Kelese Richardson

LEC President

Kelese started her career here at Alaska Airlines in 2006. She has always been based in LAX and flew out of LAX, LGB, BUR, ONT and SNA at the beginning of her career while on reserve. Kelese became involved with AFA in 2010 because she was frustrated with how the Flight Attendants in LAX were being treated. With the downsizing of the base and Flight Attendants being furloughed and forced based to other bases. She started on the Grievance Committee and then in 2013 she became the LAX LEC Secretary. During which she assisted with organizing leafletting and protesting at LAX during contract negotiations. After her term ended in 2016, she took some time off from the Union for health reasons and to plan her wedding. Kelese returned to Union work in 2017 in the role of LAX Scheduling Committee Chair.

She wants to make sure Flight Attendants are well informed and know that our union is constantly flighting for them. Whether it’s one of the officers or someone on a committee. And she is honored that she is still fighting for our work group. Before Kelese started flying she worked in non-profit in the inner city of Los Angeles. Her educational background is in Liberal Arts. During her spare time, she enjoys spending it with her husband and daughter in Austin.

email lax.lecp@afaalaska.org
tel (323) 333-2843

Bryan Wall

LEC Vice President

Bryan Wall has been an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant since 2012 and served as Council Representative since 2016. He was elected LEC Vice President in 2025. During his time as an LEC Officer, he has worked to support the base advocating for his co-workers on many items such as scheduling issues, assisting Flight Attendants during the Virgin America transition to Alaska, leaves, and grievance. He is passionate at his role so Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants in Los Angeles get the best representation possible.

Prior to Alaska, Bryan was an agent for American Airlines where he was heavily involved with the organizing campaign for CWA.

email lax.lecvp@afaalaska.org
tel (916) 505-4128

Jodi Nelson

LEC Secretary

Jodi started flying with Alaska Airlines in 2014, but her aviation journey began even earlier. She kicked off her career at 19 with SkyWest Airlines, where she flew for five years before making a big shift. She accepted a station manager role with Great Lakes Aviation at a small airport near her hometown. The station was part of the Essential Air Service program, and Jodi ended up managing it for eight years.

While at Great Lakes, she wore many hats—training employees in CRO, ramp operations, and deicing, and helping open several new stations across the Midwest. She loved the variety and challenge of the work, but when the airline shut down after losing its government funding, Jodi knew it was time to return to the skies. She only applied to one airline—Alaska.

Since rejoining inflight, Jodi has served two years on the Inflight Service Committee. 

In her new role as Secretary, Jodi’s goal is to help bridge the gap between Flight Attendants and the CSA/Airport Operations side of the business. She is passionate about improving communication and understanding across different departments. Her guiding philosophy is simple: “If you have a complaint, be part of the solution.”

Outside of flying, Jodi has worked 12 consecutive summers as a manager at a kids’ summer camp near Sequoia National Park—something that’s close to her heart. 

Jodi lives in a small farming town in Central California, about three hours south of LA, with her 17-year-old son Kade, her longtime partner Klay (an LA County firefighter). They have a dog, two cats and a flock of 21 chickens. They love camping, vacationing in Hawaii, and spending time together outdoors.

email lax.lecs@afaalaska.org

Eric Howell

Council Representative

Eric Howell is honored to serve as the newly elected Council Representative for Council 18 (pmAS LAX). With more than two decades of experience at Alaska Airlines, Eric brings a deep understanding of frontline operations, a strong connection to his fellow crew members, and a genuine commitment to representing Flight Attendants with fairness, respect, and transparency.

Eric began his journey with Alaska Airlines in 2002 as a Customer Service Agent, quickly advancing to a Lead role. In 2004, he took to the skies as a Flight Attendant, where he’s continued to grow personally and professionally. He became an active participant in the Special Projects Pool, conducting probationary observations and operating experience (OE) flights—experiences that gave him unique insight into training, development, and peer support.

His leadership style is grounded in lived experience. Eric believes in showing up, listening closely, and making decisions that reflect the needs and concerns of those he serves. As Council 18’s Council Representative, he is focused on building trust, strengthening unity, and ensuring every Member feels heard and valued.

Outside of his work at Alaska, Eric is a dedicated family man and active community member. He volunteers his time as a coach for AYSO soccer, leading not one but two of his children’s teams. Coaching has taught him the power of patience, teamwork, and positive reinforcement—skills he brings into every aspect of his Union work.

Whether in the air or on the ground, Eric is proud to stand with and for his fellow Flight Attendants. He looks forward to this new chapter of leadership with gratitude, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of responsibility.

email lax.cr@afaalaska.org