In addition to National President Mike Perrone stepping down today, two board members are also retiring from the FAA and from PASS—Region I Vice President Luke Drake and Region III Vice President Joan Matthiesen.
Brother Luke just finished his fifth term as RVP, having joined the union in 1996 and serving as an assistant to two previous Region I vice presidents as well as chapter president in New England. He joined the FAA in 1987 after four years in the U.S. Air Force as a communications/navigation technician. “Luke has always been professional while also being upfront about the importance of joining PASS and supporting our issues,” said President Perrone. “I loved traveling with him to visit so many facilities covered by Region I.” Added President-elect Spero, “I’ve had the privilege of serving with Luke on the Executive Board for nearly two decades. We didn’t always agree on how PASS should approach an issue, but we always agreed that the needs of the members came first. I will miss the camaraderie and the spirited debate at e-Board meetings.”
Sister Joan was elected to two terms as Region III RVP, having spent 12 years as a regional assistant and chapter president. She served almost eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an electronic countermeasures technician before joining the FAA in 1991 as an enroute automation technician. She served the employees PASS represents in many roles over the years. “It was special to visit many areas of Region III with Joan, including several trips to Alaska for the May Day celebrations. Those trips, though long (and often cold!), were some of the highlights of my presidency,” said President Perrone. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Joan personally and professionally during her time on the e-Board,” said President-elect Spero. “She never failed to put her best foot forward and make the finest case for PASS, our members and all the employees we represent.”
Both Joan and Luke have done incredible work for PASS and will always be part of this union. PASS thanks them for their contributions, dedication and commitment—their positive impact on PASS will be felt for years to come.
