AFSCME International has named Gino Carbenia as its field services director for Ohio.

Carbenia started his career as a public employee and AFSCME member in 1984,when he was hired by the Ohio Department of Agriculture as an amusement ride inspector. After nine years as a state employee and OCSEA member, he was laid off by the administration of Gov. George Voinovich.

After a brief detour into the private sector as an insurance industry safety consultant, he rejoined AFSCME in 1996, when was hired by the City of Canton.

As an activist member of AFSCME Local 2937, he worked his way up through the union’s ranks serving as a steward, chief steward, executive board member, recording secretary, and in (1998) was elected vice president.  

In 2000, Carbenia joined Ohio Council 8 and served as a staff representative in the Akron region. Five years later he became an AFSCME International Union Representative, where he was responsible for assisting members with internal organizing, organizing campaigns, leading negotiating committees, and day-to-day local union operations.  

Carbenia was appointed as Ohio’s International Union Area Director in May.  He replaces long-time area director Terry Reed, who joined Council 8 as organizing director.    

“We’re glad to have Gino back home in Ohio,” said Ohio Council 8 President John A. Lyall.  “He has some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident he will be a great asset to all of Ohio’s AFSCME members.”