Joseph Geiger is the executive secretary-treasurer of the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters. His involvement with the union is extensive: working his way up through the ranks, holding numerous positions in the field, and committing to various leadership roles during his 34 years with the organization. As executive secretary-treasurer or EST as it is known to union carpenters, Joe oversees the operations of an organization of 20,000 members of nine local unions covering a wide range of trade specialties.
Joe was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He joined Timbermen Local Union 1536 on July 4, 1984, at the age of seventeen, where he started his career as a timberman helper. A leader in the field, Joe worked his way up to journeyman, shop steward, foreman and finally to general foreman. This ambition translated to getting involved with his local union in leadership roles as he began to exercise his voice in union activity.
Joe held many positions in his local union, and ultimately the District Council. He became highly involved in Local 1536 where he held positions as treasurer, president, delegate and served on the Trial Committee. After its merger with Dockbuilders/Timbermen Local Union 1556, Joe served as president and delegate to the District Council. In 2005 he was hired as a business representative at the District Council, during which time he continued to serve as a trustee. In December 2013, he was elected to the office of executive secretary-treasurer and was re-elected after running unopposed in December 2014.
Joseph strives to enhance the livelihoods of his fellow brothers and sisters through his roles as a co-chairman on the New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds and as co-director of the Carpenter Contractor Alliance of New York City. Consistently endeavoring to educate members on the importance of the union, he works to build camaraderie throughout the union and keep the District Council on the road to self-governance.
Joseph lives in New Jersey with his wife, Debbie, and has four children; Frank, Joseph Jr., Robert, and Brittany.
