Members elected 51-year old Don Keefe as their President in the 2007 election following his six-years of service as their Atlantic Coast Vice President. Before that, he racked up another six years gaining valuable experience working on behalf of the membership as a Representative in the bustling ports of Boston and New York. He has earned a reputation as both a straightforward, no-frills advocate for M.E.B.A. members as well as a sturdy negotiator who drives a hard bargain.

Following his graduation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1978, Keefe joined the Union and shipped out under the M.E.B.A. blue and gold for 17 years earning his Chief Engineer's License (Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine Unlimited) before becoming an official. He is married to his wife Sandy and has three terrific children.