By: Jill Toy, Pennsylvania State Education Association Staff Organization
The National Staff Organization (NSO) is proud to announce Jackie Riggins, a veteran advocate and engaged member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association Staff Organization (PSEA-SO), has been appointed to the NSO Executive Committee as Region 2 director.
NSO President Brad Darjean praised the appointment of Riggins to the executive committee.
“I look forward to working with Jackie. She has been very involved with NSO and her affiliate for several years.” Darjean said he noticed a steadfast unionism in Riggins which made her the top candidate for the appointment. “She has shown she has the skills, knowledge, and dedication to serve as the Region 2 director. I believe she will serve with honor and dignity.”
After the election of Kelley Clouser as NSO Vice-President of Program in June 2025, a vacancy was created in the Region 2 director position. Riggins said she decided to apply for consideration because “I believe that for a union to be truly effective, every member must be willing to contribute—bringing their experience, skills, and energy to the collective cause.”
Riggins’ journey to national leadership is rooted in years of service in both non-exempt and exempt jobs within PSEA. This unique progression has given Riggins a comprehensive understanding of both the needs and challenges facing union staff.
Within PSEA-SO, Riggins is known as a someone who often works behind-the-scenes but is resolute in her advocacy. She has held leadership positions including Associate Delegate At-Large representative, 2nd Vice President, and 1st Vice President. Riggins played a key role on the affiliate’s bargaining team during recent negotiations.
Riggins has represented Pennsylvania at multiple Representative Assemblies, Winter Advocacy Retreats, and as a member of the NSO Research Committee.
“Jackie is a dedicated union member!” said Julian Quinonez-Rojas, a fellow member of the NSO Research Committee. “She cares about her union siblings and is always ready to have your back. She was instrumental in modernizing our national research committee and was ready to do the hard work.”
As Region 2 director, Riggins said she is focused on expanding member engagement and leadership development. “My primary goals include increasing awareness of the services and benefits NSO provides to affiliates and encouraging both current and former leaders to mentor emerging members,” she said. “Fostering leadership development is essential to ensuring NSO continues to fulfill its purpose: to represent and advocate the employment concerns of its members and to enhance the effectiveness of its affiliates toward that end.”
Hailing from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a city with a storied union legacy and a reputation for football greatness, Riggins is a proud graduate of the Community College of Beaver County and Point Park University. She is the mother of three adult children, a loving grandmother to three granddaughters, and the devoted human to three grand dogs.
The National Staff Organization represents union staff across the country and serves as a unifying voice for professionals who strengthen and support the labor movement. Grounded in a commitment to leadership, advocacy, stability and justice, NSO empowers its members to build strong contracts, protect union values and champion the rights of workers nationwide. Learn more at www.nationalstaff.org.
Congratulations, Jackie!!
Kudos to the staff for the great work on this newsletter.