Experienced educators lead each of the CFT’s five division councils. Representatives from constituent local unions of each division elect their council leaders in biennial elections.

EC/TK-12 COUNCIL

Steve McDougall is president of CFT’s Early Childhood/TK Council 12th-grade education division council of locals. He is a rank and file member of the Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers Local 1020 and has served in numerous leadership roles since 2006, including local president and chief negotiator. 

COUNCIL OF CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES

Carl Williams is president of the Council of Classified Employees, the division representing paraprofessionals and support staff. Williams leads the Lawndale Federation of Classified Employees, AFT Local 4529, representing staff at in the Lawndale Elementary School District, where he works as a custodian.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COUNCIL

Jim Mahler is president of the Community College Council and leader of the AFT Guild, Local 1931. He serves on the executive board of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and teaches engineering, math and physics in the San Diego Community College District.

UNIVERSITIES COUNCIL

Mia McIver is president of the CFT Universities Council and past president of UC-AFT Local 1474. Mia teaches at UCLA. 

COUNCIL OF RETIRED MEMBERS

Dennis Kelly is president of the CFT Council of Retired Members. He is currently chair of UESF Retired Division. Formerly, he was UESF president; AFT & CFT vice president; 26 year CFT parliamentarian; SF Labor Council Executive Board; and a 35 year classroom teacher. Kelly received the Ben Rust award in 2018.