Ronald H. Whatley has been the Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 85 since February 1, 2005. Ronnie served his apprenticeship at George W. Rice Sheet Metal, Inc. from 1972 to 1976 and continued working there until 1980. He represented Local 85 in the National Contest in 1976 as a 4th year apprentice. He worked for Lewis and Lambert from 1980 to 1981, BHW Sheet Metal 1981 to 1982, Strickland Sheet Metal 1983, and R.F. Knox, Co. from 1983 until 1994 when he was elected Business Representative of Local 85. The Sheet Metal Industry has afforded him the opportunity to develop various skills during his 38 year tenure.
Ronnie and his wife, Susan, of thirty-five years have four children and three grandchildren. He was ordained as a deacon in 1978. His career as a sheet metal worker consists of the following accomplishments:
Member of Local 85 since 1972 including apprenticeship
OSHA Instructor 1981-1987
Apprentice instructor 1984-1995
ITI Instructor at Ohio State University 1990-1995
Business Representative 1994-2005
Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer 2005-Present
11th General Vice President SMWIA 2010
President - Southeast District Council of Sheet Metal Workers 2010
Vice President - Nuclear Hazardous Material & Power Plant Council 2010
Member of Negotiating Committee since 1994
Health Insurance Trustee since 1997 (Chairman)
Joint Apprentice Training Committee since 2000 (Currently Secretary)
Local 85 Pension Fund (Secretary)
Local 85 Vacation Fund (Chairman)
Local 85 Building Fund (Chairman)
Delegate General Convention 1999, 2004 & 2009
Delegate Atlanta and North Georgia Building Trades
Ronald H. Whatley has been the Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 85 since February 1, 2005. Ronnie served his apprenticeship at George W. Rice Sheet Metal, Inc. from 1972 to 1976 and continued working there until 1980. He represented Local 85 in the National Contest in 1976 as a 4th year apprentice. He worked for Lewis and Lambert from 1980 to 1981, BHW Sheet Metal 1981 to 1982, Strickland Sheet Metal 1983, and R.F. Knox, Co. from 1983 until 1994 when he was elected Business Representative of Local 85. The Sheet Metal Industry has afforded him the opportunity to develop various skills during his 38 year tenure.