Rick G. Eilander

Rick G. Eilander

Des Moines, Iowa

Rick joined AFSCME in 1992, when he worked as a jailer for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and became a member of Local 2840, where he served as a steward. In 1997, he became a correctional officer for the state of Iowa. For over a decade, he represented AFSCME members at the Newton and Mitchellville correctional facilities, as a steward and chief steward of Local 3013 and later of Local 0451.

In 2006, Rick became a union representative at Council 61, helping fellow members achieve the rights they deserved. He helped lead Council 61 during the uncertain period after the state legislature stripped away our collective bargaining rights in 2017.

In July 2021, he became President of Council 61 and has helped improve how the council communicates with members, as well as built genuine relationships with management.

Rick lives in Newton, Iowa, with his fiancée, Jennifer, and enjoys hunting, fishing and attending union social events, which allow him to get to know his fellow members better. He has three children – Josh, Amanda and Kendyl.

Council 61 represents Missouri, Iowa and Kansas, and Rick will work alongside his fellow members to help build, rebuild and strengthen our union in any way he can.