Jim Sype

Director

Jim Sype has had the privilege of serving as the North Central Region Political Director for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) since 2007. His role includes assisting IUOE Locals develop member communication programs, promoting legislative priorities, fighting anti-worker bills, recruiting, training and electing IUOE and other union members to political office. In addition, he assists Local Unions with increasing the IUOE political footprint thru traditional electoral activities.

Prior to working for IUOE, Sype worked on several electoral campaigns. His campaign experience spans political jurisdictions and his work on those races ranged from volunteer roles to manager.

Jim comes from a strong belief that working people should have a voice and that hard work should always be respected, no matter the profession. He believes his greatest lessons come from his biggest losses. He believes that college is not always the best path for a rewarding career. Jim despises the term “Rust Belt” when describing the industrial Midwest and actively avoids consultants who use it.

Jim was born and raised in Wyandotte, MI, the city he considers the capitol of Southeast Michigan’s Downriver Community. He has served as an appointee on the Ingham County Michigan Parks Board and the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission. Jim currently lives in Okemos Michigan with his wife Vivian Leung and children, Grace and Elizabeth.

In his spare time, Jim likes working on small home and garden projects, “pizza and a movie” nights with his family, attending concerts, playing golf, watching sports, especially the Detroit Pistons and Lions.