National Officer Election – 2012

Candidate Profiles

In
an effort to provide AMFA members with basic information about candidates for
union office, AMFA National has offered all candidates in this election an
opportunity to submit a Candidate Profile along with their picture. Profiles
were limited to 400 words and are unedited except for inappropriate content.
AMFA National does not endorse any candidate for union office nor was any
candidate given special treatment.

National
Director Candidate

Duties and responsibilities
for the National Director are outlined in Article VI, Section 3 of the AMFA
Constitution.

Louie Key

Dear AMFA Members:

Thank
you for taking your time to learn about the candidates running for National
Office. Your participation in the election process ensures the strength of our
union. All of the following candidates running for National Office deserve your
consideration. Serving the membership for the next four years will take a
strong commitment from each officer and each candidate has signed a Willingness
to Serve Form and is prepared to take on their respective responsibilities.
Please take time to learn about each candidate and encourage your fellow
members to likewise participate in electing our National Officers.

I also
want to thank you personally for your support as I continue serving in the
office of National Director. I am very humbled to have been the only candidate
nominated for this position at our 2012 National Convention, and I will
continue to do my very best to earn your continued support these next four
years.

As a
brief background, I have worked as an Airframe and Powerplant technician for
Alaska Airlines since 1979. Starting in Fairbanks,
Alaska then transferring to Seattle, Washington
in 1984 where I worked base maintenance before moving to the flight line.

I have
been very actively involved at all levels of our Association starting as the
Airline Representative for Local 14 in Seattle
in 1998. I have attended every AMFA Convention since 2000 as either a delegate
or National Officer. I have served as a National Officer since 2000, serving
two terms as the Region I Director, and during my second term in 2007 I was
appointed to the vacated position of Assistant National Director. In 2008 I was
elected to the position of National Director.

During
my time as a National Officer, some of my responsibilities have included
chairing multiple negotiating committees, serving as an arbitration board
member, and working with the National Transportation Safety Board as an
aircraft accident investigator on the Alaska Airlines flight 261 accident. I am
a strong advocate for aviation safety and have made numerous trips to Washington DC
to speak with legislators and industry regulators advocating for our members on
a wide variety of issues. I have worked on the AMFA organizing efforts at many
of the airlines we have represented and look forward to future growth as the
industry continues to evolve.

Again, thank you for your
participation and enjoy learning about the candidates for national office.

Assistant
National Director Candidates

The duties
and responsibilities for the Assistant National Directors are outlined in
Article VI, Section 4 of the AMFA Constitution.

Aaron Hansen

My name is Aaron Hansen and I am the current President of
Local 32. I began my aviation career back in 1987 in the United States Air
Force as a KC-10 Crew Chief. I have worked at Southwest Airlines for 16+ years
as an Aircraft Mechanic. I have faithfully served the Membership for the 8
years and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to represent each one of you
as we move forward. My intention is to run for the position of Assistant
National Director.

Since taking office, I have
steadfastly worked to make Local 32 a powerful source of representation for
each and every Member of the Local. While serving as President, I have overseen
the Local as our Membership has grown and become more diversified. As a
representative of Local 32 in AMFA National matters, I have gained knowledge as
to the business of our Union. The insight I
have gained has helped me influence AMFA National for the betterment of Local
32 and its Membership.

Because of that experience, it
is one of my goals to help increase the communications process to the Members
through more informative and timely updates. I believe that it is important to
have strategies in place prior to making commitments, so that we are
operationally ready for the outcome. Although I do not predict massive changes,
I hope to continue the evolution of AMFA by bringing a new focus to organizing
our class/craft in an effort to avoid the failures that we have seen in the
past.  I intend on overseeing and
ensuring that tasks are seen through until the completion. I’m very
confident that I can make clear and precise decisions that will be in the best
interest of each Member, regardless of airline affiliation. I stand firm of our
profession and vow to protect it forever.

I’m a proven executive that has served four continuous
terms in office; and I am very committed to standing by the truth and
preservation of our Association.  I
realize that there are important decisions for our future being made at the
National level and will offer my highest level of dedication and
responsibility.  I truly believe
that the heart and soul of our Association is you, the Members, and our
democratic process.  I will continue
to strive towards the constant improvement of AMFA. I ask that you vote for
Aaron Hansen as Assistant National Director.

Floyd A. Looney

Hello from Dallas, Texas.

My name is Floyd Looney. I would like to thank you
for giving me the opportunity to be your AMFA Assistant National Director and,
hopefully, your future Assistant National Director. I would like to take this
opportunity to introduce myself to the people out there that have no idea who I
am.

