Wise

Walt Wise is general president emeritus of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers and its 130,000 members. He retired as general president in 2015. He attended Virginia Tech and began his ironworker apprenticeship in 1973.

He became a journeyman ironworker in 1977. After 16 years in the field, he began a series of local, regional, and national elected positions with the union, first as a business manager, then general treasurer, and general secretary. In 2011, he was elected general president. In that position, he also served on the Building and Construction Trades Department Governing Board of Presidents and on the executive council of the AFL-CIO. During his leadership, the union made significant strides in safety, market expansion, and training. He is known for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to the labor-management construction industry.

He chaired the Pharmaceutical Industry Labor-Management Association (PILMA), which recognized him upon his retirement for his lifetime of service and his contributions to the industry. He also served as co-chair of the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust and as treasurer of the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans.