After leading OCSEA for 24 years, there’s very little that catches Ron Alexander by surprise. But OCSEA’s former President says he was caught completely off guard by Thursday’s Celebration of Leadership because he didn’t know the honoree was actually him. The celebration included heartfelt, nostalgic and humorous tributes from a "Who’s Who" of Ohio labor leaders including Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga, OAPSE Executive Director Joe Rugola, AFSCME Council 8 President Sean Grayson, and former Council 8 President John Lyall.
 
OCSEA Pres. Chris Mabe called brother Alexander a close friend and mentor, and said, “I’m grateful every day for the example Ron set for me and for the strong foundation he laid for our union.”

As a lasting tribute to Alexander’s legacy of leadership, OCSEA’s Board of Directors voted to name the OCSEA Union Hall in Westerville, the Ronald C. Alexander Union Hall. Alexander has called building the union hall one of his biggest accomplishments as OCSEA’s President. He told convention delegation that he’s humbled that the hall will be named after him. He said he is grateful for the morning's celebration of his long history leading the union, which included retaining collective bargaining for Ohio state employees, enforcing contracts, protecting pensions and fighting for OCSEA retirees.