Dec. 18, 2015 // Member Focus: Troy Harrison, Seattle Center

NATCA/FAA career: I reported to Oklahoma City on April 3, 1989, with former Northwest Mountain Regional Vice President Jim Ullmann, former Denver Center (ZDV) FacRep Lyle Burrington, current Paine Field ( PAE) FacRep James Haugen, and Jeff Lacey, Seattle Center (ZSE) who is in the same area as me after all these years. I worked at ZDV from June 1989, to April 1995, then transferred to ZSE. I’ve worked in the FAA for over 26 years.

Born and raised, other places of living: Born in Hayward, Calif. I’ve lived in Iowa, Italy, and Washington.

Education: Attended Green River Community College, also known as “Harvard on the Hill.”

Family: My wife and best friend, Shelly, and three boys: Trae, Tyler, and Conner.

How did you become a NATCA member?
When reporting to ZDV, then FacRep Randy Laudermilk told us to join or we’d probably wash out. LOL!

What made you decide to take on leadership roles within NATCA?
I did not like how things were going in the facility at the time — management ran the schedule, assigned random shifts, no memorandums of understanding, and there was zero input from NATCA.

What’s the most rewarding part of being facility president? The most challenging?
Helping members, whether they have medical, legal, training, or personal issues. We are there for our members. (Most challenging) When things are out of our control. For instance, dealing with the flight surgeon’s office.

Do you have any hobbies or any other activities you enjoy outside of NATCA?
I enjoy cooking, boating, and hanging out with family and friends.

Has there been a favorite moment for you while at NATCA?
The 2010 Honolulu convention when all of the past presidents and executive vice presidents took the stage. I also had the privilege to meet and talk with Joe Bellino.

Do you have any advice/tips/messages for members who would like to get involved?
Go to your FacRep or Area Rep and ask what you can do for your local. Don’t wait for them to ask you.

Let’s go beyond your involvement with NATCA.

My favorite bands are: Pepper and Iration.

My specialty meals to cook are: Pasta, Gumbo, and Pizza.

The best place I’ve ever travelled to was: Aruba.

My favorite sports team that I live and breathe is: The Seattle Seahawks! Been a fan since ’76… no bandwagon here but there’s plenty of room for more!

The one thing that always makes me laugh is: My friend, Rod Wilson.