Whitmer–Vera 986

Ray Whitmer

Ray Whitmer has spent more than four decades fighting for working families and strengthening the Teamsters Union. A second-generation Teamster, he began his career in 1982 and has dedicated his life’s work to serving the membership.

After becoming an organizer in 1983 and a Business Agent in 1985, Ray earned the trust of the membership through hard work, steady leadership, and a commitment to putting members first. He was elected to the Executive Board and went on to serve for more than 30 years as the Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 911 before being appointed Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 986.

Throughout his career, Ray has remained focused on what matters most: protecting good jobs, negotiating strong contracts, defending members’ rights, and building a union where every member is treated with dignity and respect.

His leadership is guided by honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability. Ray believes that the strength of Teamsters Local 986 comes from the unity of its members and that every Teamster deserves the opportunity to succeed.

With decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to service, Ray continues working to build a stronger union, stronger contracts, and a stronger future for every Teamster family.

Tim Vera

Tim Vera has dedicated his career to helping working people build a better future through the strength of the Teamsters Union. An accomplished organizer and respected leader, Tim has spent decades bringing workers together, helping them earn a voice on the job, and improving the lives of Teamster families.

Before joining the leadership of Teamsters Local 986, Tim served as Local 986 Coordinator in Las Vegas, negotiating strong agreements and building lasting relationships with workers across Southern Nevada. Prior to becoming Coordinator, Tim was an organizer with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and transitioned to business representative for the casino and transportation industry in Las Vegas.

Today, as President of Teamsters Local 986, Tim is committed to raising the standard for representation by putting members first, strengthening contracts, organizing new workplaces, and building a union that is responsive, accountable, and united. He believes every member deserves respect, every workplace deserves a strong voice, and every family deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Tim leads with the belief that organizing is the foundation of a strong union. By empowering workers, developing future leaders, and standing together in solidarity, he remains focused on building a stronger Teamsters Local 986 for the generations that follow.