Cowboy Wisdom Radio

Kathy Cummings

Communications Director 

Kathy works to ensure that the Washington State Labor Council's events and positions are well-publicized, both in the news media and within the labor movement is my guest.  She supports and encourages local union publications and communications efforts by providing training, assistance and materials to labor union editors around the state. She also produces training and educational videos for affiliates and coalition members of the Labor Council.

Kathy joined the council in 2007. She has worked in Washington, D.C. for CNN, NBC, PBS and in the communications department at the IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD. She also served as the interim communications director for the California Labor Federation, during the victorious Prop. 75 fight in 2006. Kathy was the recipient of a 2007 Telly Award for a public service video.

Kathy's experience has taught her first hand the value of belonging to a union. She was released from her job as a contract cameraperson to CNN, as she and a group of fellow workers were active in an organizing campaign to bring the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET) into the company. She has been on strike at NBC Network News, covered presidential campaigns, and helped blazed a trail for women in the media behind the camera.

Kathy has a Master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She is married to Kevin Cummings, Special Representative on the Grand Lodge staff of the IAM, and has two children, Tom and Stacy.