A.J. Starling's career in the Labor Movement began in 1971 with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1235 in Nashville, Tennessee, as a bus operator. He was later elected to the Union Executive Board and eventually Recording Secretary of Local 1235, where he served for 12 years.

While he was a bus operator, Mr. Starling received recognition as Operator of the Year, Perfect Attendance Award and Safe Driving Award for 18 years. He also received an award that was named in his and his supervisor’s (Frank Brooks) honor. The Brooks-Starling Award is given annually to the operator who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Before leaving as an operator, Mr. Starling worked in numerous political campaigns with the Tennessee AFL-CIO and the National AFL-CIO.

In 1988, Mr. Starling was selected by Tennessee AFL-CIO President Jim Neeley to serve as Labor Coordinator in the Technical Assistance Program, where he worked with the Tennessee Department of Labor in the Dislocated Workers Unit, assisting hundreds of people secure training and re-employment.

Within 2 years, Mr. Starling was promoted to Director of the Technical Assistance Program, where he planned and supervised all phases and operations. Under his leadership, program staff doubled and the annual budget grew to almost a half million dollars.

Mr. Starling was named Director of Political Affairs in 2003, and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Tennessee AFL-CIO. He is active in community and political activities, including membership on the Workforce Investment Board (WIA#9), State of Tennessee Tax Structure Study Commission, Red Cross Board, State President of the Asa Phillip Randolph Institute, Trustee of Westwood Baptist Church. A.J. and his wife Marieta have two sons, Jeff and Andrae.