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Meet Our Local Chairpersons – September 2026

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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.

Local Committee Appointments – September 2026

During this week’s LEC meeting, our LEC held interviews for our final group of Local Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson positions. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest and willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been appointed:

  • Local Benefits/Retirement Chairperson: Kathy O’Malley
  • Local Benefits/Retirement Vice-Chairperson: Terry Taylor
  • Local EAP/Professional Standards Chairperson: Andrea Korican
  • Local Hotel Chairperson: Jarod McNeill
  • Local Infight Service Chairperson: Ross De Jong

These newly appointed Local Committee Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons will carry out their respective roles for Council 19. Their official term begins on November 1, 2026. They will serve for the current LEC Officer election cycle which began on July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your LEC President at sea.lecp@afaalaska.org. 

Local Committee Interviews – September 2026

The SEA LEC Officers will be conducting interviews for Local Chairpersons for the final round of local committees. During the upcoming September LEC Meeting, interviews will be conducted for the following positions:

Please note: Vice-Chairperson positions will also be appointed from the pool of candidates interviewed at the discretion of the SEA LEC. We encourage all those interested to submit their resume and Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered.

General Qualifications

Qualifications for all Local Chairperson positions include:

  • Current Alaska AFA Member in good standing
  • Previous experience as a Committee Member is preferred.
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
  • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
  • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Qualifications for Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee positions include all of the above, plus:

  • Current Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Member or Chairperson.

Duties and Responsibilities

Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Volunteers page. Additional information regarding Local Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in the link below:

Duties and Responsibilities

Term of Service

Successful candidates will serve for the upcoming LEC Officer election cycle. Their official term will begin on November 1, 2026 and conclude June 30, 2029.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The LEC will interview eligible candidates during the September regular LEC meeting on Monday, September 21. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around this date and adjust your schedule accordingly. All interviews will be virtual via Google Meet videoconferencing.

Please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form below. The submission deadline is 5pm Pacific Time on Monday, September 7. After the submission deadline, an LEC representative will contact eligible candidates for next steps.

>> Click here to submit an expression of interest form <<

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

AFA Special Update – September 30, 2020

AFA Special Update – September 30, 2020

In This Edition

  • A Message for Our Departing Early Out Flight Attendants
  • With Hours to Furlough Cliff, Flight Attendants Demand #ReliefNow
  • TAKE ACTION: Keep Calling, Keep Tweeting. Let’s Get It Done.

A Message for Our Departing Early Out Flight Attendants

Master Executive Council

It’s hard to believe it is finally time to say goodbye to our departing Early Out Flight Attendants. The collective efforts of our most senior Early Out Flight Attendants have made it possible for the opportunity to enjoy lifetime careers as Flight Attendants, to be respected as safety professionals and to be recognized as Aviation’s First Responders. Thank you for blazing the trail for all of us—we truly stand on the shoulders of giants!

For many of us, we have never known a time when you were not available to provide your guidance, encouragement and comfort. We will endeavor to continue the fine traditions that you have pioneered. With the greatest of respect, we offer our gratitude for your years of service, wisdom and grace. You will be deeply missed!

With Hours to Furlough Cliff, Flight Attendants Demand #ReliefNow

Government Affairs Committee

COVID relief negotiations continue in Congress

See AFA’s latest media statement regarding #ReliefNow >

Watch: President Sara Nelson’s Latest Video Update >

COVID relief negotiations continue in Congress. Alaska Airlines management has confirmed involuntary furloughs are moving forward as the CARES Act Payroll Support Program (PSP) expires at midnight tonight. Some hope remains as talks continue and airlines confirm reversal if Congressional agreement is reached within days. Click here for more information in the latest AFA Interactive >

TAKE ACTION: Keep Calling, Keep Tweeting. Let’s Get It Done.

Call Congress

SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365

“Hello, I am a constituent calling to tell my (Senator/Representative) that aviation workers are out of time. Furloughs have begun and we only have days to reverse course. We need a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program NOW. Without an extension of this successful jobs program, there is no backstop for layoffs. This is just the start. Inaction is not an option. #ReliefNow for the whole country. Get it done. Thank you.”

Tweet Your Representative and Senators (add pictures of you in uniform to each!):

We’ve made it easy to Tweet at your lawmakers. Click here to get started. Or, you can copy and paste the following Tweets into your Twitter. 

  • Massive layoffs have begun for Flight Attendants & aviation workers. We only have a few days to reverse course. Extend the Payroll Support Program NOW, [tag your Senators/Representative]! Pass #ReliefNow to save my job & healthcare! #ExtendPSP
  • I’m one of thousands of furloughed Flight Attendants who needs [tag your Senators/Representative] to act to extend the Payroll Support Program TODAY. We need #ReliefNow! #ExtendPSP
  • Tell your personal story using the hashtags #ReliefNow and #ExtendPSP

If you do not know your Senators or Representatives’ Twitter handles you can find them here! Don’t have Twitter, set up an account today to take action. Here’s how >

AFA Update – July 13, 2020

In This Edition

  • ACTION ALERT: Call Congress to Extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program
  • Vanguard Retirement Webinars
  • Telephonic Support Groups for Flight Attendants
  • Ground Commuting During Significant Weather Events 
  • Temporary Requalification (RQ) Training Timeline Modification

ACTION ALERT: Call Congress to Extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program

Government Affairs Committee

We need to generate phone calls to Congress every day. Flight Attendants and family members should be making two calls to the Senate line and one call to the House line.

We are calling for a six month aviation Payroll Support Program extension through March 31, 2021, to protect our jobs. This is the most successful jobs program of the CARES Act and it needs to be extended since COVID-19 cases are again on the rise.

