Daniel Chun, a 2002 graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School), has been a key member of the Alaska Airlines leadership team in Hawaiʻi for more than 12 years, most recently serving as Alaska’s director of sales, community and public relations here in the islands. He was recently promoted to regional vice president—Hawaiʻi, which makes him the senior executive in the state for Alaska Airlines.
Chun now reflects back to when he first came aboard the Seattle-based airline, which is the fifth largest in the U.S., and recalled words from his former boss.
“He said, ‘Your life is gonna change’—and he was right,” Chun said. “As an almost 40-year employee of Alaska Airlines himself, he knew what a special place this is, and that it’s a company where many choose to establish roots and build their careers. I feel very blessed to have found a team of such caring people whose culture and values align so closely with my own.”
While the creation of his new role was not related to the recent announcement that Alaska will be acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, Chun will serve on the planning team responsible for the integration of the combined company. This is in addition to focusing more on Alaska’s long-term strategy in Hawaiʻi, along with his previous duties, which span the airline’s public affairs and community outreach efforts throughout the state.
“I get to connect an amazing company with my home—the place that I love—and work to support important causes and interesting projects in our community,” Chun said. “I have always been attracted to work that allows me to contribute to the greater good, so being able to see the impact of our contributions and efforts is so fulfilling.”
“I know the quality of education and experiences that are nurtured at the Shidler College of Business and the TIM School.”—Daniel Chun
In addition to the academic preparation Chun received during his time as a student at the TIM School, he attributes his strong network of friends and business relationships, which he started to cultivate during those years. He recognizes and appreciates the invaluable support they have provided through his journey. He also sees a strong parallel between the company he is proud to represent and his alma mater.
“As an alum, I know the quality of education and experiences that are nurtured at the Shidler College of Business and the TIM School, and Alaska is pleased to continue to support our community’s next generation of leaders and future UH graduates,” he said.
