August 21, 2026
Southeastern States Cap Council Meeting
text and photos by Jennifer Thornton

On August 20, 2026, the merger of the Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Kentucky CAP Councils established the Southeastern States CAP Council, creating a stronger and more unified regional voice. By bringing these four councils together, we can strengthen collaboration, share resources, improve coordination, and increase our collective impact on the political and legislative issues affecting UAW members and working families throughout the Southeast. This new structure will allow us to build on the strengths of each state while advancing common priorities with greater unity and effectiveness.

Assistant Director George Palmer gave an encouraging speech to the crowd and CAP Coordinator, Mark Dowell, swore in the new officers.

The newly elected officers are as follows:

Bryan Kessinger – President

VP – Florida – Art Franco

VP – Georgia – Kenny Bradford

VP – Kentucky – Renard Duvall

VP – Mississippi – Robert Sutton

Recording Secretary – Bev Fryman

Financial Secretary – John Newman

Trustee – Jody Jaegers

Trustee – Sandra Gibson

Trustee – Nic Mathis

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