We’re excited to introduce our next group of SEA Local Committee Chairpersons for the current LEC Officer term. They officially start their terms on October 1, 2026. Below you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Members at Council 19.
David Lake | Local ASHSC Chairperson
David began his career as a Flight Attendant in 1979, initially based in Denver, CO with Continental Airlines. He joined Alaska Airlines in 1982.
He is honored to continue in his role as Local ASHSC Chairperson for SEA. Beyond his primary responsibilities of working to improve health, safety, and security of our Flight Attendants, he works with SEA Base leadership on a variety of areas impacting our workgroup, including ground and flight operations, training, aircraft catering, maintenance, and customer service.
In addition to his current position at the local level, David also serves as the MEC ASHSC LOSA Representative. Passionate about continuous improvement, he previously served as MEC ASHSC Chairperson, and he remains dedicated to strengthening programs to ensure the well-being and operation excellence of his colleagues across the airline.
Jack Espinosa | Local ASHSC Vice-Chairperson
Jack has been a Flight Attendant since 2022 and holds a university degree in Business Management. Bringing a strong foundation in risk management and operational oversight from his background in audio/visual production management, where he served as a production manager and safety coordinator, Jack naturally gravitated towards aviation safety. His active Union involvement began after serving as a guest Flight Attendant speaker at an AFA Safety Base meeting with management and base leadership. Inspired to advocate directly for his flying partners, he served two years as a local ASHSC committee member for SEA.
Stepping into his new role as Vice-Chairperson, Jack is focused on supporting and advising the ASHSC Chairperson and LEC, maintaining consistent communication by writing and producing bi-monthly safety newsletter, and actively identifying ways to enhance safety policies and operational procedures.
Outside of flying and safety work, Jack is an avid food enthusiast on layovers, always looking for the best local pizza, burger, or sandwich spots.
Conner Gallagher | Local Reserve Chairperson
Conner began his career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant in 2017 after previously flying for Horizon Air from 2014 to 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University and has served as SEA Local Reserve Committee Chairperson since 2019.
Conner became involved with AFA because he wanted to help Flight Attendants better understand and exercise their contractual rights, particularly while navigating the unique challenges of reserve life. He has seen firsthand how knowledgeable advocacy can make a meaningful difference for individual members and believes strongly in holding management accountable to the contract.
In his continued role with the Reserve Committee, Conner’s priorities are to advocate for greater flexibility and quality of life for reserves, ensure contractual provisions are applied correctly and consistently, and continue identifying opportunities to improve the reserve experience.
Outside of work and Union advocacy, Conner enjoys skiing, real estate, weightlifting, spending time with his three dogs and family, and going to concerts.
Ian Haywood | Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson
Ian started flying in 2017 and has been an AFA volunteer since passing probation. He served as Local Reserve Vice-Chairperson and Mobilization Chairperson from 2022-2024. In these roles, he worked with Flight Attendants understanding the importance of empowerment, and member engagement. He is passionate in ensuring that more reserves feel supported and able to understand their contract, while developing a relationship with AFA that encourages them to become engaged Members.
He is committed to building a connection between Flight Attendants and Union leadership through education, communication and advocacy. Outside of work and Union activities, he enjoys his travel benefits extensively with his boyfriend and is a cruise traveler, taking five or six cruises a year.
Rita Tillou | Local Scheduling Chairperson
Rita has proudly worn the wings of an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant since 1988. With nearly four decades of dedication to her career and fellow Flight Attendants, she continues to be a passionate advocate for her peers. Rita served as the Local Scheduling Co-Chairperson before transitioning to the Local Scheduling Chairperson, where she remains honored to support our SEA-based Flight Attendants.
Throughout her career, Rita has devoted more than a decade to representing her fellow Flight Attendants through the Scheduling, Benefits, and Inflight Service committees. Her commitment to fairness and service has been a meaningful part of her Union advocacy and career.
Family is at the heart of Rita’s life. She has been married to her college sweetheart for 41 years, and together they have two children and two cats. Her passion for aviation is truly a family affair: her husband is also a Flight Attendant, her son is a Pilot, and her daughter-in-law is a Flight Attendant. Outside of flying and AFA, Rita enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.
Dena Heath | Local Uniform Chairperson
Dena began her career with Alaska Airlines in 2012. Before becoming a Flight Attendant, she spent 16 years in retail management, specializing in visual display and merchandising. She holds a degree in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
With her passion about uniforms, Dena is excited to continue serving as Local Uniform Chairperson in SEA. She brings her experience, creativity, and attention to detail to the role and looks forward to continuing to support her fellow Flight Attendants.
Outside of work, Dena loves spending tie with her 5-year-old daughter, Charlie, and making the most of their time together.
