The Alaska Airlines board of directors has announced the appointment of two leaders to vice president roles, overseeing significant employee groups. These appointments come at a crucial time as Alaska Airlines integrates with Hawaiian Airlines.
Joe Wonderly has been elected as the vice president of labor relations, effective July 7. In this role, Wonderly will lead the company's labor strategy and engagement across all represented workgroups. He will play a key role in ensuring that the company's approach to labor relations remains "thoughtful, transparent, and grounded in shared values" during the integration process with Hawaiian Airlines. Wonderly brings over a decade of experience in labor and employment law, including four years at Alaska Airlines. Constance von Muehlen, Chief Operating Officer, stated that Joe’s approach aligns with Alaska's philosophy that strong relationships with labor partners are essential for delivering quality service.
Allen Thieman will be promoted to vice president of inflight on July 7. Thieman will lead strategy and operations for the combined inflight team and flight attendants for both airlines once they reach a single operating certificate (SOC). With 20 years of airline experience, Thieman previously served as Managing Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling and Operations in California and led the Hawaiian Airlines Crew Scheduling team in Honolulu. Von Muehlen described Allen as a trusted leader who embodies the mindset of ‘See it. Own it. Change it.’