Seven locals from across North America have been selected to receive the inaugural Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant. The grant was created by delegates to the 2024 IAM International Convention to honor the work and memory of the late Chris Wagoner, who served as Director of the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center before his passing in 2022.
WATCH: Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant
Wagoner believed that expanding opportunities for leadership training was critical to our future growth and strength as a union.
The grant provides funding to one Local from each IAM Territory annually that otherwise would not be able to send current and emerging leaders to leadership programs at the Winpisinger Center.
“The legacy of Chris Wagoner is one of continuously expanding opportunities to our members, leaders and activists,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We’re so proud to be able to expand that tradition and bring the power of IAM labor education to even more future leaders of our great union.”
The seven winning locals for 2025 are:
Canada: Local 550 (Surrey, B.C.)
Eastern: Local 4538 (Towson, Md.)
Air Transport: Local 1894 (South Ozone Park, N.Y.)
Southern: Local 2916 (Corpus Christi, Texas
Headquarters/Rail Division: Local 104 (Huntington, W. Va.)
Midwest: Local 1613 (Vandalia, W. Va.)
Western: Local W38 (Shelton, Wash.)
The selection committee consisted of IAM retiree leaders James Leslie, James Price and Michael Flynn, who praised the quality of the applications from all of the locals.
The Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant is awarded annually. Applications for the 2026 grants must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2025. Locals can learn more about the program and submit applications here.
The memorial program will serve and educate many members in honor of Wagoner for years to come.
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