Michael Regan
City and State: Armagh PA.
Current Company and Position: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Director of Organizing.
Family: Wife Valerie, three daughters Felicity, Kallista and Liberty.
First Job: Lawn Care at the age of 11.
What it taught me: I began cutting lawns for mostly elderly residents in my neighborhood who needed additional assistance. The experience instilled in me the value of helping others, hard work, responsibility and pride in doing a good job.
Best advice you could give someone starting out: Come in with an open mind and a great attitude. Pay attention and learn from the people around you. Be willing to listen and absorb different viewpoints, friends, co-workers, peers, managers, etc. Show up every day with the mindset that you’re going to be better than you were yesterday regardless of any obstacles in your path. Be a good teammate. Hold yourself accountable and be someone others can depend on- someone who earns trust through consistency, effort and integrity.
Who is your hero and why? First and foremost is my father. He is a retired union steelworker from Bethlehem Steel. He showed me what it means to be a man, how to be present for your family and friends, supporting them even during the tough times and being someone they can count on for honesty and guidance. He’s a man of few words, but when he speaks, you listen and learn, because there’s always a lesson behind it. He created a blueprint for how I live my life, loving my family and working tirelessly for them, and I continue to follow it every day. My second hero is my wife of 27 years, Valerie. We were young parents starting out. With me working residential construction and her staying home to raise our children. When I finally got into the carpenters union as a first-year apprentice, her support never wavered. She raised our three daughters – Felicity, Kallista and Liberty nearly on her own while I worked sometimes seven days a week for most of the year. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering support have been the backbone of our family. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without her.
Biography: Michael J. Regan’s story is deeply rooted in the proud tradition of Irish labor, resilience, and craftsmanship. His family’s journey began in 1891, when his ancestors emigrated from Skibbereen, County Cork, to the United States. Word had reached Ireland that work would be plentiful in Pennsylvania and as skilled forgers and blacksmiths, the Regan family seized that opportunity. His father and both grandfathers were all steelworkers who helped to rebuild the City of Johnstown.
After graduating high school, Michael pursued junior hockey in the New York Metro League, with aspirations of continuing at the collegiate or professional level. After hockey and taking on the responsibilities of a growing family, Michael worked in residential construction and as an auto glass installer before joining the United Brotherhood of Carpenters as an apprentice.
He became deeply involved in his union, volunteering for community initiatives and taking on leadership roles early in his career. He served as Local Delegate and Vice President, chaired the volunteer committee, and helped strengthen member engagement. On the job, he advanced from steward on large industrial scaffold projects to foreman and eventually superintendent, overseeing major projects across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
In 2018, Michael expanded his impact by becoming a Council Organizer. Inspired by the organizer who once changed his life, he dedicated himself to helping non-union workers find opportunity through union membership. His organizing efforts have spanned six states and Washington, D.C., and extended internationally to Canada and Puerto Rico, where he has contributed to major campaigns focused not only on recruiting and empowering workers, but also on expanding market share.
Throughout his career, Michael has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on contract negotiation committees with the Keystone Contractors Association, working as a facilitator at the International Training Center to help develop future organizers, and holding positions such as Local 423 Vice President and Delegate, Chair of the Volunteer Organizing Committee, Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee, EAS Council Trial Board member, EAS Council Pension Trustee, Council Executive Board member, and Chair of the EAS Council Election Committee. He has also served on advisory committees supporting local technical education and workforce development. In late 2024, he was promoted to Senior Council Representative. In July 2025, he was appointed Director of Organizing for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
