Kevin began his career on Florida’s Space Coast in August 1987, joining Pan Am World Services to support railroad operations at Cape Canaveral Air Station and the Titan Launch Program. Over the next two decades, he worked across multiple crafts at launch facilities, contributing his expertise under major contractors including Johnson Controls, Sverdrup Technologies, and Space Coast Launch Services. His extensive field experience laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to labor relations and workforce advocacy.
His leadership within the union spans decades. After serving as Vice President from 2001 to 2007, Kevin was first elected President of the Local in 2007 and has since been re-elected to consecutive terms. Throughout his tenure, he has negotiated more than 100 collective bargaining agreements and currently administers 23 agreements across the East Coast, covering jurisdictions under the National Labor Relations Act, Railway Labor Act, and the Public Employees Relations Commission. His responsibilities include contract negotiations, grievance and dispute resolution, arbitration, federal mediation, and organizing new bargaining units.
Kevin has also played a significant role in labor-management collaboration and workforce development. He has served as Co-Chair of NASA’s Kennedy Labor Management Relations Council, as a council member of Florida’s Labor Management Conference, and on the Brevard Workforce Development Board. In addition to his local leadership, he serves on the International Executive Council and joined the Air Division Staff as an International Representative in 2017, where he oversees more than 45 collective bargaining agreements across multiple TWU locals.
A dedicated advocate for working families, Kevin is an active lobbyist for the AFL-CIO at both the state and federal levels. He remains deeply committed to strengthening labor protections and advancing the interests of union members nationwide. Kevin resides in Merritt Island with his wife, Heather, and together they are the proud parents of five children.
Dennis J. McDonough is the Vice President of TWU Local 525 and has been a proud union member for 36 years. He currently works as the ASRC Structures Mechanical Lead, bringing decades of hands-on experience and leadership in complex aerospace operations.
Throughout his career, Dennis has served as a senior lead launch pad mechanic on the Delta II program and as a senior lead supporting GPS spacecraft processing. His extensive technical background and commitment to safety and precision reflect the high standards he brings to both his craft and his union service.
Dennis’s union involvement spans many roles, including Shop Steward, Vice Section Chair, Section Chair, and Vice President of Local 525. His decision to get involved was driven by a desire to create meaningful change and to be an active part of a team that advocates for working families.
TWU Local 525 has played a vital role in Dennis’s life, and he credits the union with helping shape who he and his family are today. To him, Local 525 represents a diverse brotherhood and sisterhood of skilled professionals—a second family united by shared values and purpose.
Dennis is passionate about growing union membership and changing legislation that hinders workers’ rights. He believes strongly that union representation provides safety, security, fair wages, and strong benefits, and he encourages others to support the union movement.
Outside of work and union activities, Dennis is a proud father and grandfather, with one son and three grandsons. In his free time, he enjoys race cars and hot rods.
Charlotte “Charli” Gallacher is a dedicated union leader and Mission Control Coordinator with ASRC Federal, supporting critical Space Force launch operations. With two years as a proud member of TWU Local 525, she currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice Section Chair, and New Member Coordinator.
In her role as Secretary/Treasurer, Charli brings professionalism and strong organizational leadership to the Local. She is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring transparent reporting and supporting the overall administrative integrity of the local—foundational elements that strengthen the union’s ability to advocate effectively for its members.
As New Member Coordinator, Charli focuses on creating a warm and informative onboarding experience for new members. She coordinates the distribution of member cards and welcome merchandise, helping ensure that every new member feels informed, supported, and truly part of the TWU family from day one.
Charli got involved with the union because she believes deeply in protecting workers, strengthening communication, and building a culture of fairness, collaboration, and accountability. She is passionate about making sure every member—especially newcomers—feels represented and valued.
Through TWU Local 525, Charli and her family have experienced firsthand the union’s positive impact. The job security, fair wages, and strong benefits have provided stability and peace of mind. Beyond the tangible advantages, the union has given them a supportive community that champions workers’ rights both on and off the job.
To Charli, TWU Local 525 represents a community that protects her rights, supports her growth, and helps her family feel secure and valued.
She wants non-union members to know that the union exists to protect workers’ rights, secure fair pay and benefits, and foster a community where every voice truly matters.
Charli is married to her husband Alex and together they are raising their daughter. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, learning new skills, and creating lasting memories with her family.
Ready to welcome and support the next generation of TWU members, Charli continues to advocate for a stronger, more united workforce at ASRC Federal and beyond.
Michael Orrison has been a proud member of TWU Local 525 for 22 years and currently serves as both an Executive Board Member and Shop Steward on the FEMS IV contract. He is employed by Chenega Security California Corporation as a Firefighter/Lieutenant at Fire Station 3, Capeside.
Mike began his career at the Cape during the Shuttle era as a Fire Inspector under the JBOSC contract before transitioning into Fire Operations during FEMS II, where he continues to serve today. His path into union leadership started when others encouraged him to step forward as a Committeeman. From there, he was nominated to serve as Shop Steward and later to the Executive Board.
Though union leadership was not something he initially sought, Mike accepted the responsibility with the understanding that representing members is serious work that demands dedication, resilience, and a willingness to stand up for others.
TWU Local 525 has been a powerful force for good in Mike’s family life, providing the protection and stability that comes through collective bargaining in an otherwise “at-will” environment. To Mike, the union is far more than an organization — it is a family that looks out for its members, ensures every voice is represented, and stands firm against corporate double-speak to secure real results.
