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.

 

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.

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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. 

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.

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.

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.

David 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.

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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. 

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 

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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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