Alaska Airlines Announces Executive Appointments in Flight Operations and Finance

Alaska Airlines today announced the election of Benjamin Forrest as vice president of flight operations and the appointment of Jay Schaefer as staff vice president of finance and treasurer, filling positions that had been open since January 2006 due to executive promotions.

Forrest, 56, will oversee the airline’s flight operations, pilot training and flight dispatch departments. Forrest is a 27-year veteran of the airline industry with over 16,000 flight hours. An Alaska Airlines pilot since 1998, he also has served as flight instructor and interim director of corporate safety. In addition to his commercial airline experience, Forrest served in the U.S. Navy as an F-4 and F-14 fighter pilot, including three commands.

A native of New York, Forrest grew up in Bellevue, Wash., and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington.

"Ben brings an extensive background in safety and operations to the role. His leadership and organizational skills combine with a real passion for aviation. He is a true pilot’s pilot who knows the importance of communication and trust," said Kevin Finan, Alaska’s executive vice president of operations and former vice president of flight operations.

As staff vice president of finance and treasurer, Jay Schaefer, 37, will be responsible for Alaska’s financing and capital raising, plus the airline’s investment, risk management, supply chain, fuel hedging, fleet and cash management programs. He previously served as director of treasury operations and has been the airline’s acting treasurer since September 2005. He joined Alaska Airlines as cash manager in 1998.

"Jay has been a leader and significant contributor within the finance division for the past eight years," said Brad Tilden, executive vice president of finance and CFO. "Given his experience and proven ability to work with colleagues both internally and externally, we are excited to have Jay leading our treasury function as we continue our transformation."

Prior to joining Alaska Airlines, Schaefer served as senior treasury analyst for Holy Cross Health System of South Bend, Ind. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He replaces Glenn Johnson, who in January was named Alaska Airlines’ senior vice president of customer service for airports.

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 Airlines