Rafael Rodriguez
Fontana,California
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in labor relations, healthcare operations, and labor-management partnerships. Proven skills in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and mentorship, driving impactful outcomes for workforce engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
President
United Nurses Staff Union
City of Industry, California
01.2024 - Current
- Represent UNAC/UHCP employees in grievance handling, workplace disputes, contract enforcement, and labor-management relations.
- Collaborate with UNAC/UHCP Executive leadership in organizational effectiveness and strategic initiatives (i.e., Strategic Planning Committee, President's Summit, All-Staff bargaining debrief.
- Develop and facilitate steward and officer trainings.
Staff Representative
UNAC/UHCP
City of Industry, California
07.2022 - Current
- Represent healthcare professionals across multiple facilities in grievance handling, workplace disputes, contract enforcement, and labor-management relations.
- Lead investigations, negotiations, and dispute resolution efforts resulting in equitable outcomes for members and employers.
- Develop and facilitate steward, officer, and leadership training programs.
- Mentor and onboard new staff representatives while strengthening member engagement and union activism.
- Partner with affiliate leaders to enhance bargaining power, contract compliance, and workplace advocacy.
Leader Practice Consultant
Kaiser Permanente
Pasadena, California
09.2021 - 07.2022
- Directed regional initiatives across Southern California in Life Care Planning, Shared Decision Making, Geriatrics, Palliative Care, and Continuing Care.
- Collaborated with senior executives, physician leaders, and operational stakeholders to implement strategic healthcare programs.
- Oversaw multi-site projects spanning San Bernardino County, Orange County, Baldwin Park, and San Diego service areas.
- Delivered executive-level reporting, performance metrics, and operational recommendations.
Assistant Manager Ambulatory Care Department RN
Kaiser Permanente
Ontario, California
07.2018 - 09.2021
- Managed ambulatory care operations across Orthopedics, Podiatry, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care departments.
- Led interdisciplinary teams, workforce development initiatives, and performance improvement projects.
- Co-led UBT programs and operational initiatives aligned with regional goals.
- Developed workflow improvements that enhanced patient access and operational efficiency.
Vice President & Contract Specialist
Specialty Care Nurses Southern California
Fontana, California
01.2017 - 07.2018
- Represented bargaining unit employees in grievances, disciplinary actions, investigations, and labor-management meetings.
- Advised leaders and employees on contract interpretation, labor policies, and dispute resolution strategies.
- Increased member engagement through organizing, advocacy, and leadership development initiatives.
Patient Educator, Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Fontana, California
08.2010 - 07.2018
- Developed and implemented health education programs to enhance chronic disease management and promote lifestyle modification.
- Facilitated group education, exercise, and wellness programs to encourage patient behavior change and improve health outcomes.
- Participated in regional diabetes education and member engagement initiatives to strengthen community health resources.
- SCNSC union steward; learned initial roles and responsibilities of labor relations. Represented SCNSC members within Weingarten meetings. Resolved disputes between workers and managers.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State University - Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05-2013
Associate of Science - Nursing
Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Los Angeles, CA06-2002
Associate of Arts - Labor Relations
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Los Angeles, CA06-2026
Skills
- Labor Relations
- Union Leadership
- Employee Relations
- Change Management
- Strategic Operations
- Healthcare Administration
- Leadership Development
License & Certifications
- State of California Registered Nurse License: 603268 Expires- November 30, 2027
- State of California Public Health Nurse: Certificate No. 86923
Timeline
President
United Nurses Staff Union
01.2024 - Current
Staff Representative
UNAC/UHCP
07.2022 - Current
Leader Practice Consultant
Kaiser Permanente
09.2021 - 07.2022
Assistant Manager Ambulatory Care Department RN
Kaiser Permanente
07.2018 - 09.2021
Vice President & Contract Specialist
Specialty Care Nurses Southern California
01.2017 - 07.2018
Patient Educator, Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
08.2010 - 07.2018
Associate of Arts - Labor Relations
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State University - Fullerton
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Pepperdine University