Ronald H. Whatley — Business Manager

Ronald H. Whatley has been the Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 85 since February 1, 2005.  He was elected Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer for a three year term in June of 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 until 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 34 year tenure.

Ronnie and his wife, Susan, of thirty-two years have four children.  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
• Member of Negotiating Committee since 1994
• Health Insurance Trustee since 1997 (Chairman)
• Joint Apprentice Training Committee since 2000 (Currently Chairman)
• Local 85 Pension Fund (Secretary)
• Local 85 Vacation Fund (Chairman)
• Local 85 Building Fund (Chairman)
• ITI International Contest Committee
• Delegate General Convention 1999 and 2004
• Delegate Atlanta and North Georgia Building Trades
• Atlanta Labor Council
• Delegate Columbus Metal Trades Council