Negotiations Team Bios

T. Dennis Bickham, III (Committee Chair)
Father of three
Partner - David Ecklund, MD
 
Educational Background:
 
Louisiana State University, Bachelor's Degree (Dean's List)
Southern University Law Center, Juris Doctor
 
DOH at Air Tran 6/25/02
AFA Grievance Committee 3/04 - 9/04
AFA System Board Committee Chairman from 9/04 until present (have served in this position under the last three AFA Council 57 Presidents)
 
Current responsibilities:
 
Handle all arbitrations including assisting AFA International Counsel with legal research and drafting of legal briefs. Handle negotiations with the Company during "settlement talks." General research for other committees and officers on an as needed basis.
 
Work Experience:
 
1988- 2001 - Louisiana Senate in various positions, including law clerk, legislative aide, legislative assistance, committee clerk, legislative bureau staff member. Responsibilities included drafting legislation, drafting amendments to bills, research, negotiations with various state departments, the executive branch and special interest groups concerning legislation or proposed legislation. Initiated duplicate bill tracking system for the entire legislature and responsible for tracking all statutorily created boards and commissions in Louisiana.
 
1980 - Present - Real estate development including residential subdivisions, retail shopping centers and commercial development including office buildings and a hotel. Oil and gas properties and development thereof.
 
Have negotiated many contracts (real estate and oil and gas) over the last 27 years. Have been involved with one negotiation for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (on behalf of employer) involving hotel employees.
 
Jennifer Fritchman
Husband – Paul
Step-daughter – Rhiannon
Cat – Maxine
 
Five years as a Flight Attendant with AirTran Airways, including L1 certification and OE training certification
Three years as a Union representative; two years as a grievance rep and one year as the scheduling chair
Twenty years in the Communications Industry, which included the following:
· Cisco Systems, Inc. – Account Manager, Optical Networking, 2000 – 2002
· WorldPort Communications – Director, Global Project Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 1999 – 2000
· EQUANT – Business Development Manager, 1997 – 1999
· SPRINT - Major Account Manager, Network Services Manager – 1988 – 1997
· ROLM – Systems Engineer – 1984 – 1988
 
Instructor for the following:
· Psychological Associates – Sales Management
· State of Texas – Defensive Driving Program
· Sysco Food Services – Sales and Management Techniques
· Kent State University – Business and Professional Speaking
 
I bring to the negotiating team many years of contract negotiations, as well as excellent verbal and written skills to provide a thorough, detailed and fair contract for the Flight Attendants at AirTran Airways.
 

Elizabeth Keeling Howayeck
Husband- Rob Howayeck
 
DOH at AirTran: 3/16/99
Grievance Committee Chairperson, 2005 – Present
· Manage and provide support for a committee of 20 people.
· Responsible for the recruitment and training of grievance representatives.
· Act as a liaison between management and the Flight Attendant workgroup.
· Coordinate with System Board of Adjustment committee to evaluate cases for arbitration.  
Grievance Representative, 2003 – 2005
· Acted as an advocate for AirTran Flight Attendants.
· Conducted thorough investigations and prepared cases for Review Board.
· Thorough knowledge of contract language, company policies and procedures, Federal Aviation Regulations, FMLA, and the Railway Labor Act.
· Ensured that the company was following all established policies and procedures.
 
Education:
Kennesaw State University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 2007
Minor in Business Law
*Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University.