Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, has recently made two key appointments within their leadership team in order to oversee important employee groups. These changes come at a crucial time as the company integrates with Hawaiian Airlines and strives to maintain a positive relationship with its workforce.
The two new leaders, Joe Wonderly and Allen Thieman, will assume their new roles as vice presidents on July 7. Wonderly will be responsible for labor relations, while Thieman will oversee inflight operations. These appointments demonstrate Alaska’s commitment to investing in its employees and partnerships as it expands into a global carrier.
Joe Wonderly, the new Vice President of Labor Relations, will lead Alaska’s labor strategy and engagement with its five labor unions, representing 85% of its employees. In light of the merger, Wonderly will also play an integral role in navigating the joint collective bargaining process to negotiate new, shared contracts.
Alaska Airlines is dedicated to conducting fair and transparent negotiations, promptly implementing collective bargaining agreements, and fostering trust through open communication and collaborative efforts. Chief Operating Officer Constance von Muehlen states that Wonderly’s approach aligns with the company’s philosophy of maintaining strong and respectful relationships with its labor partners to ensure a safe, caring, and reliable experience for both employees and guests.
Wonderly brings over a decade of experience in labor and employment law, including four years at Alaska Airlines. He holds a J. D. from Boston University School of Law and a B. A. in History from Seattle University.
As the new Vice President of Inflight, Allen Thieman will oversee the combined Inflight team and Flight Attendants for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines once they reach a single operating certificate (SOC). With nearly 10,000 flight attendants, Thieman will prioritize maintaining the high standard of safety, care, and service that guests have come to expect from Alaska and Hawaiian.
Thieman has 20 years of airline experience and has previously held leadership roles in inflight operations at Hawaiian Airlines. Chief Operating Officer Constance von Muehlen praises Thieman’s leadership and his ability to embody the company’s mindset of “See it. Own it. Change it. ” She also expresses excitement for Thieman to continue his leadership role as Alaska transforms into a global carrier.
Thieman holds 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. He has previously held leadership positions at other carriers, where he successfully implemented the company’s first collective bargaining agreement. His career in the airline industry began as a gate agent and later as a flight attendant.
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services as a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.