SAG-AFTRA has announced that three union leaders—David Jolliffe, Ellen Crawford, and Liz Zazzi—have been awarded the George Heller Memorial Award gold cards. The honor recognizes their significant contributions to the union and its members.
The George Heller Memorial Award is given every two years at SAG-AFTRA’s national convention. Recipients are chosen by the National Honors and Tributes Committee from across the country, based on their service and dedication to SAG-AFTRA or its predecessor unions.
David Jolliffe, who serves as a SAG-AFTRA National Board member and Los Angeles Local Second Vice President, has spent over thirty years in union leadership. He has participated in numerous local and national committees, including those focused on Commercials, Television/Theatrical, Animation, and Dubbing agreements. Jolliffe has also worked on National Executive, Organizing, and Legislative Committees. According to the announcement: “He has chaired multiple wages and working conditions meetings and has been a steady resource for members seeking guidance on contracts, particularly during the pandemic. Elected multiple times to local and national leadership roles, including as Los Angeles Local second vice president, he is known for his expertise, patience and commitment to improving SAG-AFTRA for all members.” The statement continues: “Beyond his elected service, Joliffe is a passionate advocate for member education and engagement, helping new members understand their rights and encouraging participation in the union.”
Ellen Crawford is a former SAG-AFTRA National Board member recognized for her work in labor organizing. She has served several terms on the board as well as Los Angeles Local vice president. The release states: “A longtime advocate for labor and union organizing, Crawford has served multiple terms on SAG-AFTRA’s National Board and as Los Angeles Local vice president, chairing the National Organizing Committee and the National Financial Core Committee.” She was active in initiatives such as Members on the Move (MOVE), which sought greater member involvement in contract campaigns. Crawford played a role in merging SAG with AFTRA to form a unified union structure. The statement adds: “She is deeply engaged in the labor community…collaborating with nurses, teachers and other unions…and continues to mentor emerging leaders.”
Liz Zazzi is a current SAG-AFTRA National Board member and New York Local Fourth Vice President. She began her board service with the legacy Screen Actors Guild in 2001 before becoming involved in efforts leading up to the merger of SAG with AFTRA. The release notes: “Zazzi began her national board service with legacy Screen Actors Guild in 2001…and served on the Group For One Union…She has participated in numerous national and local committees over the years…often in leadership roles such as Chair…” Zazzi was previously recognized with a Joseph C. Riley award for her work during the 2000 Commercials Contract Strike. She also chairs an editorial sub-committee that oversees SAG-AFTRA’s magazine.
The George Heller Memorial Award highlights longstanding service within labor organizations representing actors and media professionals.
