Alaska Airlines Boosts Leadership Team With Five New Executive Appointments

Alaska Airlines has appointed five new executives to strengthen its leadership team, enhancing the airline’s capacity to deliver on its growth strategy and value from its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. These leaders will navigate expanded roles within the combined airline, addressing today’s dynamic, regulated aviation environment. Their focus is to ensure Alaska Airlines remains the preferred choice for West Coast travelers by providing an innovative and caring travel experience paired with exceptional operational performance.

The newly appointed executives and their leadership roles at Alaska Airlines include:

Natalie Bowman, Vice President of Digital Experience
Cameron Cloar-Zavaleta, Vice President of Legal
Megan Ouellette, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs
Alexa Rudin, Vice President of Communications
Todd Traynor-Corey, Vice President of Guest Products & Experience

“Our company is positioned for continued growth and success in the years ahead, and I am extremely grateful for the entire team that got us to this point and who will realize our vision for the future,” said Ben Minicucci, chief executive officer and president, Alaska Air Group. “Today, I am particularly excited to announce the promotion of five leaders who have had a tremendous impact on our company in the last few years – and who will help us delight our guests, power our growth and further enhance brand loyalty in the years ahead. These leaders reflect our values while delivering great outcomes for our guests, employees, owners and communities.”

Natalie Bowman, Vice President of Digital Experience

In her role as Vice President of Digital Experience, Natalie Bowman will lead Alaska Airlines’ digital transformation, focusing on enhancing customer interactions across all digital platforms. She will oversee teams in product management, design, and software engineering to create seamless digital experiences for Alaska’s customers, working closely with marketing, guest experience, and product teams to drive loyalty through exceptional travel experiences.

Previously, Bowman was Managing Director of Digital Product & Design, where she managed key digital platforms, including the website, mobile app, and airport digital services. With eight years at Alaska, she has been instrumental in advancing the airline’s digital strategy, using machine learning to optimize marketing, personalizing the app experience, and pioneering GenAI travel innovations. Bowman also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Washington State Historical Society and is a past president of the Junior League of Seattle. A Texas native, she holds a business degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Cameron Cloar-Zavaleta, Vice President of Legal

As Vice President of Legal, Cameron Cloar-Zavaleta will continue to lead Alaska Air Group’s regulatory efforts related to its Hawaiian Airlines merger, managing a diverse legal portfolio that includes regulatory affairs, litigation, compliance, and labor relations. Cloar-Zavaleta played a crucial role in Alaska Air Group’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and the regulatory approval process. In his new role, he will maintain relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and fostering Alaska Air Group’s success.

With over 15 years of legal experience, Cloar-Zavaleta joined Alaska in 2018 after positions at Nixon Peabody and two other airlines. His background includes roles as a pilot and ALPA representative, along with positions as a flight and check instructor, blending his legal expertise with a deep understanding of aviation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight science from Arizona State University and a juris doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Megan Ouellette, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs

As Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, Megan Ouellette will direct Alaska Airlines’ global government relations, public affairs, community engagement, and corporate philanthropy. With 20 years in the industry, Ouellette will lead a team focused on public policy advocacy, government engagement, and community impact, strengthening Alaska Airlines’ presence and support in the communities it serves.

Before this role, Ouellette was Managing Director of Government and Community Affairs. She began with Alaska Airlines in 2005 as Director of Government Affairs in Washington, D.C., spearheading various advocacy initiatives. She previously worked in the U.S. Congress and practiced law at Winterbauer & Diamond PLLC. Ouellette holds a juris doctor from Seattle University School of Law, a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington, and has studied international law at Trinity College in Dublin.

Alexa Rudin, Vice President of Communications

In her new role as Vice President of Communications, Alexa Rudin will lead Alaska Airlines’ communications strategy, including internal and external communications, executive communications, and crisis management. Rudin will manage a team dedicated to advancing Alaska and Hawaiian’s brands across both domestic and international markets, aligning communications with the airline’s vision and operational goals.

Rudin has over 20 years of strategic communications experience, previously leading Alaska Airlines’ communications as Managing Director. Before joining Alaska in 2020, she held leadership roles at Nordstrom, Vulcan, and Levi Strauss & Co. Rudin serves on the boards of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and Seattle Theater Group and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business.

Todd Traynor-Corey, Vice President of Guest Products & Experience

As Vice President of Guest Products & Experience, Todd Traynor-Corey will oversee Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ guest product offerings and travel experience, including lounges, inflight services, connectivity, and contact centers. His leadership will ensure Alaska delivers a top-tier experience for both domestic and international travelers.

With over 20 years in the airline industry, Traynor-Corey previously served as Managing Director of Guest Products, leading Alaska’s inflight dining transformation, expanding Alaska Lounges, and launching cabin upgrades. His background includes leadership roles at United, Northwest, and Delta, with a focus on premium inflight and airport services. Traynor-Corey holds an MBA from Roosevelt University and a bachelor’s degree in aviation administration from Farmingdale State University.

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