Seattle – September 25, 2026 -- McGee Air Services has elected Ben Reed as President, effective Oct. 1, formalizing a role he has held on an interim basis for six months. Reed will oversee more than 3,200 employees managing ground services for Alaska Airlines' subsidiary across six airports.
Reed takes permanent control after six-month interim tenure
Reed was named interim President in March 2026 following his prior stint as managing director of operations at McGee's Seattle station, a post he held from November 2025 until his interim appointment. The board's decision converts that interim mandate into a full presidency starting Oct. 1, 2026.
A 17-year Alaska Air Group veteran founded McGee's operating culture in 2016
Reed joined Alaska Airlines in 2009, holding roles including internal audit manager, manager of airports quality assurance, director of aviation security and regulatory compliance, and director of station operations support. He moved to McGee at its 2016 launch as one of its founding leaders, serving twice as managing director of safety and compliance -- from 2016 to 2017 and again from 2020 to 2025 -- and twice as managing director of operations in Seattle, from 2017 to 2020 and from November 2025 to March 2026.
Alaska Airlines COO frames appointment around operational continuity
Jason Berry, Alaska Airlines chief operating officer and chair of the McGee Board, said McGee is critical to executing Alaska Accelerate safely and reliably for guests and employees. Berry cited Reed's operational experience, network relationships across Alaska Air Group and commitment to McGee staff as reasons for the appointment.
McGee Air Services, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines under NYSE-listed parent Alaska Air Group (ALK), handles ground operations supporting the carrier's network.