Jerell Blakeley

A native of Trenton, New Jersey and now a resident of the Buckeye State, Jerell Blakeley serves as the Assistant Executive Director–Program for the Ohio Education Association—the state’s largest union. In this senior leadership role, he is a key member of OEA’s Executive Management Team, helping guide the strategic direction of an organization representing more than 120,000 educators across Ohio. In addition to his role at OEA, Jerell serves as an Adjunct Professor in Indiana University’s well regarded Labor Studies program.

Jerell leads OEA’s programmatic divisions with a focus on translating organizational priorities into high-impact, sustainable initiatives that strengthen public education and elevate the profession. He provides executive oversight and strategic integration for OEA’s Government Relations, EPRMA (Education PolicyResearch, and Member Advocacy), and Communications departments—ensuring cohesive execution, strong cross-department collaboration, and measurable value for members and local affiliates.
This is Profile picture of Jerell Blakeley. who is Dynamic Government Affairs Professional | Expert Coalition Builder | Labor Union Leader | Education Policy Visionary

Expertise

My Expertise

Government Relations

Jerell Blakeley, a seasoned advocate in government relations, leads with strategic acumen as the Assistant Executive Director-Program at Ohio's largest labor union.

Leadership

Demonstrating unparalleled leadership, Jerell Blakeley has pioneered initiatives that foster inclusivity and justice.

Organizational Development

Jerell's strategic insights into organizational development are evident through his consultancy work and leadership roles

Urban Policy

As a committed public servant with a deep understanding of urban policy, Jerell has contributed significantly to urban development and education.

Human and Civil Rights

Jerell's commitment to human and civil rights is unwavering.

Equity

At the heart of Jerell Blakeley's work is a profound commitment to equity.

About

Jerell Blakeley

Accomplished union government relations executive with a successful track record of results in governance, government relations, diversity, equity and inclusion, education, organizing, research, unionism, government, and urban affairs on the local, state, and federal levels.  Experienced board of director member. 

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EXPERIENCE

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-PROGRAM, OHIO EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Columbus, Ohio (August 2025-Present)

A member of OEA’s Executive Management Team, Jerell oversees the GR, EMPRA and Communications departments for Ohio largest union.

DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY AND RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE, INDIANA STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Indianapolis, IN (February 2022-August 2025)

As the inaugural director of Government, Community, and Racial and Social Justice for the Indiana State Teachers Association, Jerell overview Government Relations and Racial and Social Justice work for Indiana’s largest union.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

(Dec 2019-Feb 2022

Jerell led government relations efforts for South Jersey for the NJEA, NJ’s largest union. 

BUREAU CHIEF OF OUTREACH AND CONSTITUENT SERVICES, TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM, NJ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Trenton, NJ (Mar 2019-Dec 2019)

A gubernatorial appointee, Jerell led constituent relations for NJ’s premier Temporary Disability Insurance program.

Featured articles

FEATURED ARTICLES

THE OPTIMIST: How Jerell Blakeley Hopes to Help Reimagine Public Education in Ohio

When Jerell Blakeley walks through the headquarters of the Ohio Education Association in Columbus, he carries with him an unmistakable…

How Alternate Route Alumnus Jerell Blakeley Has Dedicated His Career to Supporting New Jersey Educators

How Alternate Route Alumnus Jerell Blakeley Has Dedicated His Career to Supporting New Jersey Educators

As the youngest professional staff member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), Jerell Blakeley has spent his entire life looking…

Making A Mark in Educational Policy

Making A Mark in Educational Policy

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the bustling streets of Trenton as Jerell Blakeley made his way to…