MAPE Announces Pearison Woods as New Executive Director

Pearison Woods will join the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees as Executive Director on October 19, 2026.

Woods brings nearly two decades of experience in the labor movement, with a record of building strong teams, developing member leaders, winning organizing campaigns and advancing workers’ interests. His experience spans public and private sector unions, including leadership roles with AFSCME and SEIU.

Throughout his career, Woods has helped unions grow membership, strengthen representation and turn member engagement into collective power. He joins MAPE from California, bringing experience in organizing, bargaining, campaign strategy and staff development.

“Pearison brings the ex

perience, vision and commitment to member leadership that will help MAPE build on our strengths and meet the challenges ahead,” said MAPE President Nicole Juan. “Together, we will strengthen our bargaining power, support the professionals who serve Minnesota and ensure our members have a powerful voice in decisions that affect their work and their lives.”

As Executive Director, Woods will work alongside MAPE’s elected leaders, members and staff to advance the union’s priorities, strengthen its organizational capacity and secure meaningful gains for members.

“I’m honored to join MAPE and look forward to making Minnesota home for my family,” Woods said. “This union’s strength comes from its nearly 19,000 members and the essential work they do every day. My first priority is to listen and learn from members, leaders and staff. Together, we will build on that strength, develop more member leaders and turn our collective power into better contracts, stronger workplace protections and lasting gains for Minnesota’s public service professionals.”

Please join us in welcoming Pearison Woods to MAPE.