I have been married to the love of my life, Robin,
for 25+ years. We have been blessed with three wonderful and totally amazing
children, Alyzabeth, Alyssa, and Robert. Alyzabeth is at TexasA&M
Veterinary School
and Alyssa is at Penn
State Law
School. Robert is my
computer and golf guru.

I have lived in Texas most of my life. I proudly served my
country in the U.S. Air Force, where I worked on the KC135 Stratotanker at
Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, N.C., and Altus AFB, Altus, Oklahoma.
I was in the Air Force Reserves at Carswell AFB, Texas where I worked on the F-4 Phantom
Fighter.

My life includes digging ditches, custom
harvesting, metal building construction, commercial building maintenance, and
operating a series of restaurants with my family. I’ve worked on the FBO
side at Associated Air Center
in Dallas and Dee Howard in San Antonio. On the airline side I have had
the pleasure of working in the line, structures, and shop environments at
Southwest Airlines in Dallas
for 22+ years.

On the Union side, I served as shop steward for 15
years, I was a member of the professional standards committee, and served on
the Local 11 financial audit committee. For the last 2+ years it has been my
privilege and honor to serve in the National capacity as AMFA Assistant
National Director.

During my time as AMFA Assistant National Director
I was appointed Chairman of the Southwest and AirTran Airlines Seniority
Integration Committee. I was involved with the Southwest members’
transition agreement and I am involved with the recruitment of future AMFA
members. Since I have been Assistant National Director we have enlisted the
services of The Crouch Group to handle the Associations PR requirements. In my
position I am responsible for helping the National Director, the NEC, and the
Association to consistently maintain our member’s rights through all
means necessary to uphold the highest level of democratic union representation
available in aviation today.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as AMFA Assistant
National Director.

National
Secretary/Treasurer Candidates

Duties and
responsibilities for the National Secretary/Treasurer are outlined in Article
VI, Sections 5, 6, and 7 of the AMFA Constitution.

Justin Madden

My journey into aviation began when I joined the United States
Marine Corps and was trained on the UH-1N and AH-1W helicopters. After an
honorable discharge, I joined Trans World Airlines as an Aircraft Maintenance
Technician in St. Louis.
I left TWA and joined Southwest Airlines over a decade ago and have worked in
various hangar and line positions in Chicago, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.

When I arrived at Southwest
Airlines, we were under different representation. I sought out support for a
more accountable and democratic Union. Along
with several other fine people, I helped organize the card drive for AMFA and
served on the Local 32 Transitional Committee. I was then elected to the Local
32 Secretary position and served as a Delegate to the National Convention in
2004 and 2012. I have since been an active Member supporting the Association.

I am running for the position of
National Treasurer/Secretary because I believe that AMFA is vital to our craft,
and that the decisions made at the National level have a direct impact on our
future. I will bring a fresh perspective and creative thinking to this
position. My foremost objective is to serve with your best interests at heart.
We need AMFA to be a strong Association, made up of men and women who desire to
raise our stature throughout. We need leaders who are willing to lead and find
real solutions, not just have great intentions. My goal is to be that leader.

I understand and appreciate the
personal and financial costs at stake and have the requisite skills to put our
resources to the most efficient use. I recognize the need to utilize our
hard-earned dues money as intelligently and resourcefully as possible. The
continual flow of information to the Member is paramount to the Association,
and I will endeavor to raise the current level of communication through
realistic assessment and collaboration with the NEC and Locals. I firmly
believe that AMFA can and should utilize technology in a more efficient manner.

Each Member deserves the best
from our National Officers, and I will give you the best I have to offer. I
bring the skills, integrity, and common sense necessary to move our Association
forward for the current and next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians
and Related. It would be an honor to serve as National Treasurer/Secretary.
Please cast your vote for Justin Madden.

Jarod Mills

Dear AMFA Members,

Thank you for your consideration
as you prepare to cast your ballot. I served for four years with the USAF,
before transitioning into the Reserves. In 1991, I was fortunate to hire on
with Alaska Airlines in my hometown where I’ve worked for over twenty
years as an Airframe & Powerplant Technician and am currently a lead
inspector. I am married with four grown children and several grand children.

My union involvement has been a
continual progression over this time. I regularly attended membership meetings
and supported my contract by being a Shop Representative. I participated on a
Local Hearing Committee in 2003 when a Local Officer was presented with
charges. I had the honor of representing Local 14 as a convention delegate in
New Orleans-2004, Orlando-2008, Denver-2009, and this past May as an alternate
delegate in San Diego.

