Seattle Ironworker and Ironworkers USA Credit Union member Heather Kurtenbach had the honor of introducing President Joe Biden at the signing of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill on November 15, 2021. Her compelling story of how she became an Ironworker and her rise into Union leadership not only captivated the audience but is testimony to her resiliency and drive.
In 2002, Heather was sent to prison for making methamphetamine. After paying her debt to society, she was released in 2005 and determined to be better. The problem was no one was giving her much hope – or a job – until her brother-in-law sent her to the Ironworkers Union.
“I was accepted into the apprenticeship and went right out to a rebar job. I loved working rods, and I fit right into the trade,” Heather said in her introduction of Biden on the White House South Lawn. “I’m proud to stand here today and represent the most diverse labor movement in history. Nearly half of my local apprentices are women or people of color. And this law empowers unions to keep building the middle class, leaving no one behind.”
Heather spent 13 years in the field as an Ironworker before becoming the Business Agent, Organizer, and Political Director of Ironworkers Local 86 in Seattle three years ago. She is the first woman to become an officer in Local 86 and one of just two in the country to hold such a position.
Heather says Ironworkers USA Credit Union is an important partner, both personally and professionally. “I’ve used the credit union quite a bit over the years,” she said. “They have always been there, and it’s the first place I go to now.” She gives special props to Ironworkers USA Credit Union’s Loan Relationship Manager, Kim Martin. “She’s a money magic person who definitely makes things happen for us.”
Making things happen is what Heather is great at as well. Her experience with incarceration and her work now as a union leader makes her uniquely qualified to help men and women coming out of incarceration transition into successful careers in the trades.
“A lot of them, when they’re released, don’t have anything,” she said. So, she helps them to acquire boots, jeans, hard hats, rain gear, and more. Her goal is to help them obtain not only the provisions they need to work but also make them feel confident and comfortable in their new roles.
Heather is a true embodiment of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Great job and congratulations, Heather!
Thanks to Northwest Credit Union Association for their article in Anthem about Heather Kurthenbach, “Ironworkers USA FCU Member Makes History at Infrastructure Bill Signing Ceremony,” on November 30, 2021. Learn more.
