We’re excited to introduce our final group of SEA Local Committee Chairpersons for the current LEC Officer term. They officially start their terms on November 1, 2026. Below you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Members at Council 19.
Kathy O’Malley | Local Benefits/Retirement Chairperson
Kathy came to Alaska Airlines in 2004 after working for Nordstrom in Corporate Human Resources as a Benefits Specialist for 18 years. Once she completed probation, knowing she wanted to help Flight Attendants, she served on the SEA EAP/Professional Standards Committee for 8 years.
In 2012, the Local Benefits/Retirement position became available where she has served for the past 14 years. Kathy is committed to helping her fellow Flight Attendants in any way she can and it has personally brought her much joy to have that connection.
She enjoys traveling with her husband in their vintage trailers and cars, gardening, and playing with their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Terry Taylor | Local Benefits/Retirement Vice-Chairperson
Terry has been a Flight Attendant for Alaska Airlines since 1973. She has always been Seattle-based. Although she was a commuter for eleven years, long before the current commuter policy, she has always maintained a home in the Seattle area. She attended Stephens College and Seattle University.
During the first few years of her career, she attended Union meetings, followed newsletters and began her AFA involvement. Over the ensuing years, she has served as MEC/LEC President, LEC President, MEC Vice President, and many other positions. She’s also the longest serving member of the AFA-CWA International Finance Committee.
When she started, she was appalled to hear that Alaska Flight Attendants did not have a Retirement plan, although a few had been employed for over 20 years. When AFA first secured a Retirement Plan, Terry was appointed to the Flight Attendant Retirement Board, where she served for many years. Long before there was a Benefits Committee, she self-educated and worked with ill and injured Flight Attendants to ensure that they received the proper benefits. Once the Committee was formed, she was the MEC Chair for many years. She welcomes the opportunity to continue to support Alaska Flight Attendants.
Andrea Korican | Local EAP/Professional Standards Chairperson
Andrea began her career with Alaska Airlines in 1990 and joined the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in 2011. After more than a decade of supporting fellow Flight Attendants through EAP, she moved into the SEA EAP Vice Chairperson role in 2022 and became Local EAP Chairperson for Council 19 in 2024.
As Local EAP Chairperson, Andrea is committed to advocacy, peer support, and ensuring Alaska Flight Attendants have a trusted place to turn when they need guidance. Whether someone is navigating substance-related concerns, personal or professional challenges, or simply needs help finding answers and resources, she is passionate about helping Flight Attendants feel supported, respected, and connected to the right assistance.
Andrea believes strongly in the value of peer-based support and in meeting Flight Attendants where they are. Her leadership approach is grounded in compassion, confidentiality, education, and service to the Flight Attendant community.
She is a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and she continues to further her education and professional credentials within the EAP field to strengthen the support and resources available to Alaska Flight Attendants.Andrea lives in Kirkland, Washington, and outside of work enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends, as well as wine tasting and traveling.
Jarod McNeill | Local Hotel Chairperson
Jarod McNeill has been an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant for more than 22 years and brings extensive experience in Union leadership, contract advocacy, hotel evaluation, and the travel industry to his role as Local Hotel Chairperson.
Throughout his career, Jarod has been actively involved with AFA and has spent more than 18 years volunteering in support of Flight Attendants, particularly new hires and reserves. His union experience has included serving as Local Reserve Chairperson, MEC Reserve Chairperson, MEC Reserve Vice-Chairperson – New Hire and Probation, and Local Hotel Chairperson. He is also grievance trained, giving him a strong understanding of our contract and the importance of ensuring negotiated protections and standards are upheld.
Jarod is excited to continue in the role of Local Hotel Chairperson for Council 19, where he has previously worked to evaluate layover properties and advocate for hotels that meet the needs of Flight Attendants. He understands that a crew hotel is more than simply a place to sleep. Safety and security, cleanliness, comfortable rooms and beds, adequate rest, food availability, transportation, location, amenities, and the overall quality of the layover experience all matter.
In addition to his airline and union experiences, Jarod has an extensive professional background in the travel industry. He owns and operates a travel agency, is an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor and currently volunteers in travel focused nonprofits. His work in the travel industry gives him regular exposure to hotels and hospitality brands around the world, and an understanding of hotel operations, service standards, property positioning, amenities, and the overall guest experience.
The combination of perspectives, as a working Flight Attendant, experienced Union representative, Local Hotel Chairperson, and travel industry professional, provides Jarod with a unique foundation for evaluating crew hotels and advocating for properties that provide our Flight Attendants with the safe, comfortable, and restful layovers they deserve.Jarod looks forward to once again representing our Flight Attendants in securing and maintaining the best properties possible.
Ross De Jong | Local Inflight Service Chairperson
Ross began his flying career with Alaska Airlines in 1991, making this year his 35th anniversary with the company. Prior to joining Alaska, Ross spent 10 years in the
restaurant industry, where he held various management and corporate positions. He is also a certified “Train the Trainer” graduate through the American Society for Training and Development.
For over a decade, Ross has been actively involved with the Inflight Service Committee (ISC), serving as the SEA Local Chairperson for the past eight years. He is deeply dedicated to supporting the Flight Attendant workgroup and advocating for onboard service and safety concerns. Additionally, Ross contributes to the Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program as a trained safety observer.
Ross is married to fellow Flight Attendant Chip Hestle, and the couple is also celebrating their 35th anniversary together this year.
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