Leadership
NEAL TEPEL
Founder and Publisher of LaborPress
Neal Tepel is the visionary behind LaborPress, founding the organization in 2009 to elevate the voices of workers and unions through trusted, high-impact media. With more than 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator in New York City’s school system—including serving as Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education – Neal transitioned into labor communications, consulting with unions and
advocacy organizations to shape public narratives and policy.
He also served as Assistant to the Executive Director of AFSCME District Council 1707, deepening his commitment to labor rights and union leadership. Under Neal’s direction, LaborPress has grown into one of the most respected labor news outlets in the country, reaching thousands daily across digital, print, podcast, and event platforms. His leadership continues to guide LaborPress in its mission to inform, connect, and champion the labor movement.
STEPHANIE WEST
Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Event Coordination
Stephanie West has been a cornerstone of LaborPress for more than 15 years, where she has shaped its growth and the organization’s mission of amplifying labor news and advocacy. She joined the organization in its earliest days – just one year after its founding – and has been a driving force behind its maturation and evolution ever since.
In her role, Stephanie oversees strategic initiatives and leads the planning and execution of signature events that bring together labor leaders, unions, and community partners; she has also been one of the leading voices in labor journalism. Her leadership has helped position LaborPress as one of the most respected voices in labor news, ensuring its ability to adapt and thrive through change.
Through her vision and dedication, Stephanie has helped establish LaborPress as a trusted and influential resource for working people.
WAYNE JOSEPH
Director of Operations
LaborPress is proud to welcome Wayne Joseph as our new Director of Operations. A Brooklyn native whose parents immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago, Wayne brings more than three decades of frontline and leadership experience at the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
Wayne currently serves as President and Fiduciary of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association, where he oversees day-to-day operations for active and retired members. In this role, he negotiates wages, benefits, vacations, and work schedules, while also representing members in grievances, disciplinary hearings, investigations, and select legal matters.
He also serves as Fiduciary of the BTOBA Family Protection Plan, managing a welfare fund dedicated to member benefits, and supports the BTOBA Scholarship Fund, which raises funds and awards scholarships to members’ children. In addition, Wayne serves as Recording Secretary of the New York State Public Employee Conference (NYSPEC), helping coordinate and strengthen the collective voice of public sector unions statewide.
Wayne is also the owner and operator of WJ Consulting LLC, where he advises organizations on operations, negotiations, and member services.