Filter heroes statewide, by region or by cause.
10366 Cook Ave
Hero Story
Jason Finch: A Hero in Labor, Mentorship, and Community
Jason Finch doesn’t just serve—he builds, he lifts, and he empowers. As a 7th generation pipefitter, Jason carries forward a legacy of hard work and dedication to the skilled trades, but his impact goes far beyond his own career. He has spent years volunteering his time, energy, and expertise to ensure that Michigan’s workers, apprentices, and communities are supported, protected, and given opportunities to thrive.
Jason’s service spans across multiple organizations, but at the heart of it all is his commitment to people. He has served on the Board of Mechanical Rules and the Bureau of Construction Codes since 2020, helping to shape Michigan’s labor laws, safety standards, and licensing regulations to protect workers and ensure high-quality training in the trades. As a Trustee for the Health & Welfare of Local 174, he oversees critical benefits, healthcare, and pensions for union families, ensuring that workers have the security they deserve.
But Jason’s work isn’t just about policies—it’s about people and the future of Michigan’s workforce. He dedicates his time as a night instructor, mentoring new apprentices, guiding them through the challenges of learning a skilled trade and setting them on the path to successful, lifelong careers. Through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, he has helped shape the education and development of over 212 apprentices, ensuring they have the tools and training to thrive.
Jason’s impact is especially powerful in breaking barriers for women in the trades. In 2021, he helped launch and grow the Sisters & Allies Group (SAG), a support and mentorship network for women in skilled labor. Co-founder Nicole Hines describes Jason’s role simply: "He's the guy." While SAG is created and led by women, it would not be what it is today without Jason’s unwavering support. He championed the idea, fought for funding to send women to Tradeswomen Build Nations, and helped create a safe space for mentorship, advocacy, and addressing workplace challenges. Under his leadership, the group has expanded from three members to a thriving network that promotes safety, equity, and professional growth. He has also ensured that every career fair he attends includes a female tradesworker, so that young people see that the future of labor includes them, no matter their gender.
Beyond labor advocacy, Jason’s heart for service extends into his community. He has personally raised over $5,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, ensuring that 166 children in Newaygo County receive free books every month, fostering a love of learning and literacy from a young age. His work with the Newaygo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has helped revitalize abandoned and contaminated properties, turning neglected spaces into thriving economic assets for the community.
Jason doesn’t do this work for recognition—he does it because he believes that strong labor, strong communities, and strong mentorship build a better future for all. His leadership, generosity, and dedication have changed lives, strengthened industries, and created opportunities for countless individuals.
Jason Finch is not just a leader—he is a hero. His service has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s workforce, its communities, and the next generation of skilled tradespeople. His work will continue to shape the future of labor and community engagement for years to come.
He is exactly the kind of hero that Michigan should recognize, honor, and celebrate.
10366 Cook Ave
Hero Story
Jason Finch: A Hero in Labor, Mentorship, and Community
Jason Finch doesn’t just serve—he builds, he lifts, and he empowers. As a 7th generation pipefitter, Jason carries forward a legacy of hard work and dedication to the skilled trades, but his impact goes far beyond his own career. He has spent years volunteering his time, energy, and expertise to ensure that Michigan’s workers, apprentices, and communities are supported, protected, and given opportunities to thrive.
Jason’s service spans across multiple organizations, but at the heart of it all is his commitment to people. He has served on the Board of Mechanical Rules and the Bureau of Construction Codes since 2020, helping to shape Michigan’s labor laws, safety standards, and licensing regulations to protect workers and ensure high-quality training in the trades. As a Trustee for the Health & Welfare of Local 174, he oversees critical benefits, healthcare, and pensions for union families, ensuring that workers have the security they deserve.
But Jason’s work isn’t just about policies—it’s about people and the future of Michigan’s workforce. He dedicates his time as a night instructor, mentoring new apprentices, guiding them through the challenges of learning a skilled trade and setting them on the path to successful, lifelong careers. Through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, he has helped shape the education and development of over 212 apprentices, ensuring they have the tools and training to thrive.
Jason’s impact is especially powerful in breaking barriers for women in the trades. In 2021, he helped launch and grow the Sisters & Allies Group (SAG), a support and mentorship network for women in skilled labor. Co-founder Nicole Hines describes Jason’s role simply: "He's the guy." While SAG is created and led by women, it would not be what it is today without Jason’s unwavering support. He championed the idea, fought for funding to send women to Tradeswomen Build Nations, and helped create a safe space for mentorship, advocacy, and addressing workplace challenges. Under his leadership, the group has expanded from three members to a thriving network that promotes safety, equity, and professional growth. He has also ensured that every career fair he attends includes a female tradesworker, so that young people see that the future of labor includes them, no matter their gender.
Beyond labor advocacy, Jason’s heart for service extends into his community. He has personally raised over $5,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, ensuring that 166 children in Newaygo County receive free books every month, fostering a love of learning and literacy from a young age. His work with the Newaygo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has helped revitalize abandoned and contaminated properties, turning neglected spaces into thriving economic assets for the community.
Jason doesn’t do this work for recognition—he does it because he believes that strong labor, strong communities, and strong mentorship build a better future for all. His leadership, generosity, and dedication have changed lives, strengthened industries, and created opportunities for countless individuals.
Jason Finch is not just a leader—he is a hero. His service has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s workforce, its communities, and the next generation of skilled tradespeople. His work will continue to shape the future of labor and community engagement for years to come.
He is exactly the kind of hero that Michigan should recognize, honor, and celebrate.