North Central Regional Vice President
RVP William Axford has worked for the Federal Bureau of prisons since 2006. He started as a correctional officer and eventually moved to education as a teacher. Prior to working for the Bureau of Prisons, Bill served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman stationed out of Kaneohe Bay Hawaii where he achieved the rank of Corporal. After serving in the military, he attended Winona State University, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in History/ Social Science Education.
Bill served on the Executive Board of Local 3947, FMC Rochester, for 12 years. He held the positions of Secretary, Vice President, and President.
Bill started the legislative program at FMC Rochester and believes that a targeted approach through congress is essential for making positive changes for staff. Through building relationships with congressmen and senators, the legislative program at FMC Rochester was able to secure votes on needed legislation. The connections were also used to bring congressmen and senators directly into the institution to give them firsthand knowledge of the issues facing staff on a day-to-day basis.
Bill believes in creating positive change through relationships when possible. With Bill’s help, the team at FMC Rochester has successfully won arbitrations and unfair labor practices for the local. Over the 12 years on the executive board, he helped negotiate a Local Supplemental Agreement, numerous MOUs, and has represented countless staff though the disciplinary process.
Bill believes in a team approach to everything union related. Because of this, training the next generation of unionists is one of his top priorities.
Bill looks forward to the challenges ahead and sees each challenge as a possibility for positive change for the staff in the BOP.
As the North Central Regional Vice President Bill will be serving 17 locals which consist of the following 9 states, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
William "Bill" Axford
North Central Regional Vice President
Cell: 507-696-7913