PAACE, the Professional Association of Aeronautical Center Employees, is one of the oldest independent unions in the FAA. It represents all bargaining unit employees in the FAA Academy and many employees working in AJI-2 in Oklahoma City. This organization assists in negotiating personnel, policies, practices, and conditions of employment.
Just recently, PAACE held its annual banquet, celebrating all the significant contributions made by the union and its members. However, this year, the banquet also highlighted the alignment between management and employees at the Aeronautical Center. The event was held at the Hilton Embassy Suites, bringing together over 150 Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) PAACE bargaining unit employees from various Center organizations.
The banquet allowed PAACE Leadership to present the annual budget report, introduce new officers, and honor the achievements of past officers. All past officers were awarded a plaque, acknowledging their contributions and service to the organization. The banquet included dinner, desserts, drinks, a DJ, and a photo booth. The photo booth was a hit with the crowd, but the highlight of the evening was the door prizes at the end of the banquet.
PAACE ensured that all attending members did not leave empty-handed. This year’s banquet also included some non-bargaining unit employees, such as Roosevelt (Mac) McLemore (AMA-400 Division Manager), Robby Bergt (AMA-400 Deputy Division Manager), and the Aeronautical Center Director Michelle Coppedge. "I am very grateful to work with PAACE and the quality representation they provide for our employees. Open communications are critical, as this is the foundation of gaining mutual respect among our organizations. We all share the same mission goals, and I am thankful for our harmonious and productive work relationship", Coppedge expressed.
In previous years, MMAC management had not been invited to the banquet. However, due to the continued growth and success in the relationship between management and the union, PAACE wanted to emphasize the shared goals and mission. Recent joint efforts have contributed to the organization’s overall success. One key factor in this success is improved, open and regular communication. Open communication between managers and employees fosters understanding, trust, and transparency. This banquet serves as a positive example of intentionally enhancing communications.
Another contributing factor is collaborative decision-making. Whether it’s project planning, resource allocation, or process improvements, collaboration leads to better outcomes, which better supports the FAA mission of ensuring the world’s safest and most efficient aerospace operations.
"We (AMA-400 leadership) attended the PAACE employee banquet. We are collaborating with PAACE and its leadership at every level of the organization. Attending the 2024 PAACE banquet culminated our partnership and collaboration efforts. While there were many key takeaways from the banquet, open communication, trust, and a solid relationship between PAACE and management have been the keys to our successful partnership. We are building a trusted relationship through involvement and inclusion at every level", shares Roosevelt McLemore, Manager, FAA Academy Technical Operations Training Division (AMA-400).
Working together collectively demonstrates an untapped superpower among all those involved. The PAACE/MMAC Leadership collaboration further shows that we are more inclusive, innovative, and productive through cohesion.
For more information about PAACE, please visit PAACE HIGHLIGHTS | Professional Association of Aeronautical Center Employees.
