Technical Expertise and Bold Leadership: Gay Henson on the IFPTE and Public Service

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey from nuclear safety at the TVA, the fight to protect federal expertise and the vital role of women in the 2026 labor movement. On today’s episode, host Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with Gay Henson, a leader whose career bridges the gap between scientific precision and labor activism. From her start in applied health physics at the Tennessee Valley Authority to her current role as Secretary-Treasurer of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Henson shares why "institutional memory" is the most valuable asset in public service. In this episode, we discuss: From the Lab to the Local: How a background in radiation protection and nuclear safety shaped a leadership style rooted in accountability and safety. The Crisis of Expertise: Why the loss of scientists and engineers at agencies like NASA represents a threat to national innovation, public safety and long-term research. Defending the Contract: The strategies the IFPTE is using to protect collective bargaining rights and financial stability for federal workers. Leading Without Permission: Henson’s message for Women’s History Month on why women must lead with conviction, persistence and a refusal to accept imposed limits. The Power of Solidarity: Why unions remain the best vehicle for a collective voice in technical, professional and scientific workplaces. Go Behind the Scenes of the Labor Movement Every victory starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.