National President

We as AMFA Members have the fortunate opportunity to vote for our National Officers. The qualities in a person leading any organization should be someone who can lead with integrity and embrace unity while proactively promoting our profession. Leadership must have those proven qualities and personal experiences needed to represent the members in this radically changing industry.

I began my career in the United States Air Force as a Crew Chief on C-130 aircrafts from 1990-1994. I have been a Certified A&P Technician since 1995, when I started in General Aviation and finished my private pilot's certificate. In 1996 my Commercial Aviation Career at American Airlines started as an AMT under the TWU. In 1998, I became an AMFA Organizer after the continuous concessions and devaluing of the AMT craft and class. I have been an active leader involved as a staunch AMFA advocate, promoter, and organizer in multiple card drives and campaigns over 22 years. I also was co-chair in forming an organizational structure, constitution and organizing campaign for an Independent Union for AA Mechanics and Related- Association of Maintenance Professionals (AMP) against TWU in 2010-2011. I was a Union Safety Coordinator and chaired Accident Investigations for 8 years and was a Union Maintenance Technical Representative in AA Maintenance services (MRO) for 2 years. I have been with Southwest Airlines as a Composite Mechanic and Structures Mechanic in Dallas, TX since 2012 and was a Convention Delegate for Local 11 in 2016. I am honored to be voted in and hold the National Director position at AMFA National from 2016 to present.

This is a crucial time in our Aviation Careers, we face many challenges, we must continue to professionally promote and protect the interests of our members while raising the relevance and recognition of our craft and class. AMFA is the only craft specific aircraft mechanics union who has, and will, promote and increase the recognition of Aircraft Technicians and Related workgroup in the industry.

I am willing to continue to lead and stand up against the big business financial focus ideologies. I am committed and honored to be your voice and confidant. Together we will capitalize on learning from our past sacrifices as we continue to battle and bring a prosperous future for you and your family.

I continue to look forward to working with you to achieve the mutual future successes that we will obtain through building unity, strength and professionalism in the industry. We must strive in continuing to be the front-runners.

Fraternally,

Bret Oestreich

National Vice President

My career began in 1985 with American Airlines, working the ramp as a baggage handler before completing my A&P tickets in 1992 at Lewis University. While at American, I held union steward and crew chief positions on the line. After moving to Southwest, I have been active in shop steward and safety standards positions at Local 32, Local 18, and Local 4 before securing the position of National Vice President for AMFA in 2022.

Since my election, I have continued to work towards growing AMFA as a craft-specific union while still being cognizant of the individual needs of the membership. It is important to be proactive in conversations about schools and training for those hoping to join the profession, attend trainings on the local level, and mentor military personnel in their transition to the civilian arena. Still fielding phone calls on a local level, I continue to vet pro standards and safety standards issues by advising members and directing them to the proper resources for resolution. While guiding and negotiating open and closed shops to join AMFA, my entire purpose is to elevate a trade vital to the airline industry. This, in turn, will provide a sustainable career for fellow aircraft maintenance technicians and engineers. With a family legacy of seven members in aircraft maintenance, I have a vested interest in growing AMFA for future generations while strengthening the foundation that precedes me.

Best regards,
Pat Amore

I am Jarod Mills, your candidate for AMFA National Vice President.

Throughout my tenure, I have always appreciated the founding principles and collective benefits of a craft union like AMFA. I believe as aircraft maintenance professionals, working with AMFA has given us the opportunity to leverage our knowledge and expertise as related individuals within a profession to create a powerful industry-driving force. 

In my career at Alaska Airlines, I have supported our membership at the Local level as Shop Representative, Area Representative, Airline Representative, Local officer positions, and AMFA National in numerous ways, including Rules Committee for multiple National Conventions. As AMFA National Vice President, I want to expand my AMFA role and continue to lead us in the right direction.

I look forward to the possibility of my role as AMFA National VP, collaborating with the National Executive Council and promoting our Class and Craft throughout the industry while maintaining my connection to you, the membership.

National Secretary/Treasurer

Jay Johnson is an accomplished aviation professional serving an eight-year term as the National Secretary/Treasurer of AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association). With a career spanning over four decades, I have held critical roles in the aviation industry, including as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Structure Mechanic at Southwest Airlines (SWA). My extensive experience includes leadership positions in organizations such as Aircraft Interior and Design, Avail Engine Overhaul Facility, and Ryder Aviation. My leadership shows my steadfast commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within the National Association.

In his role as the National Secretary, I oversee the integrity of National elections, conduct official correspondence, safeguard records, and ensure comprehensive records of the NEC and Association meetings. As the National Treasurer, I effectively manage the Association's financial and fiscal matters, supervise the AMFA National budget, and ensure financial integrity. My technical expertise and administrative judgment make me valuable in understanding the complexities of AMFA and the aviation industry. My significant contributions to AMFA and continued service in a critical leadership position underscore his long-standing dedication to my profession and union, leaving a lasting impact on the aviation industry.

Jay's educational background includes an Associate of Arts Degree in Aviation from Northrup University and an Airframe and Powerplant License specializing in Helicopter Inspection and Maintenance.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jay values his personal life, having been married for 32 years and raising a daughter.

My Vision: My Name is Rui Leonardo, and I am asking for your vote as National Secretary/Treasurer. My passion is to stand up and fight for all our rights as union members across all AMFA locals and continue to increase our pay and benefits while elevating our craft. Furthermore, I support the increasing of our profession’s recognition with the flying public and our important roles and responsibilities in aviation safety. This will, in turn, lead to better engagement of all AMTs/AMEs as stakeholders in the legislation arena.

