A former business representative for IBEW Local 134 and longtime member of the union, Elbert Walters III now serves as the executive director for Powering Chicago, leading the organization’s 100+ philanthropic and community impact initiatives each year and playing a key role in its daily operations. Walters brings to the position a deep understanding of the unionized electrical industry’s commitment to better construction, better careers and better communities. In his previous role at IBEW Local 134, Walters worked with colleagues to represent the interests of more than 13,000 electricians in metro Chicago. A Local 134 electrician himself, Walters began his career in the trades as an electrical apprentice at the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute, where he received the Apprentice of the Year award during his final year in the program before becoming a journeyman electrician. While working in the field, Walters served as a journeyman wireman and foreman at several electrical contracting companies in metropolitan Chicago, including Meade Electric, Divane Brothers Electric and MZI Group, Inc. Throughout his career, Walters has dedicated himself to strengthening communities. His achievements include establishing and hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast and coordinating union electrical volunteers for the annual Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago day of service, which provides needed upgrades to disadvantaged communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Within IBEW, Walters serves as a member of the Electrical Joint Arbitration Board, Adjutant for the American Legion Electrical Post 769 and member of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Board. He is also an active member of Chicago Building Trades Council, a newly appointed member of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Council and serves as Secretary of Labor Brothers United (LBU), a group of union officials dedicated to closing the gap between union labor and the community. Walters recently completed DePaul University’s Labor Leadership Program, designed to help build the next generation of labor movement leaders. Prior to devoting his professional efforts fully to Chicagoland’s unionized electrical industry, Walter served eight years in the Illinois Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1998. Areas of expertise: Powering Chicago’s business and philanthropic initiatives, Construction, Electrical industry, Union labor

Carrie Spaeth, a seasoned professional in construction trade associations, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current role as Director of Operations at Powering Chicago. In this role, Spaeth brings her industry knowledge and alliances to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as industry associations, government agencies, media outlets, and educational institutions, to advance the interests and goals of Powering Chicago and its members. As Executive Director at the Electric Association of Chicago, Spaeth served a broad range of stakeholders in the engineering, design, and construction industry that allowed a deep understanding of the flow of development from project inception to completion. Spaeth's leadership extended beyond her primary role, as she adeptly managed up to eight related trade organizations simultaneously. Her expertise benefited groups such as IES, IAEI, IEEE, 7x24 Exchange, and other professional societies over the years in addition to the Electric Association membership. She championed initiatives to support emerging professionals and promote gender diversity in the construction industry. During her tenure, she proudly established an education foundation scholarship program, awarding over $300,000 in academic scholarships, and was Editor of an award-winning association magazine. Spaeth's influence extended nationally through her leadership roles in the International League of Electrical Associations, where she served as the Midwest region Governor and then President. Her strategic relationships with national associations like NAED, IAEI, NFPA, BICSI, and the National Society of Professional Engineers greatly enhanced opportunities for local professionals. In 2018, Spaeth transitioned to the Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago & Cook County as Assistant Chapter Manager and assumed the role of Administrator of the Labor Management Cooperation Committee. Her efforts were crucial in the rebranding and strategic development of this partnership, now known as Powering Chicago. In late 2022, Spaeth became the Director of Operations at Powering Chicago, working alongside Elbert Walters III to advocate for the industry. Spaeth's exemplary service has been recognized by various organizations. She notably became the first woman to receive the prestigious J.P. Simons “Man” of the Year Award and was inducted into the Chicago Electrical Industry’s Hall of Fame in 2021. Her commitment to community service is evidenced by her involvement in numerous charitable initiatives, most enduring is her 20+ year participation alongside industry colleagues to host a Christmas party for Chicago's homeless children and families. Spaeth holds a Bachelor's degree from Columbia College Chicago and a Master of Science degree with distinction from DePaul University's School of Public Service Management, where she was also recognized as an MPS Fellow. Areas of expertise and special interest: AEC Industries, Association Management, Strategic Operations Analysis, Forecasting and Revenue Development, New Business Development and Trade Advocacy, Community Outreach and Philanthropic partnerships, Fundraising, Fiduciary Management, Continuing Education and Professional Certification Administration, Coalition Building, Mentorship, Building Equitable Opportunities in the Trades