Welcome MAPE’s New Executive Director

On behalf of the executive director hiring committee, we are pleased to announce that Pearison Woods will join MAPE as executive director on Oct. 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. 

“MAPE is ready to embrace an organizational leader like Pearison, who will help us negotiate the best we can, support workers with everything we have and make MAPE an organized force to be reckoned with,” MAPE President Nicole Juan said. 

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 represented employees 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.