Frances Orenic takes on role as legislative director at the Illinois AFL-CIO

Springfield, IL – Frances Orenic has been promoted to legislative director at the Illinois AFL-CIO, working to advance the organization’s policy and legislative strategy.

“The Illinois AFL-CIO is thrilled to support Frances in her new role,” remarked President Tim Drea.

“Frances has been steeped in the Labor Movement from a young age and understands the diverse needs of working families fighting for equitable wages, safety conditions and the ability to bargain. Frances brings a unique perspective to the table and ensure that we are advancing the needs of working Illinoisans in the legislature.”

Orenic previously served as the organization’s coalitions director. Before joining the Illinois AFL-CIO, Frances worked as coalition director for the Vote Yes for Workers’ Rights campaign helping to pass the Illinois Workers’ Rights Amendment.

Previously, she was an organizer for Chicago Jobs with Justice while completing her WILL (Women Innovating Labor Leadership) Empower Apprenticeship through Georgetown University and Rutgers University.

Her engagement with the Labor Movement began at the age of 15 when she became involved with the DePaul University Labor Education Center and University of Illinois Labor Education Program. Frances worked in campaign politics in Cincinnati, Ohio before moving to Chicago.

Orenic graduated with a B.A. with Honors from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio where she studied philosophy, politics, and the Public and History.