12/22/2017 - Retirement of Plans Administrator Larry Schleyer
It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of the Local 25 Plans Administrator Larry Schleyer. Larry started with our Plans Department back in 1969 as Pension Coordinator. Larry has told the story that when he was offered the position with the Union, he had been offered another job elsewhere at the same time. He called his father for advice. His father said "Son, you take the job with the Union. You always take a job with a Union over anything else." And so he did. In 1981, he became the Welfare Director and in 1993 was appointed the role of Assistant Administrator. In January 2003, Larry was moved up to his current position of Plans Administrator. This was, by far, one of the smartest decisions ever made for the welfare of this Union. When Larry took over, the Medical Plan was struggling. Under his leadership, not only has the Medical Plan recovered, but it is thriving and growing all the while we continue to expand the coverage and benefits for our members. One of the most important aspects of our Benefit Plans is the fact that we administer our own Medical Plan. We don't source that out to some huge, impersonal insurance company. So many of you know what a difference that makes when it's time to pick up the phone to ask a question and Larry has made sure that that has been successful. While Larry's knowledge and skillset have been invaluable to our membership, his dedication and loyalty to the Union Brotherhood and his fellow Local 25 Brothers and Sisters have been the backbone of his time here at Local 25. Larry has been a proud Union Brother since he started in 1969 and has never wavered in that commitment. He has fought for this membership on more than one occasion and has never been afraid to stand up for them. He has shown kindness and compassion to so many of us during our darkest times, as we have faced medical issues ourselves or with a family member and have needed guidance in navigating the waters. Or maybe it's just been an encouraging word and the patience to help us get our Pension started at the end of our careers. While we are sad to lose Larry, we are excited for him as he starts his next journey in life, which is certainly going to involve a lot of tennis and sun as well as more time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He is leaving the Plans Department in very capable hands as his Assistant Administrator Meghan Brodowski steps into the role of Administrator. We want to wish Larry a happy and healthy retirement and congratulate him on his 48 years of membership and service to the Local 25 membership. His departure will be felt throughout this Local, but he is leaving us with a thriving Benefit Plans thanks to his leadership. Enjoy your retirement Larry, you deserve it!