Jerry Kearns is a staff representative for the United Steelworkers International Union. Prior to his current position, he was employed for 38 years by Henniges Automotive (formerly Metzeler) in Keokuk as an industrial electrician. He served 20 years as president of the local union at that facility. Jerry also served on the Lee County Board of Supervisors for 18 years, beginning in 1983.

Jerry graduated from Wyaconda High School in Missouri in 1962. He attended Southeast Community College and graduated from a four-year electrician apprenticeship. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969.

Jerry is married to Diane, the director of health information at Keokuk Area Hospital. The couple have two sons: Christopher, of Montrose; and Aaron, of Quincy, Ill. They also have seven grandchildren.

Jerry is a member of the American Legion, the Elks Club, the University of Iowa Labor Advisory Board, the Lee County Democratic Party and the Iowa Democratic Party. He is a delegate to the Lee County Labor Council. Jerry was appointed to the Vision Iowa Board by Gov. Tom Vilsack. He was also appointed as co-chair of the Lee County Labor-Management Committee and to the Lee County Jail Expansion Committee.

Jerry is a member of Keokuk’s Trinity United Methodist Church. He volunteers with the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign and with AFL-CIO Community Services and food drives.