Meet UFCW Local 663
UFCW Local 663 elected Executive Officers, Executive Board and Union Representatives' biographies and photos. If you have additional questions please contact the Union Office.
Executive Offices
Matt Utecht’s grocery career began in 1979 when he started working for Hauser Supervalu in Prior Lake, MN. In 1983, he served on the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee where he…
More InfoMatthew P. Utecht
President
Paul Crandall has been serving as Secretary-Treasurer for UFCW Local 663 since 2014. His grocery career began in 1975 when he started at Kash n Karry supermarkets in Clearwater, Florida. He then moved…
More InfoPaul Crandall
Secretary-Treasurer
Heidi started as the Executive Assistant to the President with Local 663 in May of 2017. After assisting hundreds of realtors over her 15 year real estate career, Heidi decided she needed something…
More InfoHeidi Esparza
Executive Assistant to President
Matthew P. Utecht
President
Matt Utecht’s grocery career began in 1979 when he started working for Hauser Supervalu in Prior Lake, MN. In 1983, he served on the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee where he learned first hand the dedication and commitment of workers coming together in union to build better lives for themselves and their families. In June of 1983 he was chosen as a delegate to the UFCW International Convention in Montreal. Throughout his career, Matt has served in many different capacities for Local 663. On September 1, 1983, he became a Business Representative, then Director of Organizing, and on March 1, 2013, became President of Local 663 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters & Food Handlers Health & Welfare and Pension Funds. His other leadership roles include UFCW Region 6 Council member and Executive Board Member of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. He has also joined the International UFCW Advisory Council since becoming president. Matt is committed to two things in life. First is his wife of 25 years—Jill—and his three children. Second is his job as President of Local 663, representing over 10,000 members and their families. Every day, he strives to build a better quality of life for the 663 membership and continues to live out the highest level of dedication and commitment to all those in the 663 union family. Through his 34 years working for Local 663, Matt’s continued promise to Local 663 members is to give everything he’s got on a daily basis. With the support of a great staff, Executive Board, and a strong active membership, Matt's goal is to grow the union and create better lives for all its members and their families. Paul Crandall
Secretary-Treasurer
Paul Crandall has been serving as Secretary-Treasurer for UFCW Local 663 since 2014. His grocery career began in 1975 when he started at Kash n Karry supermarkets in Clearwater, Florida. He then moved back to Minnesota where he started working for Byerlys in 1977. While working for Byerlys, Paul met co-workers who invited him to a union meeting and in 1980 he voted on his first union contract. Paul’s involvement with the union grew and he was chosen to the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee in 1983. In June 1983, he was chosen as a delegate to the UFCW International convention in Montreal. On June 4th, 1984 Paul became a union representative for Local 663 under the leadership of President Eugene Utecht. This began a career of dedication and passion for helping all the hardworking members of Local 663. Throughout his career, this dedication has taken him to many picket lines fighting for workers and their families. Paul also serves as a trustee on the Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters and Food Handler’s Health & Welfare and Pension Fund. Paul feels privileged to work under the direction of President Matt Utecht with the excellent staff at Local 663. Paul is blessed to be married to his wife Lisa for 38 years who together have raised five children, and they enjoy time spent with their four grandchildren. Heidi Esparza
Executive Assistant to President
Heidi started as the Executive Assistant to the President with Local 663 in May of 2017. After assisting hundreds of realtors over her 15 year real estate career, Heidi decided she needed something different. Knowing the greater good of mankind has always been important to her, she instantly knew Local 663 was going to be a great fit. Heidi lives in South Minneapolis. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family (7 brothers, 2 sisters, 7 nieces, 2 nephews), going to concerts, and shopping.Executive Board
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Judi has been a member of UFCW Local 663 since 1990 when she was hired by Cub Foods as a floral clerk. She is currently the floral manager at the Coon Rapids South…
More InfoJudi Johnson
Recording Secretary
Dave is employed at Jerry’s Cub Foods at the Chaska location as the Frozen Foods Department Manager. He’s very thankful for Local 663 and all that is has done for families and all that it continues to…
More InfoDavid Maas
Vice President 1
When she got her start in the grocery business, Lorrie was 16, just looking for a job. Lorrie called Supervalu in Minneapolis home until they shut their doors some 12 years later. She took some time…
More InfoLorrie Wayman
Vice President 4
Judi Johnson
Recording Secretary
Judi has been a member of UFCW Local 663 since 1990 when she was hired by Cub Foods as a floral clerk. She is currently the floral manager at the Coon Rapids South location. Judi started getting involved with Local 663 by attending meetings and serving on negotiations committees. She began serving on the executive board in April of 2010. She is also a member of the Women’s Network and has learned that our union staff and executive board are committed to our members She is excited to be involved in the future of Local 663, grateful for the benefits that are provided to members by her union contract and looks forward to encouraging members to get involved and to participate in union events. Judi has been married to her husband, Glen, for over twenty years and they have three daughters, Andria, Rachael, and Brigette. David Maas