All of aviation labor is standing together to call on Congress to pass a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program before the summer Congressional recess. Waiting until September for this action is too late because October planning will be done and hundreds of thousands of workers will already be told they are out of work. Already, Delta Air Lines pilots and United Airlines workers have received WARN notices. 

We need urgent action on this now:

1.         Call your Representative and Senators: Flight Attendants and family should make three calls every day. Two to the Senate line and one to the House line.

House: (888) 907-9365
Senate: (888) 848-4824

Sample Script:

Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask [Representative]/[Senator] to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers in order to avoid massive job loss in October. Keep us connected to our jobs, our paychecks, and our healthcare. Thank you for your urgent attention to this.

2.         Sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >

3.         Tell 5 flying partners and your friends and family to do the same!

A CARES Act extension must pass Congress before they recess later this summer. Take action now and plan to keep taking action every day throughout July.

WATCH: AFA Government Affairs Activists Urge Flight Attendants to Make Calls

Vanguard Retirement Webinars

Retirement Committee

As the company will be offering early out packages, your AFA Retirement Committee, in conjunction with Vanguard, the company’s 401(k) plan administrator, will be conducting an online webinar to provide information and answer questions about the planning process for retirement.  More information from Vanguard is below.

Switching from earning a paycheck to living off your retirement savings and Social Security is a big change. If you’re within a few years of retiring, learn how you can turn your savings into a steady paycheck. This webinar will help you answer:

  • How much will my retirement cost?
  • Where will I find the money to pay for retirement?
  • How do I make my savings last as long as my retirement?
  • How do I invest my money during retirement?

Dates, Times, and Registration Information

Two sessions will be available:

  • Friday, July 17 – 10 AM PDT
  • Wednesday, July 29 – 1 PM PDT

Advanced registration is required and can be completed using the link below:

Click here to register for one of the sessions

Questions?

If you have any questions about the upcoming webinars, please contact MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson Terry Taylor at terry.taylor@afaalaska.org.

Telephonic Support Groups for Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Build your resiliency by joining these telephonic support groups just for Flight Attendants.  Groups are sponsored by your AFA EAP/FADAP and facilitated by a confidential mental health professional.  All Flight Attendants are welcome.

Learn some techniques on stress management, decision making under pressure, emotional balance and connect with flying partners during this period of uncertainty in the Aviation Industry. Join any or all sessions.  No pre-registration required.

Calls start on Monday, July 13 and are scheduled Mondays (July 13, 20, 27, August 3) and Fridays (July 17, 23, 31, August 7).  Each call begins at 12 PM PDT and will last one hour.

Call-In Number

(855) 544-2320 or (401) 648-9218

If outside the U.S., follow the directions here.

Ground Commuting During Significant Weather Events 

Grievance Committee

The MEC recently mediated Grievance 36-99-2-30-19, Violation of Section 28.G.2 Ground Commuting Policy.  This grievance arose out of the February 2019 snow events.  The grievance alleged the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement   Section 28.G.2 [Domiciles:  Commuter Policy/Ground Commuting Policy], past practice and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when during the February 2019 Pacific Northwest snowstorms, it did not allow Flight Attendants to use the ground commuter policy because the Company did not consider a snowstorm-related ground commuting failure to be unanticipated. 

Originally, we sought to arbitrate this grievance, however it seemed better with this particular case to mediate the issue with an unbiased mediator.  Arbitration results in a decision made by the arbitrator usually with one side winning and the other side losing; whereas mediation allows both parties to have a say in the outcome.   An arbitration award cannot change or add contract language, it may only interpret what was already present, however in mediation the parties may come to agreements about adding or changing language.  

The issue was resolved very favorably with the addition of language for ground commuting during significant weather delays.  This adds protections for Flight Attendants attempting to get to work whether the weather event is anticipated or not.  The new language adds a detailed process for management to follow, thereby removing any subjectivity, which typically was only a detriment to our Flight Attendants. 

A complete copy of the sideletter of agreement that includes the newly agreed upon language related to ground commuting during significant weather events has been uploaded to the AFA Alaska website and can be accessed by clicking here.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the grievance or sideletter of agreement, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

Temporary Requalification Training (RQ) Timeline Modification

Grievance Committee

For Flight Attendants returning from a leave of absence or who have been unable to complete Recurrent Training (RT) by the end of their eligibility period, completing Requalification Training (RQ) is a requirement before being able to return to work.  Section 30.B.3 of the joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) requires management to offer a full RQ class within the first five working days of every month, but this requirement has recently caused significant stress for many of our Flight Attendants.  Due to a recent changes in how management interprets the eligibility period of Flight Attendants who are required to take Requalification Training (RQ), the home study CBT that must be completed prior to attending class is no longer made available until the first day of the month when scheduled to attend class.  With this change, Flight Attendants who might be scheduled to take RQ on the 2nd of the month would not even have access to the CBT until the 1st of the month.

Due to this very compressed timeline that Flight Attendants are now being given to complete the CBT prior to RQ, the MEC approached management to work to extend the period of time that would be available to complete the CBT prior to class.   We were able to reach a temporary agreement with management to extend the contractual requirement for the Company to offer a full RQ class from within the first five working days of the month to having the class offered no sooner than the seventh working day of the month.  The temporary agreement also provides pay protection for any affected Flight Attendants between the fifth working day of the month (the contractual requirement to offer class) and the day prior to when the Company actually offers the class.  Even with this temporary extension to the Company’s requirement to offer a full dedicated RQ class, Flight Attendants who are due to take RQ may continue to exercise their contractual right to trade into the RQ slot in any regularly scheduled RT class during the month if space is available.

This temporary agreement will take effect with the August 2020 bid month and will remain in effect through at least the December 2020 bid month.  A complete copy of the letter of agreement is available on the AFA Alaska website and can be viewed by clicking here. 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

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