Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Flight Attendant group.

Dianna Ripley, MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson

Dianna Ripley has been a Flight Attendant since 2014. Prior to joining the airline industry, she gained extensive leadership and customer service experience, serving as an Optical Manager for Costco Wholesale and managing Alaska’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa.

Following an on-the-job injury in 2022, Dianna became actively involved with the Council 30 (ANC) Benefits Committee, focusing on Workers’ Compensation. Motivated by her own experience navigating complex processes, she is dedicated to making benefit information clear, accurate, and accessible for all Flight Attendants. In her current role, she works to improve communication around FMLA, medical and maternity leave, Workers’ Compensation, and annual benefits enrollment.

Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, walking, and appreciating nature. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1995, and they will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in January. They have two daughters, a son-in-law, and their family dog, Deshka. Dianna and her family enjoy fishing, camping, riding side-by-sides/ATVs, and gathering around a backyard fire with friends and family year-round.

Melanie Buker, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson

Melanie began her aviation career with Horizon Air in 1986, based in Boise, Idaho. During her tenure, she joined the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), an experience that later guided her transition into the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when she joined Alaska Airlines in 2002.

She was elected AFA Council 30 Anchorage President in January 2011 and currently serves her fourth term as Vice President of AFA Council 15 San Diego, where she has also held the role of Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson. With more than 23 years of dedicated EAP service, Melanie remains committed to strengthening the program and enhancing support resources for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants—and, in the future, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants as the merger progresses.

Melanie resides in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys the natural beauty of her home state, spending time with her longtime friends, reading, and cherishing time with her two grandsons.

Elizabeth Dillon, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson

Elizabeth Dillon has been a LAX-based Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines for 35 years and has been involved with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee (including CIRP Critical Incident Response) since 1996. She holds three certificates related to drug and alcohol abuse: NCAC-I (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1), LAP-C (Labor Assistance Professional), and SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Elizabeth conducts assessments, organizes inpatient treatment for addicted Flight Attendants, and monitors incoming EAP, Critical Incident, and Professional Standards cases for Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines.

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, especially the grandkids, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Deb Wallstrom, MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson

Deb Wallstrom has held several Union roles since she joined Alaska Airlines in 1998. Based in Anchorage, Deb currently also serves on both the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and the Benefits Committee. She is dedicated to assisting and guiding Flight Attendants through retirement options and information. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, hiking, and curling up with a good survival book.