Jan. 22, 2016 // Member Focus: Shannon Shuey, Allentown ATCT
NATCA/FAA career: I started at Atlantic City ATCT (ACY) in 2002. I then transferred to Allentown ATCT (ABE) at the end of 2007, where I was FacRep from 2010 to 2016. I’ve been a NATCA member the entire time.
Born and raised, other places of living: I was born and raised in Milford, N.J. I served five years active duty in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La. I have lived in Tennessee, Florida, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.
Education: High school followed by five years in the U.S. Navy.
Family: My husband, Jason, and three kids, Isabella, Owen, and Piper.
How did you become a NATCA member?
I joined NATCA as soon as I got to ACY.
Do you have any family members who were involved in unions?
Yes! I had an aunt and uncle that were both in NATCA. My dad was also a member of a police union.
What made you decide to take on leadership roles within NATCA?
I wanted to get more involved in my facility and help make a difference. My main focus was on improving conditions within my facility and helping to bring more unity among the controllers. At the time when I first started as FacRep, we had a big gap in age and experience I was pretty much in the middle of. I felt that aided me in bridging the gap between new and veteran controllers.
Out of all your involvement within NATCA, what speaks to you the most?
I really enjoy the more collaborative environment that NATCA has helped create over the last couple of years. It’s nice to be in a facility that has a good overall morale, good working conditions, and good people.
Do you have any hobbies or any other activities you enjoy outside of NATCA?
I love playing with my kids and I coach my daughter’s cheerleading squad. I am also a team leader for Carry The Fallen, Active Heroes’ charity supporting veterans. I like to exercise, hike, and be outdoors. I also love my garden and my animals.
Has there been a favorite moment for you while at NATCA?
I signed up to be a team leader for Carry The Fallen, Active Heroes’ charity, to help reduce veteran suicide. This past October, I hosted my first Ruck event as team leader and was joined by many of my fellow ABE members as well as Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert. It was so rewarding to have a strong NATCA presence there.
Do you have any advice/tips/messages for members who would like to get involved?
If you are thinking about getting involved, do it. Talk to your local union officers and find a part of NATCA that you are interested in. There are so many workgroups out there as well as intra-facility positions.
Let’s go beyond your involvement with NATCA:
My favorite quote is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” -Unknown
My favorite comfort food is: Pizza.
The best place I’ve ever travelled to was: Puerto Rico.
The one thing that always makes me laugh is: My kids!
