SOAR Director

The Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (S.O.A.R.) is an affiliate organization of the United Steelworkers Union (USW). The liaison between our two organizations is our SOAR Director, Jim Centner. Below is a profile of Jim Centner.


In 1977, Jim Centner began his work career with the Steelworker's as a mill hand at the Al-Tech Specialty Steel Corporation at Dunkirk, New York. He served in various positions with Local Union 2693, District 4 including Grievance person, Treasurer, Safety and Health Chairman and Vice-President. He began his career with the International Union as a Grant employee representing the International Union at the Center for Worker Health and Safety Education in Cincinnati, Ohio.

When USWA President Lynn Williams appointed Jim to the staff as a Safety and Health Technician in 1991, he moved to Pittsburgh.

In 1996, Jim was assigned as a Technician in the Membership Development Department and in 1998, USWA President, George Becker, appointed him Assistant Department Head.

In December 2000, Jim returned to the Safety and Health Department and served as an International Representative. Six months later, he was appointed SOAR Director by USWA President Leo Gerard.