From 2005‑2011 I served
three terms as the Local 14 President. In 2011, I was an arbitration board
member for Local 32 for an Alaska Airlines arbitration. And in 2012, I was
elected as the L14 Airline Contract Committee member aiding the Airline
Representative in grievance handling.

During my term as L14 President
I was able to gain valuable experience into the inner workings of AMFA with a
good comprehension of Local Bylaws, National Constitution, and the collective
bargaining process. I attended quarterly Joint Advisory Council meetings with
the other local presidents and National Executive Council, addressing many
difficult issues facing the Association. I worked closely with the Treasurer in
finances, the Secretary in the election process, and Safety Standards Chair
primarily in Crash Team issues. Additionally, I assisted the L14 Treasurer
through a successful audit by the Department of Labor, which concluded with no
significant findings.

I have received considerable
training during my service to AMFA including, Arbitration, Shop Representative,
Accident Investigation, and Taking Back the Workplace training. I provided Shop
Representative training for the SEA Shop Representatives in conjunction with
the Airline Representative and AMFA attorney. Most importantly I supported the
Airline Representative during the contract proposal process, negotiations, and
contract enforcement.

The idea of one union
representing our class and craft industry-wide is a goal I will promote and
strive for. If elected I pledge to uphold AMFA’s principal values of open
elections, open negotiations, transparent inner workings and a craft union that
is laser focused on our objectives and issues.

Fraternally, Jarod Mills

Robert Wooster

My name is Robert Wooster and I am a candidate for AMFA
National Secretary/Treasurer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank
you for taking the time to learn about the candidates and vote. Additionally, I
am asking the membership to vote for me as your new AMFA National
Secretary/Treasurer.

It is a given that this Office
will have change, as the incumbent Secretary/Treasurer is not on the ballot. I
do have the experience, knowledge, integrity, drive and meticulous attention to
detail necessary for this Office. I have served in Local positions ever since
AMFA came on Southwest property in 2003, maintaining positions in different capacities
all relating to this Office: Local Communications Coordinator (website creation
and updating), Local Secretary and currently, Local Treasurer.

Other involvement with the
Association includes serving as an Alternate Delegate during the 2012 National
Convention, a member of the Southwest Airlines – AirTran Seniority
Integration Committee, served on an airline specific 401k evaluation committee
and much more.

While I was on the Seniority
Integration road show back in January, holding 23 sessions in ten different
stations, it was evident to me that consistent communication was a major issue.
With technology as it is today, I believe our National Office can do more to
get the membership involved and informed.

There are several issues that,
if elected, I will work to address in addition to normal responsibilities
during the office term. These are issues such as our electronic voting
experience (TrueBallot), increased membership communication, looking for more
ways to expand our membership with quality airline Aircraft Mechanics and
evaluate the use of our resources. Some of these have been experienced at the
Local level and may be best addressed at the National level.

I personally believe one should
have detailed experience at the Local level before moving onto the National
level in order to provide our membership with the service they deserve. I see
this Office as one that must be able to make the tough and sometimes unpopular
decisions, work well with other National Officers, Local Officers and the
Membership. With that said, the Secretary/Treasurer is not just responsible to
the Membership, but regulations of the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) and with our increasing Congressional exposure through
LobbyIt.com, Aircraft Mechanics and related everywhere.

Thank you for your time and I ask you to vote for Robert
Wooster for AMFA National Secretary/Treasurer.

National
Safety & Standards Director Candidates

Duties and
responsibilities for the National Safety & Standards Director are outlined
in Article VI, Section 9 of the AMFA Constitution.

David A. Brooks

My name is David Brooks and I would like to be your next
National Safety and Standards Director. I began my aviation career over 25
years ago as a U.S. Army UH-60 Helicopter crew chief at 101st airborne
division, then served in Germany
where I patrolled the Berlin Wall before its fall. I was honorably discharged
in 1991, and went to work for Delta Airlines in Atlanta. Layed off in 1994, I worked at
Tramco, DynAir, until getting hired at Southwest Airlines in 1995. I have
worked every Mechanic bid position at Southwest in Phoenix to include lead and inspector, and am
now a Line Mechanic.

I was excited when AMFA came to
us, especially considering our alternative and I became Local 32’s first
Safety and Standards Chairman.
Except for a short break, I have held the position to this day. While in
office, I was instrumental in forming an elite accident investigation team at
Local 32 for Southwest Airlines. I have helped improve many safety issues at
our Local, and assisted National in training from the onset of AMFA’s
landing at Southwest.

