Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1534452
17 U N I O N ! I N H O N O R O F C A T H Y R E P O L A Bill elias LOCAL 700 SERGEANT AT ARMS I've had the privilege of serving on the board for 52 years, and during that time, I've met many exceptional people - Cathy Repola stands out as one of the best. From the moment she joined us in 1992, I knew she was the right person for the job. Her name immediately brought to mind her father's legacy, and I was thrilled that Ron recognized her potential and brought her aboard. Cathy's leadership has been transformative. Whether supporting retirees, advocating for women's rights, championing diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion, or working tirelessly for our members, she has always led with integrity and compassion. I'll never forget standing with her on countless picket lines, attending fundraisers, or simply seeing her embrace every challenge with grace and determination. In 1998, I accompanied her to New York City for election nominations for the newly merged New York local. This trip remains a fond memory—exploring the city, marveling at how much it had changed since 1993 (mostly the crime rate), and being escorted to the "best pizza place in NYC" by a local police officer. In 2000 when Paramount planned to outsource its syndication department, I brought my concerns to her and Ron. Thanks to their push for arbitration (which we won), we saved countless jobs and ensured an entire department could retire without a single lost day of work. Cathy's determination was evident again in 2014 when she led efforts to educate people about AB1839, helping bring over $5 billion back to California through tax incentives. I was proud to be one of three editors that assisted Cathy in the making of the video that was instrumental in persuading people in Sacramento to vote for the Assembly Bill. In 2017, at the IATSE International Convention, I was proud to see Cathy recognized as Woman of the Year - a testament to her dedication and leadership. This award is truly deserved, and it was a privilege to witness. Her first contract negotiation as Executive Director in 2018 was nothing short of extraordinary. Cathy boldly stood up to IATSE when streaming revenue was excluded from the deal, even though she faced significant opposition. She organized a general membership meeting that filled two banquet halls, rallying the members and proving her strength as a leader. Beyond her professional achievements, Cathy's warmth and camaraderie have left an undeniable mark. She's always been a champion of taking a proper lunch break— something I wholeheartedly agree with—and her presence on the dance floor at events always brought joy to everyone around her. At conventions, she ensured our delegates were cared for with good food, good wine, and good company. With the embodiment of resilience and a steadfast commitment to doing what's right, Cathy is more than a great executive director; she's a dear friend and an exceptional person. Her kindness, dedication, and unwavering support for our members have made a lasting impact. I've known her for 32 years, and she's always taken my calls, embraced others with warmth, and led with a motto we both cherish: Be Kind to All Kinds.