Vice President 1
Dave is employed at Jerry’s Cub Foods at the Chaska location as the Frozen Foods Department Manager. He’s very thankful for Local 663 and all that is has done for families and all that it continues to achieve. Dave has served on several contract negotiations committees and on the UFCW Local 663 Executive Boards since 1998. He believes that Local 663 membership truly builds better lives for workers and their families. Lorrie Wayman
Vice President 4
When she got her start in the grocery business, Lorrie was 16, just looking for a job. Lorrie called Supervalu in Minneapolis home until they shut their doors some 12 years later. She took some time off to be a stay at home Mom with her three children; Douglas, Theresa, and Marcus. She then joined Rainbow Foods in Robbinsdale in 1988 and worked her way through departments, from part time to full time, and store to store, and is proud of her accomplishments. Lorrie’s greatest accomplishment in her years with Rainbow is being able to raise her three children and build a better life for them while working a union job. She was able to provide them with health care, own a house for them to call home, as a single mother working a union job at Rainbow Foods. Work union, live better.
Nick’s grocery career began in 1990 when he graduated from meat cutting school and worked at a variety of family-owned retail shops. In 1994, he began working for Byerlys in Golden Valley as a service…
More InfoNick Stute
Vice President 5
John began his grocery career at Applebaum’s in St. Paul in 1978. He went full-time in Minneapolis in 1986 at Rainbow Foods, then went to Haug Companies in Plymouth. In addition to serving on the…
More InfoJohn Pignato
Vice President 8
Chris got his start in the grocery business in 1990 with GJ’s SuperValu and is now at Festival Foods as a meatcutter. He has served on several negotiating committees, and in 2016 learned a great deal…
More InfoChris Erickson
Vice President 9
Nick Stute
Vice President 5
Nick’s grocery career began in 1990 when he graduated from meat cutting school and worked at a variety of family-owned retail shops. In 1994, he began working for Byerlys in Golden Valley as a service employee and one year later, was appointed as an apprentice meat cutter. He is currently meat and seafood manager at Lunds & Byerlys in Burnsville. Nick’s first experience with Local 663 was as a member of the bargaining committee. He learned very quickly the important role and influence Local 663 has within the workplace and considers himself fortunate to represent the membership on the executive board since 2010. His wife, Vicki, and Nick have two daughters and live in Rosemount. His interests include fishing, hockey, and spending time with his family. Chris Erickson
Vice President 9
Chris got his start in the grocery business in 1990 with GJ’s SuperValu and is now at Festival Foods as a meatcutter. He has served on several negotiating committees, and in 2016 learned a great deal on how hard Local 663 works to protect the membership of the grocery industry. Chris has two wonderful boys, Jake and Nick, and enjoys fishing and outdoor activities.
Mark started working full-time as a meatcutter at Rainbow Foods in 1991 and is currently employed as a meatcutter with Corporate Cub Foods. He served on the negotiation committee in 2014 and 2016.…
More InfoMark Husbyn
Vice President 10
Yolanda was born and raised in South Texas along with her husband, Pablo. They moved to Worthington, MN in 1989 where they have both been proud members of former Local 1161, now Local 663 at JBS.…
More InfoYolanda Martinez
Vice President
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union…
More InfoAyayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Nick Stute
Vice President 5
Nick’s grocery career began in 1990 when he graduated from meat cutting school and worked at a variety of family-owned retail shops. In 1994, he began working for Byerlys in Golden Valley as a service employee and one year later, was appointed as an apprentice meat cutter. He is currently meat and seafood manager at Lunds & Byerlys in Burnsville. Nick’s first experience with Local 663 was as a member of the bargaining committee. He learned very quickly the important role and influence Local 663 has within the workplace and considers himself fortunate to represent the membership on the executive board since 2010. His wife, Vicki, and Nick have two daughters and live in Rosemount. His interests include fishing, hockey, and spending time with his family. Chris Erickson
Vice President 9
Chris got his start in the grocery business in 1990 with GJ’s SuperValu and is now at Festival Foods as a meatcutter. He has served on several negotiating committees, and in 2016 learned a great deal on how hard Local 663 works to protect the membership of the grocery industry. Chris has two wonderful boys, Jake and Nick, and enjoys fishing and outdoor activities. Mark Husbyn
Vice President 10
Mark started working full-time as a meatcutter at Rainbow Foods in 1991 and is currently employed as a meatcutter with Corporate Cub Foods. He served on the negotiation committee in 2014 and 2016. Mark was elected to be an Executive Board member on July 11, 2016. His family participated in the Victoria/Glen Lake picket lines and the 2016 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. He ’s been attending all the union membership meetings for the last few years. Mark is married to his wonderful wife, Mildred. They have three beautiful kids, April, Hunter, and Ashley. Yolanda Martinez
Vice President
