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
Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no…
More InfoRena Wong
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
Secretary-Treasurer
Rena Wong
President
Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no union representation. Rena's family had no health insurance, retirement savings, or anything else. She attended UCLA on scholarship when the Justice for Janitors strike took place in Los Angeles in 2000. That fight by low wage workers (so much like her parents) to be visible and for a dignified living wage inspired Rena to join the labor movement. Against all odds, those workers dared to fight and hope—and they WON. It was Rena’s first glimpse of what is possible when workers organize to build power. After graduating in 2001, Rena became an organizer and have worked in Labor ever since. She started with AFSCME in San Francisco, and helped to rebuild a Local over two years and prepared members for a contract fight. Rena joined SEIU in 2004 after moving to Minnesota and was part of the Property Services Division, organizing thousands of subcontracted food, laundry, and janitorial workers like those that first inspired her. Now with UFCW Local 663, Rena’s goal is to build power for workers to set standards in our union’s core industries. By activating our members, organizing non-union workers and partnering with: other unions, faith groups and community organizations we can improve the lives of all workers across our society. Michael Potter
Secretary-Treasurer
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.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
Vice President
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
Judi Johnson
Vice President
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. 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
Vice President
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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
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
Recording Secretary
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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.
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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.
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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.
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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.
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 / Organizer & Vice President
Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no…
More InfoRena Wong
President
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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. Jess Alexander
Union Representative / Organizer & Vice President
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. Rena Wong
President
Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no union representation. Rena's family had no health insurance, retirement savings, or anything else. She attended UCLA on scholarship when the Justice for Janitors strike took place in Los Angeles in 2000. That fight by low wage workers (so much like her parents) to be visible and for a dignified living wage inspired Rena to join the labor movement. Against all odds, those workers dared to fight and hope—and they WON. It was Rena’s first glimpse of what is possible when workers organize to build power. After graduating in 2001, Rena became an organizer and have worked in Labor ever since. She started with AFSCME in San Francisco, and helped to rebuild a Local over two years and prepared members for a contract fight. Rena joined SEIU in 2004 after moving to Minnesota and was part of the Property Services Division, organizing thousands of subcontracted food, laundry, and janitorial workers like those that first inspired her. Now with UFCW Local 663, Rena’s goal is to build power for workers to set standards in our union’s core industries. By activating our members, organizing non-union workers and partnering with: other unions, faith groups and community organizations we can improve the lives of all workers across our society.
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
Secretary-Treasurer
Jessica Hayssen joined the UFCW Local 663 family in 2017 and is proud to amplify the stories of the hard work that Local 663 members do and how they give back to the community. She believes that the…
More InfoJessica Hayssen
Communications Director & Vice President
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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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. Jess Alexander
Union Representative / Organizer & Vice President
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. Rena Wong
President
Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no union representation. Rena's family had no health insurance, retirement savings, or anything else. She attended UCLA on scholarship when the Justice for Janitors strike took place in Los Angeles in 2000. That fight by low wage workers (so much like her parents) to be visible and for a dignified living wage inspired Rena to join the labor movement. Against all odds, those workers dared to fight and hope—and they WON. It was Rena’s first glimpse of what is possible when workers organize to build power. After graduating in 2001, Rena became an organizer and have worked in Labor ever since. She started with AFSCME in San Francisco, and helped to rebuild a Local over two years and prepared members for a contract fight. Rena joined SEIU in 2004 after moving to Minnesota and was part of the Property Services Division, organizing thousands of subcontracted food, laundry, and janitorial workers like those that first inspired her. Now with UFCW Local 663, Rena’s goal is to build power for workers to set standards in our union’s core industries. By activating our members, organizing non-union workers and partnering with: other unions, faith groups and community organizations we can improve the lives of all workers across our society. Michael Potter
