James Vaughan, a 37-year member of Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 12, was sworn in last week as the new business manager of New England’s largest plumbing union, taking over from his predecessor, Tim Fandel, who retired at the end of 2024.

Vaughan, who joined Local 12 in 1988, took office at a ceremony at the Local 12 union hall in Dorchester led by United Association New England Representative Harry Brett, a former business manager for Local 12.

“I’m very proud and honored,” Vaughan said. “I’m excited for what the future brings. We’re going to make Local 12 better. The foundation has been set by Harry and Timmy and now we’re going to build upon it.”

Vaughan worked as an apprentice for four years before becoming a journeyman. He started as a truck driver and became a master plumber, an estimator, a foreman and a superintendent.

He has served on the Local 12 Building Committee and the executive board before he was elected a Business Agent in 2016. He has also worked as a plumbing inspector for 18 years.