Andrew K. Pantelis is the District Vice President of the 4th District of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Elected in 2016 at the IAFF 53rd Convention, Pantelis represents over 32,000 professional fire fighters and emergency medical workers from 202 affiliates in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

 

Prior to his election as International Vice President, Pantelis served as the President of the Prince George’s County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association, one of the largest affiliates of the IAFF, representing over 1,800 active and retired professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel. Under his leadership, Prince George’s County Local 1619 established a powerful political action program, enhanced the safety of their members, and made great strides toward meeting the staffing and response time standards that are outlined in National Fire Protection Association 1710.

 

Pantelis also held an active role in his State Association, the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland.  In his capacity as Vice President of that organization, he worked with the leadership team to fight off pension attacks, strengthen collective bargaining laws, and acquire additional cancer presumption protections in the State Workman’s Compensation law. Pantelis developed excellent working relationships with key elected leaders, allowing him to advance the fire service agenda in the Maryland General Assembly.

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As District Vice President, Pantelis served as Chair of the IAFF's Ethical Practices Committee which was charged with investigating allegations of malfeasance regarding the union's finances, pension plans, business practices, and internal governance. He also served as Chair of General President Edward Kelly's Transition Team, responsible for creating a roadmap to improve the resources and services that are provided to the IAFF's 325,000 members. Currently, Pantelis serves as Chair of the IAFF Legal Services Committee, Chair of the IAFF Government and Political Affairs Committee, Vice Chair of the IAFF Budget and Finance Committee, and as a Director of the IAFF Financial Corporation.

 

Pantelis earned a Bachelor's Degree in Government and Politics and a Master's Degree in Management from the University of Maryland. He is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and he is a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

 

Still on the job as an active fire fighter, Pantelis concurrently serves as a Battalion Chief with the Prince George's County (MD) Fire and EMS Department. He resides in Annapolis, Maryland where he enjoys traveling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is active in his community on various boards and civic committees.