Alaska Air Group Names Laurie Sands Managing Director of Taxes

Alaska Air Group has named Laurie Sands managing director of taxes. In her new role, Sands will oversee federal and state tax matters for Alaska Air Group and its two subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. She will be responsible for financial tax reporting as well as tax planning, compliance and audits.

"We are delighted to have Laurie in this role," said Brad Tilden, Alaska’s executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer. "Laurie is a talented leader who brings a high degree of expertise in tax issues. Combined with her strong commitment to Alaska Airlines, these skills will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s success in 2006 and beyond."

Joining Alaska Airlines in 1992 as senior tax accountant, Sands has served as director of taxes since 1995. Prior to joining Alaska, she held positions in the tax department at the Seattle office of Arthur Andersen.

Sands is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pacific Lutheran University. She resides in Burien.

Alaska Airlines and sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve 88 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. For reservations visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air newsroom at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com/ .

SOURCE: Alaska Air Group