In Memory Of Jerilou Cossack

I was saddened to learn that Jerilou Cossack passed away last week. In 1976, she was one of three individuals appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the newly created Educational Employment Relations Board, which would later be renamed the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). So she was a member of the very first Board and the first woman appointed to PERB. Jerilou served as a member of PERB until 1979. From 1979 until her passing Jerilou served as an arbitrator, mediator and factfinder in labor disputes. To say that she was a well-respected arbitrator would be an understatement. She was a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and also an instructor with the Labor Arbitration Institute. She was also a frequent speaker for the State Bar of California and other professional organizations. In addition, she was a tremendous supporter of the Industrial Relations Association of Northern California (IRANC), now called the Labor and Employment Relations Association of Northern California (LERANC). She helped revitalize IRANC and served as an advisor to the organization for many years. I recall when I first got involved with IRANC, Jerilou would regularly make the trip up to Sacramento from the bay area to attend our meetings and support the organization. She will be greatly missed.