We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on October 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils, ensuring that the voices of both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants are heard and advocated for. Below, you’ll find brief bios that showcase their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our combined Flight Attendant group.
James Bozanich, MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson
James began his aviation career in 2009 as a San Francisco-based Flight Attendant with Virgin America. Over the years, he has held a variety of leadership and instructional roles within Inflight, including Inflight Team Leader, Air Transportation Supervisor, and Inflight Instructor, a role he continues to serve in today. In addition to teaching Initial and Recurrent Training, James has co-developed numerous Inflight Training programs at both Virgin America and Alaska Airlines. One of his most memorable experiences was participating in the Virgin America / Virgin Australia Exchange Program, spending a year flying as a Sydney-based Flight Attendant.
James became active with AFA shortly after the ratification of the 2018 JCBA, first serving as the Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson before transferring to the SAN base in 2021, a city he now proudly calls home. In 2023, he assumed the role of MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson and also joined the Inflight Training Committee. Guided by his belief that constructive action is a powerful driver of change, James applied for and was selected to join the 2022 Negotiating Committee. In this role, he contributed to the strategy and negotiations that led to the 2025–2028 CBA, a contract delivering significant economic gains and work rule improvements for Alaska’s Flight Attendants. He will soon begin his second term as MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson, where he will oversee the integration of the pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian Hotel Committees while continuing to champion the highest standards of crew accommodations.
Outside of Union and inflight work, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UC Davis. Before becoming a Flight Attendant, he worked as a Securities Licensed Banker and as a Trip Leader for a high-end active travel company. In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving, running, skiing, and experiencing the cuisines of the world while traveling.
Mischelle Fielsch, MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson
Mischelle Fielsch began her aviation career in 1997 as a Flight Attendant with Reno Air before flying with American Airlines, Virgin America, and ultimately Alaska Airlines. Throughout her career at these four airlines, she has held a variety of leadership and Union roles, including Team Leader, Union Representative, Inflight Supervisor, and Performance Supervisor. She has experience in performance management, investigations, and conflict resolution, and is known for building trust, fostering collaboration, and advocating for Flight Attendants in both operational and Union settings.
In her current role as AFA Council 35 (SFO) Vice Chairperson for the Grievance Committee and Chairperson for the Communications Committee, Mischelle has spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the Union Break podcast and Council 35’s social media channels, enhancing transparency and engagement among members. In her new position with the MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson, she looks forward to expanding opportunities for Flight Attendants to connect with their Union, share their voices, and feel supported in their execution of job duties. Her passion for engagement, coupled with integrity-driven leadership, will continue to strengthen the relationship between Members and Union leadership.
Meredith Havens says
Thank you Brian! That helps bunches! I’m excited for this committee and to help engage our peeps! ❤️
Meredith says
Congrats you two! We are lucky to have y’all! I am on what was known as the Education Committee in ANC, however these most recent elections seem to have shifted the focus to Engagement. How does the Engagement Committee differ from Communications Committee? What was the reasoning from the shift from Education to Engagement? Is there a mission statement for this newly formed committee? I’m happy to be a part of it but am left a little confused as to the goals of the committee. Thanks for the clarity!
Brian Palmer (MEC Communications Committee Chairperson) says
Following the conclusion of Alaska contract negotiations and the work of the Mobilization Committee earlier this year, several Local Councils took the initiative to form committees to maintain momentum and focus on education, engagement, and solidarity. In April, our MEC decided to unify these efforts by adopting new language for the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, which establishes a structured Membership Engagement Committee across AFA at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
We’re currently in the process of developing this committee’s structure. An MEC Committee Chairperson has now been elected, and we look forward to Local Committee Chairpersons and additional Committee Members joining in the future. It’s exciting to see that Anchorage is leading the way with its committee structure actively in place and making strides in this work!
While the Communications Committee is focused on producing and sharing news and information, the Membership Engagement Committee focuses on actively connecting that knowledge with Flight Attendants in meaningful ways. This might occur through one-on-one conversations, visibility activities at the airport, or other networking opportunities. The purpose of the Membership Engagement Committee is to empower Members by keeping everyone informed, engaged, and actively involved in our Union. Education plays a key role in this, and will be a central part of the Committee’s efforts. For more details, please check out the Membership Engagement Committee page on the website or the committee’s duties and responsibilities document.