SEATTLE, Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Air Group's board of directors has approved several leadership changes in the company's Legal Division.

Herman Wacker, Air Group's deputy general counsel and managing director of legal, has been elected vice president of legal. Shannon Alberts, managing director of corporate affairs and assistant corporate secretary, has been elected corporate secretary. Kyle Levine retains his role as deputy general counsel and managing director of legal, and replaces Alberts as assistant corporate secretary.

"Herman approaches his legal work creatively, giving advice and counsel that blends legal, business and practical judgment in a way that has led to terrific outcomes for Alaska and its employees," said Keith Loveless, executive vice president and general counsel. "Shannon is a seasoned professional who has ensured that Air Group has outstanding board governance practices. Kyle is a proven leader who will continue to provide us with wise counsel into the future."

Wacker joined Air Group in 2007 as associate general counsel and managing director of labor and employment law. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1973 and has practiced labor and employment law in Seattle since being admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1975, representing labor unions, employees and employers in hundreds of arbitrations, mediations, negotiations and lawsuits. Wacker was one of two Alaska Airlines employees who received the company's distinguished Leadership Award in 2013.

Alberts, a 28-year veteran at Alaska, began her career in the Corporate Affairs Department and has held positions ranging from director of corporate affairs to managing director of investor relations. She became managing director of corporate affairs in 2010. Alberts earned a Certified Equity Professional certificate from the University of Santa Clara and completed the Investor Relations Certificate Program from the University of California. She also earned an executive MBA at the University of Washington.

Levine, who joined Alaska in 2006, was promoted to deputy general counsel in 2011. Levine previously worked for the Nixon Peabody law firm in its San Francisco office, where he was part of the aviation products liability litigation team. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Stanford University, a law degree from Southern Methodist University and is a member of the California State Bar.

Loveless was elected executive vice president at Air Group in 2012. He became corporate secretary in 1996 and general counsel in 1999 after joining Alaska Airlines in 1986 following his tenure with the Seattle law firm of Bogle & Gates.

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves nearly 100 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines has ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study^SM for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Air Group

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