Yolanda was born and raised in South Texas along with her husband, Pablo. They moved to Worthington, MN in 1989 where they have both been proud members of former Local 1161, now Local 663 at JBS. They have three children: Pablo Jr., Amanda, and Rosanna. She was the recording secretary of Local 1161 for over six years. “We have the benefits we do because of the union and don’t know where we would be without it! Union proud!” Ayayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union member since 1992. An E-Board member of UFCW for over 10 years, he’s served five years as a steward, and has sat on the negotiations committee twice. Since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in Fall of 2018, he is the new additional Walking Steward at JBS. Speak Oromo, Amharic and English, and some Arabic too. Bejica is proud to create Oromo community in Worthington. He plans Oromo events in the Worthington community throughout the year, including New Years, UFCW Local 663 picnic, and King Turkey Day parade. He has four children and has been married for 25 years. He’s also proud to have two of his sons serving in the U.S. Air Force. He says, “I Love this country, that’s why I push them to be in the Air Force.”
Antonio moved to the U.S. in 1995 from Jalisco, Mexico. He’s worked since 1996 worked at JBS. He began in the night ham division and in 2002, began the day shift in long boning. He’s been on the…
More InfoAntonio Jimenez
Vice President
Alcantar is originally from Mexico. In 1984 he moved to Long Beach, California. There, he worked for eight years in landscaping. The business closed, then in 1993 he came to Worthington and began full…
More InfoJesus Alcantar
Vice President
Nick Stute
Vice President 5
Nick’s grocery career began in 1990 when he graduated from meat cutting school and worked at a variety of family-owned retail shops. In 1994, he began working for Byerlys in Golden Valley as a service employee and one year later, was appointed as an apprentice meat cutter. He is currently meat and seafood manager at Lunds & Byerlys in Burnsville. Nick’s first experience with Local 663 was as a member of the bargaining committee. He learned very quickly the important role and influence Local 663 has within the workplace and considers himself fortunate to represent the membership on the executive board since 2010. His wife, Vicki, and Nick have two daughters and live in Rosemount. His interests include fishing, hockey, and spending time with his family. Chris Erickson
Vice President 9
Chris got his start in the grocery business in 1990 with GJ’s SuperValu and is now at Festival Foods as a meatcutter. He has served on several negotiating committees, and in 2016 learned a great deal on how hard Local 663 works to protect the membership of the grocery industry. Chris has two wonderful boys, Jake and Nick, and enjoys fishing and outdoor activities. Mark Husbyn
Vice President 10
Mark started working full-time as a meatcutter at Rainbow Foods in 1991 and is currently employed as a meatcutter with Corporate Cub Foods. He served on the negotiation committee in 2014 and 2016. Mark was elected to be an Executive Board member on July 11, 2016. His family participated in the Victoria/Glen Lake picket lines and the 2016 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. He ’s been attending all the union membership meetings for the last few years. Mark is married to his wonderful wife, Mildred. They have three beautiful kids, April, Hunter, and Ashley. Yolanda Martinez
Vice President
Yolanda was born and raised in South Texas along with her husband, Pablo. They moved to Worthington, MN in 1989 where they have both been proud members of former Local 1161, now Local 663 at JBS. They have three children: Pablo Jr., Amanda, and Rosanna. She was the recording secretary of Local 1161 for over six years. “We have the benefits we do because of the union and don’t know where we would be without it! Union proud!” Ayayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union member since 1992. An E-Board member of UFCW for over 10 years, he’s served five years as a steward, and has sat on the negotiations committee twice. Since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in Fall of 2018, he is the new additional Walking Steward at JBS. Speak Oromo, Amharic and English, and some Arabic too. Bejica is proud to create Oromo community in Worthington. He plans Oromo events in the Worthington community throughout the year, including New Years, UFCW Local 663 picnic, and King Turkey Day parade. He has four children and has been married for 25 years. He’s also proud to have two of his sons serving in the U.S. Air Force. He says, “I Love this country, that’s why I push them to be in the Air Force.” Antonio Jimenez
Vice President
Antonio moved to the U.S. in 1995 from Jalisco, Mexico. He’s worked since 1996 worked at JBS. He began in the night ham division and in 2002, began the day shift in long boning. He’s been on the E-Board since 2018, and a steward for 13 years. Antonio’s union activism began when he began helping out a union steward years ago. The union steward didn’t know English at the time, while Antonio understood a little bit, so he began helping others be understood. Meat Packing Director Mike Potter saw that he was helping others, and Antonio became a steward too. Antonio says, “I like to help others, and I don’t like to see when people are treated bad because they don’t know English. I like that as a union, we are stronger now because we didn’t have power back then like we do now.” He and his wife and four children live in Worthington. Jesus Alcantar
Vice President
Alcantar is originally from Mexico. In 1984 he moved to Long Beach, California. There, he worked for eight years in landscaping. The business closed, then in 1993 he came to Worthington and began full time nights at the JBS plant. He is a steward and has been active in the union for over 12 years. When he arrived in Worthington and started working at the JBS plant, he noticed the difference between his union job and previous nonunion jobs he held. He’s proud to have rights and know how to fight for the rights of others. He’s served 10 years on the formerly known as UFCW Local 1161 E-Board. He says he’ll work for the union until the last second. Jesus has six children, four boys and two girls.
