Alaska Airlines Strengthens Leadership During Integration
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its workforce dynamics, Alaska Airlines has announced the appointment of two new vice presidents who will oversee critical employee groups within the company. This decision comes at a pivotal moment as Alaska Airlines continues to integrate with Hawaiian Airlines, signaling a commitment to a strong labor strategy and employee relations.
Effective July 7, the following leaders will take on their new roles:
- - Joe Wonderly, promoted to Vice President of Labor Relations
- - Allen Thieman, appointed as Vice President of Inflight
Joe Wonderly: Vice President of Labor Relations
Wonderly's new position is crucial as he aims to lead the company’s labor strategy and engagement processes. Nearly 85% of Alaska Airlines' workforce is represented by five different unions, making this role particularly significant as the airlines navigate through the collective bargaining processes while seeking to establish shared standards across both workforces.
With over a decade of experience in labor and employment law, and having served four years at Alaska Airlines, Wonderly is well-equipped for this role. His approach emphasizes fairness, transparency, and the importance of building strong, respectful relationships with labor partners. As the unions for both airlines prepare to negotiate new contracts, Wonderly's leadership will be essential in ensuring a smooth integration process.
Constance von Muehlen, Alaska's Chief Operating Officer, noted, "Joe's thoughtful approach to labor relations aligns with Alaska's longstanding philosophy that strong, respectful relationships with labor partners are essential to delivering a safe, caring, and reliable experience for both our people and our guests."
Wonderly holds a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Seattle University. His past experience also includes roles at Seyfarth Shaw, where he advised various clients on collective bargaining strategies.
Allen Thieman: Vice President of Inflight
Thieman's appointment as Vice President of Inflight is equally critical as he will provide leadership to Alaska Airlines' inflight operations and strategies, especially when the single operating certificate (SOC) is obtained. In this role, he will be responsible for a significant team of nearly 10,000 flight attendants, ensuring that the high standards of safety and service that passengers expect from both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are maintained.
With 20 years of experience in the airline industry, Thieman has already proved his mettle in various leadership capacities, including his recent position leading Hawaiian Airlines' Crew Scheduling team in Honolulu. His career began with hands-on roles, starting as a gate agent and serving as a flight attendant before moving into leadership.
"Allen is a career-long inflight professional and has been instrumental in our ongoing integration with Hawaiian Airlines," said von Muehlen. Thieman is recognized for promoting ownership and accountability within his teams, adhering to the mantra, 'See it. Own it. Change it.' His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Central Florida.
Looking Ahead
Both appointments of Wonderly and Thieman reflect Alaska Airlines’ dedication to investing in its workforce as the airline positions itself for future growth on a global scale. Their extensive backgrounds and shared commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture are expected to play an instrumental role in supporting the strategic initiatives of the airline, particularly as it forms lasting relationships with labor unions.
By prioritizing effective labor relations and inflight operations, Alaska Airlines is not only aiming for a seamless integration with Hawaiian Airlines but also ensuring that it maintains its reputation for delivering remarkable care to its customers across over 140 destinations in North America and beyond. As both airlines prepare for the future, the leadership of Wonderly and Thieman will be vital in steering the organization towards achieving its long-term goals.
For more information about Alaska Airlines and their future endeavors, visit
alaskaair.com.