Eli Baccus to lead SMART Education Department

March 14, 2025

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Former local union organizer and SMART International Instructor Eli Baccus has been named director of the SMART Education Department — another step in a career dedicated to advancing the interests of union workers across North America.

SMART Education Department Director Eli Baccus on the picket line during his time as an organizer with Local 33, pictured wearing a Local 33 hat with an inflatable Scabby the Rat behidn him.
SMART Education Department Director Eli Baccus speaks to a police officer while holding hand bills and a megaphone during his time as an organizer with Local 33.

“Eli’s extensive experience, dedication and passion for labor education make him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “I am confident that under his leadership, our Education Department will continue to thrive, equipping our members with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.”

“I am honored to work with the International’s staff to help General President Coleman implement his vision of SMART as a union that is focused on benefiting the lives of the members,” Baccus said. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve our membership in this position and will strive to ensure SMART’s local union officials are getting the best training possible.”

Baccus joined the SMART Education Department as an International instructor in April 2024. Before then, he served as the director of organizing and partnership development at Local 33 (Northern Ohio) — a role he held since July 2015, and one in which he demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to labor education.

“His tenure there was marked by a renewed focus on growth, engagement and strategic partnerships,” Coleman said.

Before his time at Local 33, Baccus spent five years as a labor attorney at the law firm Widman and Franklin, where he represented unions across Ohio, advocating for workers’ rights and fair labor practices.

As SMART’s new education director, Baccus said he plans to deliver engaging, relevant and fun programming that meets the immediate and long-term needs of our organization.

“Class content will be driven through a collaborative process between the Education Department and other International departments to ensure we are providing the skill training that new officials need to improve members’ lives,” he explained. “We will be creating experiences for union officials that allow them to immediately apply class content in near real-world scenarios in a meaningful way.”

“Learning does not have to be boring,” Baccus added. “In fact, it will be more impactful if class participants enjoy the experience.”

Learn more about the SMART Education Department in the SMART Member Portal.