Secretary-Treasurer
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. Jessica Hayssen
Communications Director & Vice President
Jessica Hayssen joined the UFCW Local 663 family in 2017 and is proud to amplify the stories of the hard work that Local 663 members do and how they give back to the community. She believes that the power of our stories can be used to create better workplaces and communities. Jessica has held previous positions at the Minnesota AFL-CIO and AFSCME Council 5 standing up for hard working union families. She’s stood shoulder to shoulder with locked out sugar beet workers in western MN and went to jail for justice in solidarity with those who fight for $15 an hour at the MSP airport. She was a founding member of the national AFL-CIO Young Workers’ Advisory Council and founded Minnesota Young Workers as well as Minnesota Union Women’s’ groups. She is a long serving board member on the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Committee. Jessica finds inspiration in people’s lives, because our lives and our families are what drives us to build better lives. Our story is about coming together through collective bargaining to live our values. Jessica lives in south Minneapolis with a brilliant daughter and loyal Boston Terrier named Oliver. 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
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 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. Ayayew has served as Walking Steward at JBS as well. He speaks 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. Courtney Huber
Recording Secretary
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. Jess Alexander
Union Representative / Organizer & Vice President
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. Rena Wong
President
Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no union representation. Rena's family had no health insurance, retirement savings, or anything else. She attended UCLA on scholarship when the Justice for Janitors strike took place in Los Angeles in 2000. That fight by low wage workers (so much like her parents) to be visible and for a dignified living wage inspired Rena to join the labor movement. Against all odds, those workers dared to fight and hope—and they WON. It was Rena’s first glimpse of what is possible when workers organize to build power. After graduating in 2001, Rena became an organizer and have worked in Labor ever since. She started with AFSCME in San Francisco, and helped to rebuild a Local over two years and prepared members for a contract fight. Rena joined SEIU in 2004 after moving to Minnesota and was part of the Property Services Division, organizing thousands of subcontracted food, laundry, and janitorial workers like those that first inspired her. Now with UFCW Local 663, Rena’s goal is to build power for workers to set standards in our union’s core industries. By activating our members, organizing non-union workers and partnering with: other unions, faith groups and community organizations we can improve the lives of all workers across our society. Michael Potter
Secretary-Treasurer
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. Jessica Hayssen
Communications Director & Vice President
Jessica Hayssen joined the UFCW Local 663 family in 2017 and is proud to amplify the stories of the hard work that Local 663 members do and how they give back to the community. She believes that the power of our stories can be used to create better workplaces and communities. Jessica has held previous positions at the Minnesota AFL-CIO and AFSCME Council 5 standing up for hard working union families. She’s stood shoulder to shoulder with locked out sugar beet workers in western MN and went to jail for justice in solidarity with those who fight for $15 an hour at the MSP airport. She was a founding member of the national AFL-CIO Young Workers’ Advisory Council and founded Minnesota Young Workers as well as Minnesota Union Women’s’ groups. She is a long serving board member on the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Committee. Jessica finds inspiration in people’s lives, because our lives and our families are what drives us to build better lives. Our story is about coming together through collective bargaining to live our values. Jessica lives in south Minneapolis with a brilliant daughter and loyal Boston Terrier named Oliver.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
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
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
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. 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 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 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 / Organizer & Vice President
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
Union Representative
Jess Alexander
Union Representative / Organizer & Vice President
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
Union Representative
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.
UFCW Local 663 Union News
Ahead of Minimum Wage Report, Workers and Labor Leaders Praise Gains in Minneapolis & St. Paul, Continue Push for Statewide Wage Increase
On Behalf of MN AFL-CIO, UFCW, UNITE HERE, SEIU and more For Immediate Release Sunday… [+]
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High Blood Pressure Awareness Month
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is referred to as the silent killer … [+]
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Grocery workers ratify historic contract with UNFI Cub, in first comprehensive victory for pandemic’s retail heroes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Minneapolis–Today, grocery workers who were slated to walk off … [+]
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