Courtney began her grocery industry career in 2001 at Rainbow foods and worked just about every position within its’ walls. Many times she travelled to other stores helping to price during audits and…
More InfoCourtney Huber
Vice President
Michael Potter was born in Syracuse, NY in August 1959. He attended Our Lady of Solace and Most Holy Rosary High School in Syracuse. In 1981 he enlisted and served four years in the United States…
More InfoMichael Potter
Director of Packing
Matt Utecht’s grocery career began in 1979 when he started working for Hauser Supervalu in Prior Lake, MN. In 1983, he served on the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee where he…
More InfoMatthew P. Utecht
President
Nick Stute
Vice President 5
Nick’s grocery career began in 1990 when he graduated from meat cutting school and worked at a variety of family-owned retail shops. In 1994, he began working for Byerlys in Golden Valley as a service employee and one year later, was appointed as an apprentice meat cutter. He is currently meat and seafood manager at Lunds & Byerlys in Burnsville. Nick’s first experience with Local 663 was as a member of the bargaining committee. He learned very quickly the important role and influence Local 663 has within the workplace and considers himself fortunate to represent the membership on the executive board since 2010. His wife, Vicki, and Nick have two daughters and live in Rosemount. His interests include fishing, hockey, and spending time with his family. Chris Erickson
Vice President 9
Chris got his start in the grocery business in 1990 with GJ’s SuperValu and is now at Festival Foods as a meatcutter. He has served on several negotiating committees, and in 2016 learned a great deal on how hard Local 663 works to protect the membership of the grocery industry. Chris has two wonderful boys, Jake and Nick, and enjoys fishing and outdoor activities. Mark Husbyn
Vice President 10
Mark started working full-time as a meatcutter at Rainbow Foods in 1991 and is currently employed as a meatcutter with Corporate Cub Foods. He served on the negotiation committee in 2014 and 2016. Mark was elected to be an Executive Board member on July 11, 2016. His family participated in the Victoria/Glen Lake picket lines and the 2016 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. He ’s been attending all the union membership meetings for the last few years. Mark is married to his wonderful wife, Mildred. They have three beautiful kids, April, Hunter, and Ashley. Yolanda Martinez
Vice President
Yolanda was born and raised in South Texas along with her husband, Pablo. They moved to Worthington, MN in 1989 where they have both been proud members of former Local 1161, now Local 663 at JBS. They have three children: Pablo Jr., Amanda, and Rosanna. She was the recording secretary of Local 1161 for over six years. “We have the benefits we do because of the union and don’t know where we would be without it! Union proud!” Ayayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union member since 1992. An E-Board member of UFCW for over 10 years, he’s served five years as a steward, and has sat on the negotiations committee twice. Since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in Fall of 2018, he is the new additional Walking Steward at JBS. Speak Oromo, Amharic and English, and some Arabic too. Bejica is proud to create Oromo community in Worthington. He plans Oromo events in the Worthington community throughout the year, including New Years, UFCW Local 663 picnic, and King Turkey Day parade. He has four children and has been married for 25 years. He’s also proud to have two of his sons serving in the U.S. Air Force. He says, “I Love this country, that’s why I push them to be in the Air Force.” Antonio Jimenez
Vice President
Antonio moved to the U.S. in 1995 from Jalisco, Mexico. He’s worked since 1996 worked at JBS. He began in the night ham division and in 2002, began the day shift in long boning. He’s been on the E-Board since 2018, and a steward for 13 years. Antonio’s union activism began when he began helping out a union steward years ago. The union steward didn’t know English at the time, while Antonio understood a little bit, so he began helping others be understood. Meat Packing Director Mike Potter saw that he was helping others, and Antonio became a steward too. Antonio says, “I like to help others, and I don’t like to see when people are treated bad because they don’t know English. I like that as a union, we are stronger now because we didn’t have power back then like we do now.” He and his wife and four children live in Worthington. Jesus Alcantar