I am proud of AMFA and want to
continue to represent this craft Union and improve it. It is all about
accountability. I believe that Members and Officers should be accountable for
their actions. We as leaders need to make regular visits to the Membership, so
that we may learn how to assist and inform them. Current programs need to be
constantly evaluated and membership’s suggestions incorporated. We need someone with knowledge and experience and a proven
track record that is willing to put in the work required to represent us. As a
current Local Officer, I realize that we work for the Membership, and must
represent their views and keep them informed. I plan to help create an accident
investigation team for Alaska Airlines, as well as expand on safety and OSHA
requirements. I plan to restructure our Professional Standards program to
conform to today’s standards. I also believe we need to make training a
priority for these programs to keep our participants active, and to insure
their continued positive results.

In conclusion, I sincerely
believe that I am the correct candidate to represent AMFA, to continue its
values, and to improve our power and aim as a craft Union. I would appreciate
your vote, to help bring accountability back to our Association.

Timothy Cullen

I would like to
thank the Local 14 membership for nominating me for the position of National
Safety and Standards Director. For those of you who don’t know me, let me
provide you with a brief view of who I am, and the experience that I bring to
the table if elected. Growing up, I spent much of my free time at the local
airport helping out at local FBO’s, flying, and becoming familiar with
both helicopter, fixed wing, recip and jet. I spent the first ten years of my
career working as an A&P for several helicopter operators providing
charters, flight training, aerial crane, and forestry service. I transitioned
into large transport aircraft working as a flight test inspector for a company
developing and manufacturing hush kits. I then briefly worked as an Inspector
for a heavy maintenance vendor, giving me valuable knowledge about the inner
workings of these facilities from a maintenance quality standards perspective.
I was then hired by Boeing and transitioned between the 747, 767, and 777
aircraft gaining valuable knowledge from a production standards perspective.
When I heard that layoffs were eminent at Boeing, I immediately began looking
for other employment. I then hired on with Alaska Airlines as an Avionics
Technician, and have been here for the last 13 years. During my time at Alaska
Airlines I have served AMFA as a Shop Representative, Airline Contract
Committeeman (2 two year terms), Airline Representative (2 two year terms),
2011 AEI Congressional Delegate, National Constitutional Convention Rules
Committeeman (2 terms), and interim Assistant National Director.

What I will bring to this position is the experience
necessary to ensure that our Union is known for the highest in Safety and
Standards by directly interfacing with our Airlines, the FAA, political
leaders, and Union affiliates. We must strive
to protect and enhance the integrity of our organization, class and craft, as
well as our Airframe and Powerplant licenses. We cannot stand by while the very
companies that we work for attempt to marginalize our jobs through outsourcing
and political lobbying. We must move forward with a more vigorous Professional
Standards program, ensure the integrity of existing ASAP programs, and stress
integrity, professionalism, and accountability. I greatly appreciate the
opportunity to run for this very important position.

Fraternally,

Timothy Cullen

Fred Digne

Fred began his aviation career in 1984 at America West
Airlines as a Customer Service Representative. He later transferred into maintenance
as an interior repairman while attending Chandler-Gilbert Community
College where he received his A&P licenses.
Fred has worked line R.O.N., hanger R.O.N., C-check, APU shop & engine shop
and has 10+ years of experience as a lead mechanic. He
currently works for Southwest Airlines in Phoenix,
Arizona as a Line RON mechanic.

As National Safety & Standards Director Fred has
reinforced the Professional Standards program at AMFA, sustained recognition of
the AMFA Accident Investigation Teams by the NTSB, while further enhancing and
developing the AMFA Accident Investigation Team program. As the legislative
point of contact, Fred has assured that AMFA maintains its presents on Capitol
Hill. Fred is well-versed in FAR violations and has become skilled and
effective in arguing on behalf of technicians facing certificate action by the
FAA.

Fred is happily married with two children and is: a
former member of the US National Rugby League, a youth soccer coach, an avid
cyclist, and fluent in French.

Region I
Director Candidate

Duties and
responsibilities for the Region Directors are outlined in Article VI, Section
10 of the AMFA Constitution.

Earl Clark

I have been employed by Alaska
Airlines as an Airframe and Powerplant technician since 1991. I started in the
hanger at Oakland
working heavy maintenance, and now work line maintenance.

I have been an active member of AMFA since they were
voted in at Alaska
in 1998. I have served as the Airline Representative for the Alaska
membership from 1998 - 2008: first with Local 37 from 1998 - 2004,
with Local 9 from 2004 - 2008, and the Alaska members for Local 32. As a Airline
Representative I served as board member for system board arbitrations. I also
served as a negotiator for the membership in three contracts negotiated at
Alaska Airlines since 2008. In 2008 I became the National Region 1 Director and
continue to fulfill my duties in this office to date. As the Region 1 Director
I have chaired negotiations at Horizon when represented by AMFA and the last
contract agreement ratified at Alaska Airlines in October 2011. I have also
been elected by the membership to serve as a delegate to the 2000, 2001
Special, and 2004 AMFA National Conventions.