He points to TWU’s successful efforts to organize firefighters at Dobbins Air Force Base and the union’s work with Congress, the Senate, and TWU leadership in Washington, D.C., and New York to fight reductions in firefighter staffing at Cape Canaveral as clear proof that TWU fights for its members and for the safety of the missions they support.
As a board member, Mike’s goals include strengthening relationships with legislative leaders and preparing the union to address emerging challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence on union jobs nationwide.
Mike has been married for 32 years, has two sons and a granddaughter, and enjoys writing music, playing guitar, traveling with his wife, and spending time in the mountains of North Carolina.
TWU Local 525 Executive Board member Kelly L. Hopkins has proudly served as a union member for the past six years while working for the Canaveral Port Authority as an Automation Passenger Boarding Bridge Operator.
Before joining the Port Authority, Kelly spent over 30 years self-employed, building a successful career as a businessman through hard work, dedication, and leadership. His experience in both independent business ownership and organized labor gives him a unique perspective on the importance of fairness, accountability, and supporting working families.
Kelly became involved with TWU Local 525 to help ensure workers are treated fairly and receive the respect they deserve in the workplace. Serving on the Executive Board allows him to advocate for employees, improve scheduling and compensation, and help create better working conditions for union members.
To Kelly, the union is more than representation — it is a family. He believes unions provide workers with a voice, protection, and the opportunity to improve not only their work lives, but also the lives of their families. He encourages non-union workers to learn more about the benefits of solidarity, support, and standing together for fairness in the workplace.
Family is at the center of Kelly’s life. He is a proud father, father-in-law, and grandfather to a daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson. Outside of work and union service, he enjoys cooking, smoking meats, and spending time supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events.
As a board member, Kelly remains committed to strengthening TWU Local 525 and continuing to advocate for the hardworking men and women it represents.
Matthew Bradford serves as an Executive Board Member for TWU Local 525. For nearly four years, he has been actively involved in the union, finding the role deeply impactful and fulfilling. He is committed to supporting union members, strengthening the community, and making a positive difference for working families both inside the organization and throughout the broader community.
To Matthew, being part of a union means building a stronger workforce through teamwork, advocacy, and equal representation for all members. He takes great pride in contributing to an organization that creates meaningful, lasting change.
Outside of his union service and professional responsibilities, Matthew’s greatest accomplishment is his family. He is a proud father of two wonderful children and is grateful to share his life with an incredible wife whose unwavering support and dedication make it possible for him to fully commit to his work and union leadership.
Zachary Akey serves today as Grievance Chairman of Transport Workers Union Local 525, where he negotiates and interprets contracts, assists members facing adverse actions, and works to resolve workplace challenges. He also serves as Section Chairman of the EWOCS contract. In these roles he enjoys helping members find a voice and bringing just outcomes to those overlooked.
Zachary Akey currently serves as a Senior Launch Communications Specialist for ASRC Federal, on contract with the United States Space Force. With over two decades of technical experience, he has held roles at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Viacom, Paramount, CBS, and Cumulus/Westwood One. His career reflects both hands-on expertise with cutting-edge media systems and the ability to lead complex projects from concept to execution.
Before returning home to Merritt Island in 2020 to be close to family, Zachary served as NBC Radio Engineer-in-Charge for four Olympic Games—London 2012, Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, and PyeongChang 2018. He also led technical coverage for two Presidential inaugurations and multiple national political conventions during his decade at the CBS Washington, D.C. bureau.
Zachary is a combat veteran, having served in the United States Army as a Network Maintenance Technician in the 101st Airborne Division.
In addition to his professional career, Zachary is deeply engaged in his community with active membership in Merritt Island Breakfast Rotary Club, supporting literacy initiatives, and water safety programs. He enjoys fishing, hunting, and shooting sports.
Most importantly, Zachary is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He is an active member of his church on Merritt Island, where he participates in several ministries and service efforts.
Wade Taylor is a 28-year member of TWU Local 525 and currently serves as Section Chairman for Cape Fire Department and Director of Fire Services. He began his career at the Cape with Johnson Controls, transitioned through the SGS contract, and now serves as a firefighter with Chenega Security California on the Cape side Fire Department.
Throughout nearly three decades of continuous service protecting Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral facilities, Wade has remained committed not only to the mission of fire protection but also to the strength and representation of his fellow members.
Wade’s involvement in the union is rooted in a desire to serve the membership, ensure firefighters have a strong voice, and protect the working conditions and rights of the professionals who safeguard this installation every day. TWU Local 525 has provided stability for his family and represents job security, brotherhood, and solidarity.
Wade believes the strength of the local comes from members standing together, looking out for one another, and maintaining clear communication and strong representation for fire services. Outside of work, he values family, community involvement, mentoring, and supporting local youth sports programs.
Bridget is a dedicated member of TWU Local 525, having joined in December 2024. She currently serves as the union’s Social Media Coordinator, managing its online presence and coordinating monthly meetings to ensure members stay informed, connected, and actively engaged. Bridget believes that strong, consistent communication is one of the most vital elements of a successful union, and she is passionate about developing new ways to keep members involved and up to date on Local matters. She takes great pride in her role and is deeply committed to serving and supporting the membership of TWU Local 525.
Outside of her union work, Bridget enjoys spending time with her dogs, Pebbles and her rescue pup Blitz, tending to her flock of chickens, tackling various projects, and planning events. She is known among friends and family for her love of animals, her willingness to help others, and her ability to see the good in everyone.