Vice President
Alcantar is originally from Mexico. In 1984 he moved to Long Beach, California. There, he worked for eight years in landscaping. The business closed, then in 1993 he came to Worthington and began full time nights at the JBS plant. He is a steward and has been active in the union for over 12 years. When he arrived in Worthington and started working at the JBS plant, he noticed the difference between his union job and previous nonunion jobs he held. He’s proud to have rights and know how to fight for the rights of others. He’s served 10 years on the formerly known as UFCW Local 1161 E-Board. He says he’ll work for the union until the last second. Jesus has six children, four boys and two girls. Courtney Huber
Vice President
Courtney began her grocery industry career in 2001 at Rainbow foods and worked just about every position within its’ walls. Many times she travelled to other stores helping to price during audits and remodels. Always making sure to vote on her contracts, Courtney began to attend union meetings, and gives credit to another longtime union member, Lori Wayman, for encouraging Huber’s union activism. Courtney has sat on three negotiating committees since 2010--most recently in 2018 where she was a part of the negotiating committee with President Utecht that was able to secure historic contract gains for members. Huber is inspired by new organizing and was able to be a part of testifying at City Hall for $15 an hour minimum wage as well as participated in Seward Co-op’s March on the Boss. She looks forward to continuing to grow and strengthen Local 663. Michael Potter
Director of Packing
Michael Potter was born in Syracuse, NY in August 1959. He attended Our Lady of Solace and Most Holy Rosary High School in Syracuse. In 1981 he enlisted and served four years in the United States Army. Michael moved to Minnesota in 1989 and started working at Monfort Pork in Worthington, currently JBS-USA. In November of 1999 Michael was elected as the President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1161. He began his first term in January, 2000. He was appointed to the UFCW Advisory Board in 2003. In 2004, he was elected to the Region 6 Northern Plains Council as a Board Member. He is currently the chairperson for JBS Pork, Packing Plant Chain. Michael served as President of Local 1161 for 19 consecutive years. On September 1, 2018 he began his new position as Director of Packing for Local 663. He has been an advocate for social justice and workers rights for many years. He is passionate and dedicated to serving the members that he represents. Michael is the father of eight children, and has been married to his wife Suzie for 25 years. His hobbies include singing, fishing, watching sports, serving his community, and spending time with his grandchildren. Matthew P. Utecht
President
Matt Utecht’s grocery career began in 1979 when he started working for Hauser Supervalu in Prior Lake, MN. In 1983, he served on the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee where he learned first hand the dedication and commitment of workers coming together in union to build better lives for themselves and their families. In June of 1983 he was chosen as a delegate to the UFCW International Convention in Montreal. Throughout his career, Matt has served in many different capacities for Local 663. On September 1, 1983, he became a Business Representative, then Director of Organizing, and on March 1, 2013, became President of Local 663 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters & Food Handlers Health & Welfare and Pension Funds. His other leadership roles include UFCW Region 6 Council member and Executive Board Member of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. He has also joined the International UFCW Advisory Council since becoming president. Matt is committed to two things in life. First is his wife of 25 years—Jill—and his three children. Second is his job as President of Local 663, representing over 10,000 members and their families. Every day, he strives to build a better quality of life for the 663 membership and continues to live out the highest level of dedication and commitment to all those in the 663 union family. Through his 34 years working for Local 663, Matt’s continued promise to Local 663 members is to give everything he’s got on a daily basis. With the support of a great staff, Executive Board, and a strong active membership, Matt's goal is to grow the union and create better lives for all its members and their families.
