Johnny Baca is a fourth-generation Boilermaker and a seasoned union leader with nearly 20 years of experience advancing labor rights, advocating for union members, and fostering economic growth through skilled labor. As the Director of Business Development Initiatives for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Johnny spearheads innovative strategies that create high-quality jobs offering living wages, healthcare, and retirement benefits. His efforts have not only bolstered individual workers’ livelihoods but also strengthened communities and the California economy by ensuring union workers remain the backbone of the middle class.

Johnny’s union career began in 2004 as a member of OPEIU 277, where he worked to provide union members with essential benefits while completing his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Inspired by his family’s deep-rooted ties to the Boilermakers—spanning from his great-grandfather’s work building ships during WWI to his father’s contributions to nuclear and clean fuel projects—Johnny joined the Boilermakers union. Since then, he has dedicated his career to advocating for workers in both traditional industries and emerging fields like renewable hydrogen and carbon capture.

A staunch believer in diversity and inclusion, Johnny has made it his mission to open union doors to underrepresented communities. His outreach efforts prioritize recruiting minorities, women, indigenous peoples, and formerly incarcerated individuals, recognizing that the transformative power of union jobs extends beyond the individual to uplift entire communities. By creating pathways to high-paying careers, unions contribute to a robust middle class, fostering economic stability and opportunity for all. Johnny also emphasizes the critical role of union training programs in equipping workers with specialized skills needed for California’s ambitious climate goals, ensuring that the green energy transition strengthens rather than diminishes blue-collar opportunities to ensure a California energy policy that works for all.

Johnny’s leadership extends beyond advocacy. With an MBA earned summa cum laude from the University of Southern California and as a graduate of the prestigious Harvard Trade Union Program, Johnny brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to his role. He has successfully championed workforce development initiatives, built relationships in emerging energy sectors, and advocated for policies that align economic progress with sustainable practices. His ability to bridge the interests of labor and industry has made him a respected leader and influential voice in both spheres.

As a featured speaker at the California Hydrogen Convention, Johnny will represent the Boilermakers as co-sponsors, sharing insights on the vital role of unions in advancing hydrogen technology and renewable energy. His vision underscores how a skilled, unionized workforce not only supports California’s clean energy future but also secures economic stability and growth for all working Californians. Johnny’s leadership exemplifies the enduring value of union labor as a cornerstone of progress, innovation, and equity, driving a stronger, more sustainable future for California through the power of a thriving middle class.