Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award

Jean-Fightmaster-Award-Logo

Make a Nomination for
The Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award

Nomination Deadline: July 14, 2025

Jean Fightmaster was revered by her friends and colleagues as a “force of nature” and a dedicated union activist who truly embodied her last name. As an active member of OCSEA for 34 years, Jean worked for the Franklin County Welfare Department and the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation, holding leadership roles with OCSEA District 6 and BWC Chapter 2535. In addition to her tenure as OCSEA’s Vice President from 1987 to 1991, she also served on the OCSEA State Board of Directors and was part of the first state bargaining team that negotiated the first-ever OCSEA state collective bargaining contract in 1986.

Even in retirement, Jean continued to be a fierce advocate for organized labor by fighting for the repeal of Senate Bill 5 and serving as the chair of the OCSEA Constitution Committee. Jean passed away in 2023, and OCSEA will honor her legacy by presenting the Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award at OCSEA’s 36th Biennial Convention in Cleveland.

To celebrate Jean’s life and union legacy, OCSEA has created The Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award, which will be awarded at the 36th Biennial Convention in Cleveland in August.

Criteria for award:

The Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award will be given to the OCSEA member who best exemplifies Jean’s leadership, advocacy and dedication to our union based on the following criteria:

1. Dedication to Union Values: Demonstrates unwavering commitment to the principles and mission of OCSEA, reflecting the dedication exemplified by Jean Fightmaster.

2. Leadership Excellence: Exhibits outstanding leadership qualities, inspiring and guiding others within the union community.

3. Advocacy and Representation: Effectively represents and advocates for members’ rights, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

Download nomination criteria here to share with OCSEA subordinate body leaders and members. The Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award will be awarded to one leader at the OCSEA Biennial Convention in August.

How to apply:

Using the three criteria above, please submit a written nomination detailing the reasons why the nominee is deserving of the Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award by July 14, 2025. Applications may include letters of recommendation and other accompanying documentation for their leadership.

Nominations should be emailed to OCSEA’s Executive Committee through Gina Ison at gison@ocsea.org. Please put “Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award” in the subject line of the email.
Alexander and Fightmaster  
Jean Fightmaster (2nd from right), with OCSEA union leaders at the time, Ron Alexander, Betty Lynds and Ron Ronomous,
attends the 16th Biennial Convention in the 1980s.		  

Alexander Fightmaster handshake  
Jean Fightmaster, far right, participates in negotiations in the 1980s.