Paul Crandall has been serving as Secretary-Treasurer for UFCW Local 663 since 2014. His grocery career began in 1975 when he started at Kash n Karry supermarkets in Clearwater, Florida. He then moved…
More InfoPaul Crandall
Secretary-Treasurer
Nick Stute
Vice President 5
Nick’s grocery career began in 1990 when he graduated from meat cutting school and worked at a variety of family-owned retail shops. In 1994, he began working for Byerlys in Golden Valley as a service employee and one year later, was appointed as an apprentice meat cutter. He is currently meat and seafood manager at Lunds & Byerlys in Burnsville. Nick’s first experience with Local 663 was as a member of the bargaining committee. He learned very quickly the important role and influence Local 663 has within the workplace and considers himself fortunate to represent the membership on the executive board since 2010. His wife, Vicki, and Nick have two daughters and live in Rosemount. His interests include fishing, hockey, and spending time with his family. Chris Erickson
Vice President 9
Chris got his start in the grocery business in 1990 with GJ’s SuperValu and is now at Festival Foods as a meatcutter. He has served on several negotiating committees, and in 2016 learned a great deal on how hard Local 663 works to protect the membership of the grocery industry. Chris has two wonderful boys, Jake and Nick, and enjoys fishing and outdoor activities. Mark Husbyn
Vice President 10
Mark started working full-time as a meatcutter at Rainbow Foods in 1991 and is currently employed as a meatcutter with Corporate Cub Foods. He served on the negotiation committee in 2014 and 2016. Mark was elected to be an Executive Board member on July 11, 2016. His family participated in the Victoria/Glen Lake picket lines and the 2016 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. He ’s been attending all the union membership meetings for the last few years. Mark is married to his wonderful wife, Mildred. They have three beautiful kids, April, Hunter, and Ashley. Yolanda Martinez
Vice President
Yolanda was born and raised in South Texas along with her husband, Pablo. They moved to Worthington, MN in 1989 where they have both been proud members of former Local 1161, now Local 663 at JBS. They have three children: Pablo Jr., Amanda, and Rosanna. She was the recording secretary of Local 1161 for over six years. “We have the benefits we do because of the union and don’t know where we would be without it! Union proud!” Ayayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union member since 1992. An E-Board member of UFCW for over 10 years, he’s served five years as a steward, and has sat on the negotiations committee twice. Since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in Fall of 2018, he is the new additional Walking Steward at JBS. Speak Oromo, Amharic and English, and some Arabic too. Bejica is proud to create Oromo community in Worthington. He plans Oromo events in the Worthington community throughout the year, including New Years, UFCW Local 663 picnic, and King Turkey Day parade. He has four children and has been married for 25 years. He’s also proud to have two of his sons serving in the U.S. Air Force. He says, “I Love this country, that’s why I push them to be in the Air Force.” Antonio Jimenez
Vice President
Antonio moved to the U.S. in 1995 from Jalisco, Mexico. He’s worked since 1996 worked at JBS. He began in the night ham division and in 2002, began the day shift in long boning. He’s been on the E-Board since 2018, and a steward for 13 years. Antonio’s union activism began when he began helping out a union steward years ago. The union steward didn’t know English at the time, while Antonio understood a little bit, so he began helping others be understood. Meat Packing Director Mike Potter saw that he was helping others, and Antonio became a steward too. Antonio says, “I like to help others, and I don’t like to see when people are treated bad because they don’t know English. I like that as a union, we are stronger now because we didn’t have power back then like we do now.” He and his wife and four children live in Worthington. Jesus Alcantar
Vice President
Alcantar is originally from Mexico. In 1984 he moved to Long Beach, California. There, he worked for eight years in landscaping. The business closed, then in 1993 he came to Worthington and began full time nights at the JBS plant. He is a steward and has been active in the union for over 12 years. When he arrived in Worthington and started working at the JBS plant, he noticed the difference between his union job and previous nonunion jobs he held. He’s proud to have rights and know how to fight for the rights of others. He’s served 10 years on the formerly known as UFCW Local 1161 E-Board. He says he’ll work for the union until the last second. Jesus has six children, four boys and two girls. Courtney Huber
Vice President
Courtney began her grocery industry career in 2001 at Rainbow foods and worked just about every position within its’ walls. Many times she travelled to other stores helping to price during audits and remodels. Always making sure to vote on her contracts, Courtney began to attend union meetings, and gives credit to another longtime union member, Lori Wayman, for encouraging Huber’s union activism. Courtney has sat on three negotiating committees since 2010--most recently in 2018 where she was a part of the negotiating committee with President Utecht that was able to secure historic contract gains for members. Huber is inspired by new organizing and was able to be a part of testifying at City Hall for $15 an hour minimum wage as well as participated in Seward Co-op’s March on the Boss. She looks forward to continuing to grow and strengthen Local 663. Michael Potter
Director of Packing
