“Helping employers become successful and sustainable.”

With a career spanning over three decades in employee benefits administration, labor-management relations, and industry advancement, Thomas Mittelbrun III, CEBS, stands out as a trusted advisor and passionate facilitator of strategic collaboration. As Principal of T3 Advisory & Facilitation, LLC and a member of the Arbolus Expert Network since January 2024, Thomas continues to channel his expansive knowledge and hands-on experience into guiding organizations, trustees, and corporate leaders through the complexities of benefit planning, governance, and workforce alignment.

Prior to launching his advisory firm, Thomas served as the Executive Director of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) for eight years, where he led strategic initiatives to support unionized electrical contractors and advance industry standards. His leadership was shaped by a deep foundation in benefits administration, having spent over 25 years with the NECA/IBEW Electrical Workers Joint Boards of Trustees—first as Assistant Benefits Director for a decade, then as Benefits Director for sixteen years. In these roles, Thomas oversaw multimillion-dollar trust funds and spearheaded comprehensive employee benefit programs that touched thousands of union workers and their families.

Thomas has held numerous trustee and investment committee positions across a diverse portfolio of benefit trust funds, including defined benefit and contribution plans, health and welfare funds, and supplemental programs. His stewardship extended to the Electrical Workers Pension Trust Fund, the Sound & Communication Division Retirement Plan, and the IBEW Local No. 58 Annuity Fund, among others. These roles reflect his fiduciary integrity and mastery of governance frameworks necessary to protect member benefits and ensure fund sustainability.

A strong advocate for education and workforce development, Thomas served on the NECA/IBEW Apprentice & Journeyman Training Trust Fund, supported Wayne State University’s NECA chapter, and contributed to initiatives with the SMC-NECA Education & Research Foundation. His board involvement is equally expansive—serving on corporate and nonprofit boards including Renaissance Health Services Corporation, the Oakland University Alumni Association Board, and the Management & Unions Serving Together Board (MUST). Notably, he also served as Vice Chair of the State of Michigan’s Certificate of Need Commission, influencing health care infrastructure planning across the state.

Throughout his career, Thomas has contributed to national dialogue through conference presentations, advisory roles, and industry think tanks, including ELECTRI International and the BCBS National Labor Conference. His ability to bridge management and labor perspectives has made him a valued management representative on multiple collective bargaining committees and a contributor to collaborative solutions in unionized environments.

A proud alumnus of Oakland University, Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) through the Wharton School of Business and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), and a graduate of the Benefit Administrators Master’s Program. Thomas began his career as a journeyman wireman trained at the NECA/IBEW Electrical Industry Training Center—an origin that informs his authentic understanding of labor needs and commitment to empowering the skilled trades.

Thomas Mittelbrun’s executive journey is defined by leadership rooted in trust, collaboration, and deep technical expertise. His work continues to shape the future of employee benefits, unionized labor partnerships, and contractor success across the country.

Character
Thomas Mittelbrun exemplifies integrity, trust, and dedication through decades of leadership in labor-management relations and employee benefits, consistently prioritizing ethical governance and the well-being of working families. His hands-on experience and fiduciary service reflect a values-driven approach grounded in responsibility and respect for all stakeholders.

Knowledge
With a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation and over 25 years overseeing complex benefit plans, Thomas brings a depth of expertise in pension, health, and welfare programs that few can match. His background as a journeyman wireman, combined with business and benefits education from Oakland University and the Wharton School, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both field operations and executive strategy.

Strategic
Thomas has led and advised on transformative initiatives within NECA and NECA/IBEW organizations, leveraging his insight to shape sustainable, member-focused benefit systems and collaborative labor agreements. His board service and participation in policy-shaping commissions underscore his ability to navigate complex systems and drive long-term organizational growth.

Communication
A natural facilitator and respected presenter, Thomas engages effectively with union leaders, corporate stakeholders, and public policymakers alike to build consensus and drive mission-aligned solutions. His leadership style is defined by transparency, collaboration, and the ability to translate technical benefits structures into shared understanding and action.