Our 2026 Member of the Year is her chapter’s “wonder woman, because you wonder how she does it all” – Jeniffer Beck of Harney County Chapter 75!
Jeniffer is a bus driver, courier and driver trainer for her district and surrounding districts. In her chapter, she’s invaluable, having held nearly every executive board position during her 10 years as a member. She currently serves as president, worksite organizer (WSO) and steward, and she’s been on the bargaining team for the last four contracts.
“We all benefit from her hard work and dedication,” chapter Vice President Kelly Land said. “She portrays the ideal union attitude of support and unity. With her guidance, we all stand together in solidarity within our workplace, making our chapter stronger.”
OSEA’s Member of the Year is selected by the past state presidents from the nominations submitted by chapters. President Sarah Wofford, Zone VI Director GraceAnne McJunkin and Jeniffer’s coworkers surprised her in her bus barn with her award last week in Burns.
“Jeniffer represents the very best of OSEA,” Wofford said. “When challenges arise, Jeniffer steps up without hesitation. She is an incredible leader, a trusted and valued colleague, and someone whose compassion and commitment shine through in everything she does. She consistently makes a difference for our members, and I am incredibly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for her chapter and for OSEA.”
Michelle Tummonds said Jeniffer’s commitment to our union saved her chapter. After a beloved former leader passed away, Harney County Chapter 75 was struggling with maintaining an executive board and membership was faltering.
“She’s the glue. She’s the glue that keeps us together… When our chapter experienced a sudden loss of leadership, she stepped up and filled the void,” Tummonds said. “If there is something that needs done on behalf of the chapter, she is often first to volunteer. Her drive and determination keep our chapter moving forward.”
Jeniffer was both chapter president and treasurer during a time of low participation and had to learn both roles from the ground up. She has a thorough understanding of Chapter 75’s contract and frequently supports coworkers in meetings with management as a steward. She visits every worksite and greets her new coworkers. She plans Classified School Employees Week (CEW) celebrations by delivering treats and presenting workplace awards. As a member of the bargaining team, Tummonds said Jeniffer read through the contracts in surrounding districts to find good language and “thinks outside the box to insert strong language” the whole chapter can benefit from.
“She is genuinely the face of our chapter, and the link to our continuity,” Tummonds said.
Jeniffer is a leader through her job duties as well – she’s trained five new staff members to drive school buses and over the summer, she gives the state-required training to update drivers on new methods and laws.
“She is exceptional in her department and respected by staff, students and parents for her caring, patient, professional and safe school environment.” Land said. “She is often responsible for students outside of the typical educational day, giving up family time to provide support to these students.”
In her personal life, Jeniffer is a committed wife, mother and foster parent. Her family has hosted dozens of foster children, two of whom she adopted, Land said. During school breaks, she travels with her family – they've seen the whole country by car.
“I’d say she is a very driven, adventurous, remarkable woman,” Land said. “You could even say she’s wonder woman! Because you wonder how she does it all – personal, professional and union.”