Michael Phillippi was elected as the International Secretary-Treasurer of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) on October 29, 2025. He succeeds International President Brian Sanson in this critical leadership role, bringing with him years of dedicated service to the union and its members.
A native of Morgantown, West Virginia, Brother Phillippi began his career in the coal industry as an underground miner at the Blacksville #2 Mine, where he worked for several years as a certified electrician. His firsthand experience in the mines grounded his lifelong commitment to improving the lives and working conditions of his fellow miners.
A proud member of Local Union 1702, Phillippi’s leadership journey within the UMWA has been marked by steady advancement and tireless advocacy. He first served as a District 31 Representative based in Fairmont, West Virginia, before becoming an International Representative out of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in August 2021. In July 2022, he was appointed Executive Assistant to the International Secretary-Treasurer, a position in which he helped oversee the union’s financial operations, contract enforcement, and organizational initiatives.
Throughout his career, Phillippi has been guided by a deep belief in solidarity, fairness, and the enduring strength of the labor movement. His experience across multiple levels of the union has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing UMWA members and the strategies needed to meet them.
