Mike Hartley, Executive Director
Scott Wetch, Lobbyist
Kate McDermott, Office Manager
Cindy Breninger, Finance and Billing Manager
Jeanette Garrett, Administrative Assistant
Mike Hartley, Executive Director
Mike Hartley serves as the Executive Director of the California State Pipe Trades Council, where he represents more than 38,000 Union Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinklerfitters, Welders, and HVAC/R Technicians at UA Local Unions throughout California.
Professional Overview
Mr. Hartley joined the United Association (UA) in 1996. The UA is the premier trade union for the Plumbing and Pipefitting industry in North America and Canada, with over 397,000 members. As a proud UA Local 230 San Diego member, he has built a distinguished career grounded in advocacy, training, and leadership.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Providing strategic direction and organizational leadership for California’s pipe trades
- Negotiating collective bargaining agreements that secure wages, benefits, and safe working conditions
- Liaising with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community partners to advance labor interests
- Overseeing apprenticeship, training, and journeyman development programs
Leadership and Board Service
Over the course of his career, Mike has held numerous elected and appointed positions, including:
- Election Committee Member, UA Local 230
- Pipefitter Examining Board Member, UA Local 230
- Organizer, UA Local 230
- Business Agent, UA Local 230
- Business Manager & Financial Secretary, UA Local 230
- Southern California Pipe Trades, Pension, Health & Welfare Trustee
- Apprentice & Journeymen Training Trustee
- Executive Board Member, Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16
- Executive Board Member, Piping Industry Progress & Education Trust Fund
- Executive Board Member**, San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council
- Vice President, San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL–CIO
Commitment to the Trades
Mike’s dedication to the Pipe Trades extends beyond collective bargaining and benefits administration. He is deeply invested in:
- Ensuring high-quality, hands-on training for apprentices and journeymen
- Promoting best practices in safety, efficiency, and technology integration
- Advocating for policies that strengthen union labor and protect working families
- Cultivating the next generation of trade professionals through mentorship and community outreach
Throughout his tenure, Mike Hartley has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the members he serves, advancing the interests of union tradespeople across California and setting a standard for leadership in the piping industry.
Scott Wetch, Lobbyist
Scott Wetch is Sacramento’s premier Democratic lobbyist with excellent relationships with the Governor’s office, Democratic leadership and key Democratic Committee Chairs and members across all policy arenas. Scott is proud to be a strong and effective advocate for many of California’s organized trades. Scott has been recognized by Capitol Weekly and other third parties as “one of Sacramento’s most influential lobbyists.” He has built an effective team of Associates around him and one of the most successful Firms in the Capitol. Scott Wetch has been the Principal of Carter, Wetch & Associates since 2003. In 2001, Mr. Wetch joined Art Carter & Associates as a partner in the firm, assuming ownership in 2003. Mr. Wetch came to Art Carter & Associates through the State Building and Construction Trades Council where he served as both the Political and Legislative Director. Prior to becoming a legislative advocate, Scott served as a policy consultant in both the State Senate and Assembly for 11 years. His legislative experience includes serving as a Legislative Aide to Senate President Pro-Tempore David Robert, Legislative Director for State Senator Mike Thompson, Consultant to the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, Principal Consultant to the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Chief Consultant to the Assembly Insurance Committee, and as Chief of State to then Assembly Member Jack Scott. Mr. Wetch is a trusted counselor and advisor to California's top politicians, business leaders and opinion makers. His prominence in California political circles was highlighted in a front-page profile in the Los Angeles Times and the respected Capitol Weekly, where he was ranked 21st amongst California’s most politically influential people.