SEATTLE, June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines today announcedthe election of Jay Schaefer as vice president of finance and treasurer, andBen Minicucci as vice president of Seattle operations.
As vice president of finance and treasurer, Schaefer will oversee AlaskaAir Group's financing and capital requirements as well as the company'sinvestment, risk management, supply chain, fuel hedging, fleet and cashmanagement programs. Alaska Air Group, based in Seattle, is the parent companyof Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.
'Jay is a sharp and dedicated professional who has been instrumental inbuilding and maintaining our strong balance sheet and cash position. He's alsodirected our successful fuel hedging strategy,' said Brad Tilden, Alaska AirGroup's executive vice president of finance and planning and chief financialofficer. 'As the industry grapples with record high fuel costs and an economicdownturn, Jay's experience is particularly valuable.'
Schaefer joined Alaska Airlines in 1998 as a cash manager and also hasserved as director of treasury operations. In March 2006, he became staff vicepresident of finance and treasurer. Prior to joining Alaska Airlines, Schaeferserved 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 theUniversity of California, Santa Cruz.
Minicucci, previously staff vice president of Seattle operations, overseessystems and processes across all departments at Seattle-Tacoma InternationalAirport, the largest hub for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Minicucci'soversight includes customer service -- airports, maintenance and engineering,flight operations, inflight and cargo, as well as other areas such as cateringand fueling.
'Ben is a seasoned airline executive who possesses a rare blend ofexcellent technical and people skills,' said Glenn Johnson, Alaska Airlines'executive vice president of airport services and maintenance and engineering.'Our customers and employees alike have benefited from Ben's deft leadershipand vision. I'm delighted we're promoting him.'
Minicucci joined Alaska Airlines in 2004 as staff vice president ofmaintenance and engineering, where he was responsible for line maintenance andall contract heavy aircraft and engine maintenance.
