Our Leadership
Captain Garth Thompson - Chair
Captain Garth Thompson is a 30-year United Airlines pilot currently Denver-based on the A320. He was a former and current council representative before his election to the UAL-MEC Master Chair. His past service includes MEC-level Related Carrier Review (RCRC), Merger, and National Affairs Steering committees. Locally, he was the Denver Strike Chair and Grievance Committee member. Garth is married with three adult children and resides in Colorado.
Captain Mike Harrison - Vice Chair
Captain Mike Harrison started his career with United Airlines in March 1991. He is currently a 777 Captain based in EWR. Mike served ALPA as the Captain Representative for Council 11, (DCA) and has been the Chairman of the Crew Rest Oversight Committee since 2016. He has also worked in the Pilot Compensation Committee for five years, including as the Chairman since 2020. Mike and his wife Sophie live in Florida.
First Officer Paul Ryder - Secretary
First Officer Paul Ryder, a Newark-based 757 First Officer, is serving his first term as MEC secretary. F/O Ryder previously served two terms as ALPA’s national resource coordinator (NRC) facilitating ALPA staff and resources to support members and pilot groups. An ALPA member since 2004, Ryder has also served on the national education committee, chaired the Fee for Departure Committee, and served on ExpressJet’s pilot-to-pilot (P2P), pilot mentor, and joint strategic planning committees. Ryder previously served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps including conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Captain Andrew Minarcik - Treasurer
Captain Drew Minarcik began his career with United Airlines in November 2006 and is now a Houston based 737 Captain. He previously served on both the MEC Retirement and Insurance Committee and MEC Pilot Compensation Committee prior to his election as United MEC Treasurer in December of 2022. Drew and his wife J.J. reside in The Woodlands, TX.