Brian Hellman was already serving in national office when he was appointed Director of Safety and Health by President William Young in January of 2005 to fill a vacancy. At the National Convention in Las Vegas in 2006, he was elected to that position by acclamation.

Hellman, a member of New York, New York Branch 36, had been named Director of Life Insurance by President Vincent R. Sombrotto in February 2002 to fill a vacancy. He was subsequently elected to that position by acclamation at the 2002 Philadelphia convention. In that role, Hellman pushed the Mutual Benefit Association to develop new products consistent with good business practices.

As Director of Safety and Health, Hellman works closely with NALC leaders and key Postal Service managers to assure a safe work environment with both through contract enforcement
and with the development of new safety programs and the application of best practices nationwide. His responsibilities also include guarding against biohazards, both in the mail and in the workplace.

Before coming to National Headquarters, Hellman had served as National Business Agent for New York Metro Region 15.

Hellman, an Army veteran, began his postal career in January 1980 in New York City as a clerk and became a letter carrier in 1982. After seeing how aggressive managers badgered carriers, he got active in the NALC, taking on the job of shop steward for New York Branch 36 at the FDR Station in 1985, a post he held until he became a Regional Administrative Assistant in 1994. He also served Branch 36 as assistant health benefits/ compensation representative (1990-1992) and as health benefits rep (1992-1994). He took office as Region 15 NBA in 1998.

Hellman has three children, two teenage boys and an adult daughter.