Maurice J. Gallagher Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer
Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. has been actively involved in the management of our company since June 2001 and has served as our chief executive officer since August 2003. Prior to his involvement with Allegiant, Mr. Gallagher devoted his time to his investment activities, including companies which he founded. One of these companies was Mpower Communications Corp., a telecommunications company, for which he served as acting chief executive officer from 1997 to 1999 and as chairman of the board from its inception in 1996 until March 2002. Mr. Gallagher was one of the founders of ValuJet Airlines, Inc. (one of the predecessors to AirTran Airways, Inc.) and served as an officer and director of ValuJet from its inception in 1993 until 1997. From 1983 until 1992, Mr. Gallagher was a principal owner and executive of WestAir, a commuter airline. The agreements under which investors acquired shares in our company in May 2005 provide that Mr. Gallagher be entitled to a seat on our board of directors. He had served on our board prior to that time.
M. Ponder Harrison Managing Director - Marketing & Sales
M. Ponder Harrison has served as an officer of Allegiant since October 2002 and is responsible for marketing and sales, pricing and revenue management, in-flight service, internet and intranet technologies. From June 2001 through August 2002, Mr. Harrison was president of Corporate Aircraft Partners, which was a fractional aircraft leasing and charter airline. Prior to his involvement with Corporate Aircraft Partners, Mr. Harrison devoted his time to investment activities. One of his investments is Virtual Premise, Inc., an enterprise software company, for which he has served as and remains chairman of the board. Mr. Harrison was vice president of sales and marketing for ValuJet Airlines from its commencement of business in 1993 until 1998 after its merger with AirTran. Prior to leaving AirTran in 1998, Mr. Harrison was also directly responsible for all internet-related activities. Before joining ValuJet, Mr. Harrison worked in various marketing roles at Delta Air Lines from 1983 through 1992.
Andrew C. Levy CFO and Managing Director - Planning
Andrew C. Levy has served as an officer of Allegiant since June 2001 and was elected to the post of chief financial officer in August 2007. In his role as managing director, Mr. Levy is responsible for the company's market planning, fleet planning, scheduling, fuel risk management and corporate development. From February 1998 to March 2001, Mr. Levy held various management positions at Mpower Communications. From July 1996 to February 1998, Mr. Levy worked on airline advisory and transactional work as a vice president with Savoy Capital, an investment company focused on the aviation sector. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Levy held various positions with ValuJet Airlines including director of contracts with responsibilities for stations agreements, insurance, fuel purchasing and other related activities.
Michael P. Baxter Senior Vice President of Operations
Michael P. Baxter has been employed by us since July 2003, and has served as our senior vice president of operations since February 2005. From July 2000 to July 2003, he served as vice president of maintenance and engineering for National Airlines, Inc. He began his career as a flight mechanic for the U.S. Air Force, after which he worked for 25 years for United Airlines, culminating as senior director of customer aircraft maintenance at United's main maintenance facility.