Blog
May 29, 2020
Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans names Alex Brower as Executive Director
The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA) – the organization that fights for Wisconsin’s retirees, their earned benefits, and their issues – is proud to announce that Alex Brower has been named Executive Director.
Brower, the outgoing Substitute Teacher President of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, has served the labor movement in multiple capacities as an organizer, active member, and elected president. As the President of the substitute teachers’ union, Brower led efforts that defeated privatization and won some healthcare benefits for full-time substitute teachers at Milwaukee Public Schools. In addition to his work in labor, Brower is involved in efforts to establish community control of wealth and economic decisions.
“We’re excited to have Alex bring his extensive knowledge of organizing and leadership to WIARA,” said Interim Executive Director Gary Mitchell, a retiree with AFSCME Council 32. “We’re making WIARA a fighting force for retirees and their issues, and Alex will help lead us there.”
The Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans is a state affiliate of the national Alliance of Retired Americans established in 2001 to promote the dignity, fulfillment and retirement security of all older Americans. The Alliance works to unite older activists to help create an America that protects the health and economic security of seniors as well as their families. WIARA works with unions, their retirees, individual members and community groups to inform, energize and engage older people in policy debates and elections that affect the lives of senior citizens, their children and grandchildren.
For more information on WIARA, please visit wisconsin.retiredamericans.org. Photo credit: Joe Brusky.
Wayto go Alex! I’m looking forward to working with you.
Yea! Perfect man for the job. Congratulations!
The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA) has made an excellent choice in hiring Alex Brower. Although I am a little biased in that Alex is from my hometown (Jefferson), I know of Alex’s excellent character and skills since he was in high school in Jefferson.
I’d like to share some of my “history” in that I’m a recent retiree. I owned and operated a small, family-owned business for 22 years in Jefferson (Olsen Funeral Home, now Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home) and I also worked in a variety of positions over the years, including U.S. Army officer and staff member for a U.S. Senator (Herb Kohl). I’ve known and been associated with politicians since I was a teenager, including members of the state legislature, big-city mayors, and Wisconsin governors.
Of all the people I have known and worked with (and worked for) over the years, Alex stands out as one of the best and brightest. I am so excited for him and WIARA as he starts this new chapter in his life.
Congrats to WI Alliance! Look forward to good news from Alex.