Tom Kelly Unanimously Elected President/Business Manager of IBEW Local 827

East Windsor, NJ — The Executive Board of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 827 is excited to announce it has unanimously elected current Business Agent Tom Kelly to serve as President/Business Manager, beginning June 1, 2026, completing the term of retiring current President/Business Manager Speer.

Brother Kelly brings nearly four decades of dedicated Union service and leadership experience to the role. A proud 38-year member of IBEW Local 827, Kelly has long been recognized as a committed advocate for working families, organized labor, and his community.

Throughout his distinguished career within Local 827, Kelly has served as a Steward for 14 years, Unit Chairman for 4 years, Chief Steward for 6 years and currently has served as a Business Agent for over a decade, always representing and defending the rights of Union Members in the workplace. Kelly serves as Chairman of the Local 827 COPE Committee and Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee of Career and Life Strategies for more than 10 years, where he has positively impacted not only thousands of 827 members, but thousands of New Jersians. He has twice been selected as a delegate to both the AFL-CIO International Convention and the IBEW International Convention and is currently a member of the IBEW 3rd District Veterans Committee.

In addition to his service within the IBEW, Kelly has served as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the H&E Federal Credit Union, member of the Emerson Board of Education, President of the Emerson Parents for Athletes (raising over $150,000 for student athletes in 3 years), President/Officer/Coach for Emerson Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Football and Wrestling and was inducted into the Emerson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He currently serves as President of the Passaic County Central Labor Council, 1st Vice President of the American Labor Museum Board of Directors and President of the Telephone & Communication Workers Emerald Society.

Over his career, Tom has been recognized many times, including receiving the Verizon Foundation Volunteer Service Award and Grant 8 consecutive years, The NY/NJ Blood Services Lifesaver Award for “Efforts Above and Beyond” 2 consecutive years, the NJ National Guard “Heroes Helping Heroes“ award 2 consecutive years, Grand Marshal the American Labor Museum Labor Day Parade 2024, recipient Giblin Association Community Service Award (2022), honoree Senator Wimberly Evening of Hope (2023), Paterson “Hibernian of the Year” (2024), Passaic County “Irishman of the Year”(2024), Knights of Columbus “Gideon Award” recipient (2024), National Finalist FHE Health Community Impact Award, inducted Emerson Athletic Hall of Fame (2018) and selected to throw out the first pitch by Emerson Recreation Baseball & Softball Opening Day (2011).

Brother Kelly is proudest of his 33 years of happy marriage to Ann Marie and being father to his 3 children, Thomas (Member IBEW Local 164), Mary (Teacher Verona School District) and Brendan (Marine veteran and recent graduate of Felician College School of Nursing).

“Tom Kelly has dedicated his life to serving working people, our union, and the community,” said members of the Executive Board. “His experience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the membership make him exceptionally qualified to lead Local 827 forward. As President/Business Manager, Kelly will continue the mission of protecting workers’ rights, strengthening union solidarity, and advancing the interests of IBEW Local 827 members throughout New Jersey. We’re excited for our future under Tom’s leadership!”

About IBEW Local 827
IBEW Local 827 represents thousands of skilled Union workers across New Jersey and has a long-standing commitment to excellence, safety, community service, and advocating for working families