Michael Potter was born in Syracuse, NY in August 1959. He attended Our Lady of Solace and Most Holy Rosary High School in Syracuse. In 1981 he enlisted and served four years in the United States Army. Michael moved to Minnesota in 1989 and started working at Monfort Pork in Worthington, currently JBS-USA. In November of 1999 Michael was elected as the President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1161. He began his first term in January, 2000. He was appointed to the UFCW Advisory Board in 2003. In 2004, he was elected to the Region 6 Northern Plains Council as a Board Member. He is currently the chairperson for JBS Pork, Packing Plant Chain. Michael served as President of Local 1161 for 19 consecutive years. On September 1, 2018 he began his new position as Director of Packing for Local 663. He has been an advocate for social justice and workers rights for many years. He is passionate and dedicated to serving the members that he represents. Michael is the father of eight children, and has been married to his wife Suzie for 25 years. His hobbies include singing, fishing, watching sports, serving his community, and spending time with his grandchildren. Matthew P. Utecht
President
Matt Utecht’s grocery career began in 1979 when he started working for Hauser Supervalu in Prior Lake, MN. In 1983, he served on the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee where he learned first hand the dedication and commitment of workers coming together in union to build better lives for themselves and their families. In June of 1983 he was chosen as a delegate to the UFCW International Convention in Montreal. Throughout his career, Matt has served in many different capacities for Local 663. On September 1, 1983, he became a Business Representative, then Director of Organizing, and on March 1, 2013, became President of Local 663 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters & Food Handlers Health & Welfare and Pension Funds. His other leadership roles include UFCW Region 6 Council member and Executive Board Member of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. He has also joined the International UFCW Advisory Council since becoming president. Matt is committed to two things in life. First is his wife of 25 years—Jill—and his three children. Second is his job as President of Local 663, representing over 10,000 members and their families. Every day, he strives to build a better quality of life for the 663 membership and continues to live out the highest level of dedication and commitment to all those in the 663 union family. Through his 34 years working for Local 663, Matt’s continued promise to Local 663 members is to give everything he’s got on a daily basis. With the support of a great staff, Executive Board, and a strong active membership, Matt's goal is to grow the union and create better lives for all its members and their families. Paul Crandall
Secretary-Treasurer
Paul Crandall has been serving as Secretary-Treasurer for UFCW Local 663 since 2014. His grocery career began in 1975 when he started at Kash n Karry supermarkets in Clearwater, Florida. He then moved back to Minnesota where he started working for Byerlys in 1977. While working for Byerlys, Paul met co-workers who invited him to a union meeting and in 1980 he voted on his first union contract. Paul’s involvement with the union grew and he was chosen to the Minneapolis Retail Meat and Grocery negotiating committee in 1983. In June 1983, he was chosen as a delegate to the UFCW International convention in Montreal. On June 4th, 1984 Paul became a union representative for Local 663 under the leadership of President Eugene Utecht. This began a career of dedication and passion for helping all the hardworking members of Local 663. Throughout his career, this dedication has taken him to many picket lines fighting for workers and their families. Paul also serves as a trustee on the Minneapolis Retail Meat Cutters and Food Handler’s Health & Welfare and Pension Fund. Paul feels privileged to work under the direction of President Matt Utecht with the excellent staff at Local 663. Paul is blessed to be married to his wife Lisa for 38 years who together have raised five children, and they enjoy time spent with their four grandchildren.Union Representatives
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Amber Allen started in the industry in September 1996 as a bakery clerk for McGlynn's Bakery. In 1998 she joined Local 663 and was promoted to bakery manager; Amber has worked for several different…
More InfoAmber Allen
Union Representative
Scott has been a member of Local 663 and worked for Cub Foods for 14 years. Scott has enjoyed serving on numerous contract negotiations and was an Executive Board member since 2010. Effective March of…
More InfoScott Larson
Union Representative
In July 2011, Doug accepted the opportunity to join the staff of Local 663 as a business agent. Prior to this Doug worked hard in the grocery industry for the past 34 years – the last 21 years as a…
More InfoDoug Rigert
Union Representative
Amber Allen
Union Representative
Amber Allen started in the industry in September 1996 as a bakery clerk for McGlynn's Bakery. In 1998 she joined Local 663 and was promoted to bakery manager; Amber has worked for several different companies since then, all under the Rainbow banner. Amber became involved with the union by attending regular membership meetings and union activities. Amber has served on over half a dozen negotiating committees and looks forward to many more. Amber lives in Minneapolis with her 2 children; Amber enjoys spending time with them and being involved in all of their activities. Scott Larson
Union Representative
Scott has been a member of Local 663 and worked for Cub Foods for 14 years. Scott has enjoyed serving on numerous contract negotiations and was an Executive Board member since 2010. Effective March of 2015, Scott was asked to join the staff as a Business Representative. Scott encourages all members to become more involved and have a voice in their future. Scott has been married to his wife Patty for 26 years and has been blessed with two children. Scott enjoys traveling, golf, and spending time with his family. Doug Rigert
Union Representative
In July 2011, Doug accepted the opportunity to join the staff of Local 663 as a business agent. Prior to this Doug worked hard in the grocery industry for the past 34 years – the last 21 years as a Dairy-Frozen Foods Manager for Rainbow Foods. Doug has also been fortunate to participate with others in the union on numerous contract negotiation committees as well as serving as a member of the Executive Board for 4 ½ years. Doug considers it an honor to work on behalf of all the members of Local 663. He looks forward to meeting all of you in the future.
