Leadership, Experience, Knowledge & Commitment to NALC Region 6

My name is Kyle Inosencio, and I am honored to serve as the current Regional Administrative Assistant (RAA) for NALC Region 6, the KIM Region.

My journey in the Postal Service and the NALC began in 1995, when I started as a Casual Clerk at the Gerald R. Ford Airport Facility. In 1996, I became a Transitional Employee (TE) Clerk at the Grand Rapids Processing Plant. In 1999, I became a City Letter Carrier and a proud member of Branch 56 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

At the end of 1999, I became an Informal Step A Steward at the Northwest Station in Grand Rapids. In 2005, I was asked to begin handling Formal Step A cases for the branch. Throughout my years as a steward, I have handled virtually every type of contract violation, discipline and grievance issue. Each case strengthened my knowledge of the National Agreement and, more importantly, reinforced my belief that our members deserve representation that is knowledgeable, prepared and willing to fight for them.

My union leadership experience continued to grow. In 2004, I was elected Branch 56 Treasurer, serving until the end of 2010. In 2014, I was elected Vice President, and in 2015 I became Branch President, serving until I was appointed as a Regional Administrative Assistant in 2018.

During my years in Branch 56, I also served in numerous capacities, including Safety Captain, Food Drive Coordinator, newsletter editor, organizer and Mutual Benefits Representative. As Branch President, I negotiated LMOUs for our offices, including the many associate offices within the branch. I led and developed our stewards, helping many members advance into Formal Step A representatives. Alongside fellow officers, I helped lead the effort to sell our existing branch hall and purchase a larger facility to better serve our membership.

Arbitration & Contract Expertise

In 2005, I graduated from the NALC Arbitration Advocate Training, and I have been handling arbitration cases ever since.

In 2010, I was selected to be part of the group of NALC arbitration advocates handling NRP/OWCP cases across the country. During that time, I traveled to various locations to assist in settling cases pending arbitration. NALC Headquarters also called upon me to travel across the country to arbitrate cases involving issues beyond NRP/OWCP.

That experience has given me a broad understanding of the National Agreement and the challenges faced by letter carriers in offices throughout the country. More importantly, it has taught me that preparation matters, knowledge matters and having someone willing to stand up for our members matters.

Developing Leaders

In 2005, I also graduated from the first class of the NALC Leadership Academy. Yes, I was one of the guinea pigs!

The Leadership Academy was demanding, challenging and incredibly fulfilling. It prepared us to become future leaders of this union, and I remain proud to have been part of the first class.

Since then, I have had the privilege of mentoring three fellow Leadership Academy graduates. Developing leaders has always been important to me because the strength of our union depends on preparing the next generation to step forward and lead.

Training & Route Adjustment Experience

From 2009 through 2015, I served as the NALC district lead for Joint Route Adjustments (RAAPs) in the Michigan 2 District. I managed teams and schedules and participated directly in route adjustments throughout the district.

Since 2006, I have also served as an instructor for Region 6 training. I have taught during both the biannual and annual training programs and have helped develop training on numerous Articles of the National Agreement and other important subjects.

Training isn’t simply about standing in front of a room and presenting information. It is about taking complicated contractual issues and making them understandable and useful to the members and representatives who rely on that knowledge.

Serving as Your RAA

In December 2018, then-National President Fredric V. Rolando asked me to serve as one of the Regional Administrative Assistants for Region 6. I have been honored to serve in that position ever since.

As an RAA, I have helped administer a region representing more than 20,000 members. My responsibilities have included developing and coordinating training ranging from small classes to our annual regional training, which brings together more than 450 participants.

I handle arbitrations in the regional office and oversee the appeal of DRT impasse cases to arbitration, including scheduling cases and assigning them to NALC advocates. I help oversee the day-to-day operations of the regional office and have been involved in organizing efforts and the CCA/PTF academies throughout the region.

Every responsibility I have held has added another layer to my understanding of this union—from carrying the mail, to representing members on the workroom floor, to negotiating LMOUs, handling arbitration, developing stewards, training members and leaders, organizing, and helping administer an entire region.

Experience You Can Count On

For more than three decades, I have dedicated myself to the Postal Service and to the NALC.

I have been a letter carrier. I have been a steward. I have been a branch officer and president. I have been an arbitration advocate, trainer, organizer, mentor and Regional Administrative Assistant.

I have sat across the table from management. I have stood beside members facing discipline. I have handled grievances and arbitrations. I have negotiated agreements, trained representatives and helped develop leaders.

Most importantly, I have learned that leadership is not about a title. It is about service, preparation, accountability and having the courage to stand up for what is right.

Our union faces challenges that require experienced leadership, but experience alone isn’t enough. We need leaders who are willing to listen, willing to learn, willing to educate and willing to act.

I am proud of the work I have done, but I am even more focused on the work that remains ahead.

I am ready to continue serving the members of NALC Region 6 with the experience, knowledge, dedication and leadership they deserve.