Member of the Month

Member of the Month Spotlight Interview

Tell us about yourself.

I started working in the telecom industry in 1987 working for AT&T and becoming a member of the IBEW.  Starting in 1994, I worked on the staff of IBEW Local 188 which represented telecom workers in the city of Chicago.  Our local was merged with IBEW Local 21 in 1998 which represented over 15,000 telecom members in the state of Illinois and northwest Indiana.  In 2005, I was elected the Vice President/Asst. Business Manager of IBEW Local 21.  In 2010, I became an International Representative for the IBEW’s International Office in Washington, DC, which is the title I hold today. 

What is your favorite part about being a member of CAEL?

I like being directly involved in creating educational opportunities for our members that can enhance their career opportunities and job security.

In its 50-year history, what would you say is CAEL’s biggest accomplishment?

I think their support of our NACTEL partnership between telecom employers and labor has really moved us forward in a significant way.

What is CAEL’s most important contribution to the working adult learner space?

For our members, having the ability to get an education without having to go through the traditional classroom environment has been very beneficial since most of them work more than a 40 hour week.

What would you consider to be the biggest change in higher education?

When I was in school, the thought process was that once you graduate college your education is done, compared to today where it’s really about life-long learning.

What has changed for your institution in the past 50 years? 

Many things, but, for my branch of the IBEW (which is Telecommunications) the biggest change is moving from representing workers at a monopoly to being in an extremely competitive environment.

What do you love most about your work? 

Making a difference for our members (hopefully a positive one).

Who (or what) inspires you?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was not only a civil rights leader, but also, a labor leader who advocated for fair wages and working conditions for all Americans. He was in Memphis, TN, to support striking sanitation workers when he was assassinated. 

When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy doing?

Going to movies, nature walking, etc.

If you could assign everyone in the world one book to read, what would it be?

George Orwell’s 1984. I recently re-read it and it’s even more relevant today.

What are you listening to or watching? Any recommendations for podcasts, music, movies, or shows?

There’s a podcast called “Cows in the Field” that’s run by philosophy professors that reviews movies from a philosophical perspective. It’s a very interesting perspective.

What is your biggest hope for CAEL in the future?

That they continue their contributions to our industry.

What would you love to help other CAEL members with?

Perhaps a better understanding of the educational needs of our rank-and-file membership.

Where could CAEL members help you?

Continue to support our efforts at helping our members advance through educational opportunities.

How can members connect with you? 

Email: kevin_curran@ibew.org, Facebook, etc.