Jim started in the industry as a carryout for Thriftway in Crystal. He was hired by Rainbow Foods in 1984 as a meat cutter and started going to union meetings to learn more of what they were all…
More InfoJim Schommer
Union Representative
Jess Alexander began at UFCW Local 663 in 2017. His goals include making life better for the people in our union’s industries because that working families work hard, do a good job and should earn a…
More InfoJess Alexander
Union Representative and Organizer
Lisa started her union career as a production line worker in what is now JBS in 1991. From there she became a union steward and in 2015 I became the walking steward. She enjoys learning and…
More InfoLisa Thoma
Walking Steward
Jim Schommer
Union Representative
Jim started in the industry as a carryout for Thriftway in Crystal. He was hired by Rainbow Foods in 1984 as a meat cutter and started going to union meetings to learn more of what they were all about. Over the years he participated as he could—helping on the Country Club strike, informational picket lines, bowling tournaments, and other union activities. As part of that, Jim served on his first negotiating committee. Seeing the union from that perspective only made him more interested in being involved. He wanted to take the next step and was appointed to the Executive Board. As a board member, he got a behind-the-scenes view of how the union runs and how we can shape our future. It’s exciting and something he wanted to be part of. In July 2007 he was asked to join the staff as a Union Representative. Jim lives in Andover with his wife, Theresa, and four sons: Ryan, Kyle, Matthew, and Brady. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, boating, camping, and sons’ soccer and hockey games. Jess Alexander
Union Representative and Organizer
Jess Alexander began at UFCW Local 663 in 2017. His goals include making life better for the people in our union’s industries because that working families work hard, do a good job and should earn a fair slice of the pie. Jess has always been driven to join with the people around him to make things better. As a teenager in high school, Jess was active in different community projects and campaigns. His first job was at a co-operative grocery store in his hometown of Corvallis, Oregon. In 1991, Jess graduated high school and moved to California to attend college. He quit school after a year for financial reasons, and was happy to be living in a bigger city and be involved in new community organizing opportunities. After a few jobs in the food industry (bakery delivery and refrigerated foods distribution), Jess started working in construction as an electrician. He experienced the stark difference between doing the same job with a union and without a union, and soon joined the Electricians union. He was an active member of his local for ten years, using his experience and skills as an organizer to make his union stronger. Jess moved to Minnesota in 2011 and made the transition from full-time electrician to Organizer. He has worked for community/labor coalitions and other unions as well. Jess is excited to serve the members and the leadership of Local 663 to grow our membership strength by organizing new members and therefore improving the lives of all Minnesotans. Lisa Thoma
Walking Steward
Lisa started her union career as a production line worker in what is now JBS in 1991. From there she became a union steward and in 2015 I became the walking steward. She enjoys learning and becoming more active in my union endeavors by attending meetings when available, working with the employees and also working to solve the problems that pop up on a day to day basis. Lisa is married and have three kids and five grandchildren. She also has two dog, and mentions when the family gets together it is quite a full house. Her hobbies include riding my Harley alongside my husband, gardening and walking her dogs.
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union…
More InfoAyayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Ayayew Bejica
Walking Steward
Ayayew started in the meatpacking industry at John Morrell Sioux Falls in 1992 in the production department. In 1997 he moved to Worthington to work at JBS, at the time it was called Swift. A union member since 1992. An E-Board member of UFCW for over 10 years, he’s served five years as a steward, and has sat on the negotiations committee twice. Since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in Fall of 2018, he is the new additional Walking Steward at JBS. Speak Oromo, Amharic and English, and some Arabic too. Bejica is proud to create Oromo community in Worthington. He plans Oromo events in the Worthington community throughout the year, including New Years, UFCW Local 663 picnic, and King Turkey Day parade. He has four children and has been married for 25 years. He’s also proud to have two of his sons serving in the U.S. Air Force. He says, “I Love this country, that’s why I push them to be in the Air Force.”
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