291unionman@gmail.com

Jeffery Mitchell, South Florida AFL-CIO

President

Jeffery Mitchell is a veteran labor leader and community advocate, serving as President of the South Florida AFL-CIO and an International Representative of the Transport Workers Union of America. A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Mitchell began his labor journey with Miami-Dade Transit, eventually becoming President of TWU Local 291. There, he led successful contract negotiations, expanded union membership, and strengthened the union’s influence throughout South Florida.

Now representing over 250,000 workers, Mitchell champions labor rights, fair wages, and political engagement. He has been at the forefront of major campaigns to stop privatization, oppose anti-union legislation, and promote economic and racial justice. Under his leadership, the South Florida AFL-CIO has become a powerful voice for working families, uniting labor and community partners to build lasting change.

Mitchell lives in Palmetto Bay, Florida, with his family and remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of workers and strengthening the labor movement nationwide.

KrisB@ibew349.org

Krishna A. Beckford, IBEW Local 349

Vice President

Krishna A. Beckford is Vice President of the South Florida AFL-CIO and a dedicated labor leader committed to advancing workers’ rights and strengthening organized labor throughout the region.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Beckford began his labor journey in South Florida with Pan American Airlines as a member of TWU Local 291. During this time, he also worked with Labor Union 1652, further deepening his commitment to the labor movement and the principles of worker representation and solidarity.

Beckford later joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 349, where he completed the electrical apprenticeship program and became actively involved in political advocacy and union-led efforts supporting working families. Through his leadership and engagement, he has helped strengthen labor’s voice across South Florida.

He currently serves as President of IBEW Local 349, where he chairs the Executive Board, Health and Welfare Board, and Examining Board, having previously served on each.

A former Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) instructor, Beckford has helped train the next generation of skilled electricians. He continues to work with community and faith-based organizations to promote civic engagement, voter participation, and greater awareness of opportunities within the skilled trades.

Kethaotis@bellsouth.net

Ketha Otis, AFSCME

Treasurer

Ketha D. Otis is the Chief of Staff for AFSCME Florida, working alongside President Vicki Hall and elected leadership to build power for working families across the state. In this newly created role, she strengthens collaboration, communication, training, and strategy across the union, enhancing its ability to organize, mobilize, and grow political influence.

A longtime AFSCME leader, Otis previously served as Treasurer of AFSCME Florida and is the current President of her local Miami, representing state workers while continuing her field work supporting residents with disabilities.

With over two decades of service, she spent 16 years as Secretary of Council 79 and eight years on its Executive Board. Otis also chairs Region 3 (South Florida) PEOPLE and plays a vital role in the broader labor movement through the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. Her leadership bridges union advocacy and community empowerment, advancing justice and dignity for Florida’s working families.