Gorman Leaving Pinnacle Board for DL Post
Stephen E. Gorman has resigned from Pinnacle’s the board of directors of to join Delta as its new executive vice president–operations, beginning Dec. 1. Gorman has been Pinnacle’s chair since January 2003 and will be succeeded by Donald J. Breeding. Gorman succeeds retiring Joseph C. Kolshak, who has served Delta for 20 years.
Breeding has been a member of the Pinnacle board since January 2003. He has been president and CEO of Airline Management, LLC, and president, CEO and director of Continental Micronesia, a majority owned subsidiary of Continental Airlines.
Gorman will be responsible for flight operations, technical operations, operations control center, safety, security, airport customer service and Delta Global Services. He most recently spearheaded a four-year financial turnaround as chief executive officer of Greyhound Lines Inc. Prior to that, he served as president of North America division for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. and executive vice president of flight operations and technical operations at Northwest Airlines. In addition to his Pinnacle service, Gorman served as a member of the board of directors for both Rohn Industries Inc., from 2000 to 2003 and TIMCO Aviation Services Inc. from 2001 to 2004. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Eureka College and an MBA from Bradley University.

Holt Succeeds Retiring LaBreque at ASA
Bradford “Brad” R. Holt was named president and chief operating officer  of Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), a wholly owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. Holt replaces Bryan T. LaBrecque, who announced his retirement earlier this month, and former COO Anthony J. DiNota, who in October resigned from the airline to pursue another career opportunity. Holt’s appointment will be effective December 1, 2007.
“Never has there been a more critical time to show our customers and partners ASA’s dedication to excellent customer service. Therefore, we have selected our best talent to fill this crucial leadership position,” said Jerry Atkin, chairman and chief executive officer of SkyWest Inc. “Brad played an important part in establishing SkyWest Airlines as a premier operator through his leadership roles in the flight Ooerations, operations control center and corporate safety divisions, and I am confident that his passion for flying and his in-depth knowledge of the regional airline industry qualify him as a perfect fit to lead ASA.”
Holt joined SkyWest as a line pilot in 1983 and held roles of increasing responsibility including pilot instructor, check airman, chief instructor pilot and director of Flight Standards and Training before taking over as vice president in 1991.
Holt”s past experience includes nearly 25 years at SkyWest – 21 of which were in leadership positions. As vice president of flight operations for SkyWest Airlines, he was responsible for Flight Operations, Flight Control (OCC), Corporate Safety, Crew Scheduling & Support, Flight Training and Flight Standards. He began his career as a pilot at SkyWest flying the Metroliner. In 1985 he became the chief instructor for SkyWest and in 1987, rising through the ranks to his vice presidential post in 1991. He has been flying since 17 and accrued 5,000 hours before joining SkyWest. He currently has more than 15,000 flight hours, is rated in all aircraft in the SkyWest fleet, and continues to fly the CRJ200/700/900 when time permits.

Mesa Board Strengthens Management Support
After losing in Hawaiian’s suit against it, Mesa Air Group’s board of directors reiterated its support of management, saying the challenges facing the company called for a demonstration of support for the management. The board approved certain amendments to the employment agreements for its Chief Executive Officer Jonathan G. Ornstein, its President and Chief Operating Officer Michael J. Lotz, and its Executive Vice President and General Counsel Brian S. Gillman, extending the terms of their respective employment agreements for an additional three years. Gillman also received an increase in his base salary to $190,000 and is now entitled to an annual deferred compensation payment of $50,000, which will also be payable through the remaining term of his employment agreement in the event of a change in control of the company.
"Ten years ago, when I joined the board and Jonathan Ornstein and Mike Lotz joined Mesa, the company had revenue of $423 million and had lost $54 million in the previous fiscal year,” said Dan Altobello, the lead director of the board. “Since that time we have grown to over $1.4 billion in revenue, and since 9/11 earned operating profits on a pro-forma basis in 26 of 27 quarters, regained our partnership with United Airlines, formed a new partnership with Delta, added approximately 150 regional jets to our fleet, named Regional Airline of the Year in 2005 and provided unsurpassed job security and opportunity for our employees. All this was achieved during what has to have been the most difficult environment for airlines in history. The board strongly believes that, given the challenges the company faces today, it was important to demonstrate our support of management and to ensure the continuing services of Jonathan, Mike and Brian. We are similarly pleased that these members of our executive team have indicated their long-term commitment to the company by agreeing to extend the terms of their employment agreements for the additional three years."