Every year, OSEA selects one outstanding member to receive one of our union’s highest honors: the Employee of the Year Award. OSEA is proud to announce that the 2021 Employee of the Year is Brian Hanson of Bend-La Pine Chapter 6!
OSEA President Lisa Gourley made the surprise announcement at Hanson’s worksite earlier this afternoon. “Brian is a shining example of just how much a classified worker can contribute to their school and community,” Gourley said. “Brian has always been known as a leader in our OSEA family, and he has stepped up again and again during the pandemic to support his chapter and classified colleagues. I can think of no one more deserving of this award!”
President of Bend-La Pine Chapter 6 and an outside services worker for Bend-La Pine School District, Hanson is a recognized leader in his community. He was nominated for this award by his chapter to recognize the many ways he goes above and beyond for his district, students and fellow members every day.
Zone VI Director and Chapter 6 Vice President Debbie Christian says that Hanson, newly elected as chapter president, leapt into action on behalf of OSEA members as schools shut down last spring. “Brian took the lead and accepted the challenge of COVID-19 like a boss! He led the chapter in negotiations with the district to keep all classified working, finding roles for bus drivers and nutrition services staff so they could keep a paycheck coming in,” Christian said. Hanson also launched weekly virtual listening sessions to address the concerns of classified staff in a timely manner. More than a year later, these sessions continue to help members address challenges before they become big issues.
A mentor and friend to many of his colleagues, Hanson supports students and staff in Bend-La Pine in any way he can. “Brian always brings out the best in others, resulting in growing their careers and achieving their goals,” said Joseph Brinkley, a fellow outside services worker.
Maintenance Foreman Clayton Forney agrees. “Brian works tirelessly to maintain safety and a great environment for our kids by working long and late hours during snow removal, grounds clean-up, field lining and construction projects… He has shown a dedication and concern for all, coworkers and students alike.”
Hanson will be honored as the 2021 Employee of the Year during OSEA’s virtual Conference in June, and his photograph will hang in the State Office.
Every chapter can nominate one member each year for OSEA’s Employee of the Year Award. The winner is selected by a panel of OSEA past presidents. Nomination forms for OSEA’s 2022 Employee of the Year will be available in August at the Awards page.