant growth and success of the LMCI.”

“The tireless efforts of Bill McDevitt over the last decade have put LMCI on a course for success for many, many years to come,” said LMCI co-chair and IUPAT General President James Williams. “Countless IUPAT members and contractors have gained from the growth of the LMCI and Bill’s vision for an effective labor and management partnership. We’re looking forward to working with Kevin in continuing that success and wish Bill nothing but the best in his return to Boston.”