My Experience: My long history of service for AMFA has prepared me well for this role and demonstrates my commitment to the organization. I have served as a Shop Representative, Local Secretary, Local Vice President, Interim National Vice President, and currently serving as Local 32 President. My service to AMFA totals 17 years to date. As a Secretary, I enhanced communication and engagement by developing the local’s current website; this resulted in increasing communication of crucial information that emphasizes AMFA’s representation across multiple airlines and commitment to inclusion, to over 80% of our members, who now receive regular updates. As Vice President, I facilitated union travel, GMM scheduling, and initiated digitization efforts. As National Interim Vice President, I helped expand AMFA by assisting the organization of SUN Country, Spirit, and West Jet Airlines. As the current Local President, we have completed the transition to digital formats, reducing costs and waste. My leadership philosophy involves welcoming member input and making myself easily accessible via email and phone.

My Commitment to You: Most importantly, I am passionate about advocating for all AMTs/AMEs throughout North America. As your National Secretary/Treasurer, I will commit to the highest level of efficiency and complete transparency of the planning and handling of the funds. I will work hard (a) to educate the flying public about the importance of qualified AMTs/AMEs to their own safety and (b) to illuminate the various levels of expertise and responsibilities that we hold. By doing these things, we will elevate the entire profession everywhere.

Educate.  Illuminate.  Elevate the Craft.

I would appreciate the opportunity to represent you and advocate on your behalf. Please vote Rui Leonardo for National Secretary/Treasurer.

National Safety and Standards Director

My name is Tom Wiggins and I was appointed to the office of NSSD back in Sept of 2023, and it has been an honor to serve the membership of AMFA within the US and Canada.

During my time at SWA, I have had the privilege of serving as an active member of AMFA, holding various positions from Shop Representative to Accident Investigation Team member, from Maintenance Ideas Team Member to Professional Standards Representative – each role has provided me with invaluable experiences and insights into the needs and aspirations of our members.

In my most recent position as Safety and Standards Chair for Local 11, I was entrusted with ensuring the well-being and safety of our membership. I have embraced this role wholeheartedly, leading with passion, dedication, and a commitment to always put our members first.

I am seeking your support for the National Safety and Standards Director position; I am filled with a sense of purpose and optimism. With your trust and collaboration, I believe we can continue to steer our mission in a positive direction – one that upholds our principles while fostering growth, inclusivity, and safety.

I hope that we can continue to build AMFA's safety culture by serving, educating, and engaging its members about safety and compliance.

It would be an honor to be your voice over the next four years – advocating for your rights, amplifying your concerns, and championing our craft.

Thank You.    

Region I Director

I have worked in the airline industry since 1979, first starting with Transamerica Airlines, working as a Technician Helper and then a Technician (1979 – 1985). In 1985, I received my Airframe and Powerplant licenses and then worked for Southern Air Transport (1985 – 1991) as Engine Shop and Line Technician. I currently work for Alaska Airlines as a Technician. I started in 1991 in the hangar in Oakland working heavy maintenance. In 2004, I was furloughed and then bumped into San Francisco Line and then recalled back to the Oakland Line where I continue to work today. During the above period, I completed my Associates Arts Degree in Electronics from Chabot College in Hayward, CA (1983).

I have been an active member of AMFA since they were voted in at Alaska Airlines in 1998. I have served as the Airline Representative for the Alaska membership from 1998 to 2008, first with Local 37 from 1998 to 2004, then with Local 9 from 2004 to April 2008, and last for Local 32 from April 2008 to December 2008. I have also been elected by the membership to serve as a delegate to the 2000, 2001 Special, and 2004 AMFA National Conventions. I have served as a negotiator while serving as an Alaska Airline Representative in the first three contracts negotiated after AMFA was certified as the bargaining Union in 1998. During my terms as AMFA National Region I Director, I served as Negotiating Chair for multiple negotiations at Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Horizon Air. I served as the Chair during the Alaska and Virgin America merger and Seniority Integration and Transition agreements. Currently, I Chair and/or Co-Chair negotiations at Horizon, Sun Country, and Spirit. I have also served as an arbitration board member at Alaska Airlines and a Special System Board Member for the Local 32 Southwest members. In 2001, I served as an aircraft accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. 

Region II Director

Welcomed to the Southwest Airlines family in 2006. Worked Line RON, Hangar RON, Day Line and Day Structures while at SWA. Held active union positions in AMFA as Shop Representative, Area Representative, Professional Standards, Vice President of Local 18, Co-Chair of committee in re-establishing Local 4, L11 Informational Picket Committee and current Region II Director.

The responsibilities that you entrusted in me that I bring utmost respect to our craft, Association, and Industry that we all can share in together for the common goals that elevate each of us together. In doing so, it meant taking the effort to actively engage with each of you wherever I could from attending GMM’s and station visits to have your collective voices be heard. Those communications are essential when making decisions. The challenge is not only for myself, is that each of you take ownership of being engaged with factual, knowledgeable information with the union, industry and the company so that we will have the best options for our futures and that of our families at our hands. With that collective approach I will continue to work for you at all levels of the Association.

Let us not seek to fix the blame for our past – let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

Prior to working at Southwest Airlines, Will's aviation career began in the U.S. Navy, followed by AirTran Airways, Delta Airlines, Omni Air International.