laborers' district council of ohio
Clint Powell
Business Manager/ Secretary-Treasurer
Clint Powell was initiated into the Laborers’ International Union of North America on March 24, 1995, as a member of Laborers’ Local 809 in Steubenville, Ohio. A proud 31-year member of LIUNA, Powell began his career in the field and has spent more than three decades representing and advocating for working men and women. During his career with Local 809, Powell held several leadership positions before serving 15 years as Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer. He has also held numerous leadership and fiduciary roles within the Ohio Laborers District Council, the broader union construction industry, and within his community. Today, as Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio Laborers District Council, Powell is proud to represents approximately 20,000 Laborers across Ohio. He is focused on expanding work opportunities, strengthening apprenticeship and training, supporting signatory contractors, protecting wages and benefits, and ensuring Ohio’s Laborers have a strong voice throughout the state. Powell believes the strength of the Laborers has always come from its members. He remains committed to building on the foundation established by generations before him while creating greater opportunities for those who will follow.
Gary M. Bretz
Field Representative
Gary M. Bretz is a proud second-generation Laborer and a member of Laborers' Local 574 in Marion, where he was initiated on November 22, 1996. Gary spent 10 years working in the field, beginning as a general Laborer before progressing to pipelayer, grade checker, and eventually foreman. In 2006, he took on the role of Apprenticeship Coordinator for Local 574, beginning a career dedicated to helping train and prepare the next generation of Laborers. In 2010, Gary was elected Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of Local 574, a position he held for 15 years. During that time, he also served as an Auditor and Executive Board member of the Ohio Laborers' District Council, as well as serving on the Pension Board. In 2025, Gary joined the Ohio Laborers' District Council as a Field Representative. He also serves on the Ohio LECET Board and the Ohio Laborers' Training and Apprenticeship Board. Throughout his career, Gary has remained committed to strengthening the Laborers' union, supporting its members, and continually trying to build our brand and help fellow Laborers flourish for the next century.
Jeff Sellers
Field Representative
Jeff Sellers is a proud first-generation Laborer and 26-year member of the LIUNA. A member of Laborers’ Local 1216 in Mansfield, Ohio, Jeff has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for union Laborers and strengthening the labor movement throughout Ohio. Jeff began his construction career as a pipelayer, spending 16 years in the field building critical infrastructure and working on water and wastewater treatment facilities throughout Ohio. In 2010, he was elected to the Executive Board of Local 1216, later serving as Vice President and President. In 2015, he became a Field Representative, working with members, contractors, and project owners to support employment opportunities and uphold collective bargaining agreements. Jeff was appointed Business Manager of Local 1216 in 2017 and was elected to the position in 2019, 2022, and 2025. During his tenure, he focused on expanding work opportunities, strengthening labor-management relationships, and advocating for members and their families. Since September 2025, Jeff has served as a Field Representative for the Ohio Laborers’ District Council, representing Laborers on projects across Ohio. He also serves as a Trustee of the Ohio Laborers and Contractors Pension Fund and Annuity Fund, helping protect the retirement security of Laborers and their families for generations to come.
Beth Billi
Chief of Staff
Bethany Billi serves as Chief of Staff for the Ohio Laborers’ District Council, working closely with District Council leadership, staff, and affiliated Locals to advance the interests of Laborers throughout Ohio. She has held the position since 2013, after joining the Laborers in 2009 as the District Council Office Manager following a 10-year career in Human Resources. Bethany earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Ohio University. In addition to her role with the District Council, Bethany has served as Executive Director of Ohio LECET since 2019, helping strengthen labor-management relationships, support signatory contractors, and expand opportunities for Ohio’s union construction industry. A second-generation Laborer and proud member of Laborers’ Local 423 in Columbus, Bethany brings a deep personal connection to the organization and a strong commitment to the members and communities she serves.
Melissa Lofton
Marketing & Media Coordinator
Melissa Lofton serves as the Marketing & Media Coordinator for the Ohio Laborers’ District Council. She leads communications and marketing efforts to promote the Council and its members and partners. Melissa began her career with the Ohio Laborers' in September 2021 as a Marketing Intern for Ohio Laborers’ Training & Apprenticeship Program while pursuing her MBA at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU). She was later hired as the program’s full-time Marketing Communications Specialist, helping expand their digital presence and outreach before joining the District Council in May 2026. Before the Ohio Laborers, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and PR from MVNU and gained valuable experience through internships with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and 4 Paws for Ability. A member of Laborers’ Local 423, Melissa believes deeply in the dignity of work and the role unions play in raising standards for working families and communities. She is passionate about telling the stories of working people and highlighting the value of union solidarity.