Prior to joining Alaska
in 1991, I worked for Southern Air Transport (1985-1991) and Transamerica
Airlines (1979-1985). I earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Electronics from
Chabot College
in Hayward, CA in 1983 and earned my Airframe & Airframe
& Powerplant Licenses in 1985. I am happily married with three sons.

Region II
Director Candidates

The duties
and responsibilities for the Region Directors are outlined in Article VI,
Section 10 of the AMFA Constitution.

Jack Coonrod

My name is Jack Coonrod, and I am running for the position of
AMFA National Region 2 Director. I have been in every Southwest Airlines
contract negotiation, since I started at SWA, either as the Chairman or the
Assistant Chairman. I also participated as a voting member of the 2002
Continental Airlines contract negotiations. I have been everything from a concerned
member, to having held many union positions including, Shop Rep, Business
Agent, Chief Stewart, Air Line Representative, two term Local 11 President, and
presently Regional Director. I started my career in aviation as a Marine back
in the 60s. I have since worked for the Air Force as a civilian aircraft
mechanic, numerous FBOs and MROs, and was finally lucky enough to be hired by
Southwest Airlines. I have been a union member for more than twenty years at
several different government and private unions. I am currently working in my
fifteenth year at Southwest Airlines as an aircraft maintenance technician. My
background includes tenure as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue
Service. There, I gained invaluable knowledge and experience in financial
affairs and the inner workings of Companies and Corporations. In my spare time,
I obtained an Associate’s degree in Applied Science.

I am happily married, with two children. Cynthia, my
wife of the past twenty years, is my strength and keeps me grounded. My
seventeen year old daughter, Charlotte, exceeds all of my expectations. My
eleven year old son, Jack, is the joy of my life. They have allowed me to work
and travel as required, walked picket lines for the striking NWA mechanics, and
while working the graveyard shift, seen me miss many family and school
functions, all without complaint. I would not have been able to accomplish any
of this without their support.

I am the most qualified candidate, with the most
experience, and a long history of honesty and intestinal fortitude. During my
forty plus years as an aircraft maintenance technician, I have been blessed by
meeting and working with thousands of good, hard working men and women in the
aerospace industry. I wish to continue my service to them and you. I would
greatly appreciate your vote for the Region 2 National Director position.

Sincerely,

Jack Coonrod

Michael P. Nelson

My name is Michael P Nelson and
I am running for the position of AMFA Region II National Director. I have been
employed as an Aircraft Mechanic with Southwest Airlines since 1996 and am
currently working at MCI. Prior to SWA, I worked as an R&E Mechanic at
Trans World Airlines. I am a graduate of Spartan School
of Aeronautics where I studied Avionics. I also served as a Missile Systems
Technician in the United States Air Force.

I
have been active in AMFA since the card drive at SWA. I first held the position
of Shop Representative at LAX in Local 3 before serving as their Airline
Representative. In 2005, I bid to Phoenix
where I later represented the Local 32 Membership as Airline Representative
from Jan 2006 until Jan 2010. At that time, I chose to participate in a
different aspect of AMFA and was successfully elected to the Local 32 Vice
President position, which I held until my move to Kansas City.

Having served the Membership
in both the contractual and administrative sides of AMFA gives me the unique
ability to utilize my experience for the betterment of each Member, as well as
the Association as a whole. Most importantly, my experience gained negotiating
the Mechanic’s and parts of the Appearance Tech’s respective
contracts makes me knowledgeable in them and skilled in the methods of
negotiating with SWA management.

I view the Regional Director
position as a liaison between AMFA National and the Locals. I feel the Regional
Director should be very familiar with Local issues and be prepared to offer National
assistance as requested. I also firmly believe the Regional Director should
never circumvent a Local Executive Council or Airline Representative for any
reason.

In closing, I would like to
stress the particular importance of this election. With AMFA and SWA preparing
to enter Section VI negotiations for the Mechanics, the Region II National
Director must be able to take a committed and responsive leadership role on the
Negotiating Committee. It is integral that we elect an experienced negotiator of
high moral character that has intimate knowledge of the Mechanic’s
contract to the Region II Director position. I believe my past experience and
faithful service to the Membership distinctively qualifies me for this position
and I would appreciate your vote for the Region II National Director. Thank
you.

In Solidarity,

Michael P Nelson

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