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SEIU Local 99 has a new leader to steer the union’s 45,000 LA Unified employee membership.

Max Arias has been named Executive Director starting Feb 16. He is replacing Scott Washburn who has been serving as interim executive director since July, 2014.

The union represents teachers assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers among other service positions.

“I am impressed with the mission of  Local 99 to develop a member-led organization that forms alliances with the community to not only strengthen the power of its members in the workplace, but to be a key player in the struggle for economic justice for all working people,” Arias said in a statement today.

“I look forward to working with the membership of Local 99 and with our partners to further our mission of achieving good jobs in our communities and a quality education for all,” Arias added.

Arias most recently served as the Assistant Director of Collective Bargaining and Representation for the Hospital Division of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) in Oakland, CA.