Mary Oaks is the right leader at the right time for PASS Region IV. I have been a member and union leader for many years, and it is not often that one meets someone with the qualities that Mary brings to the table. Her intellect, empathy, and absolute determination are the foundations of leadership. Every single challenge that she is faced with, she addresses with the same commitment to succeed.

Mary is a people person! Her willingness to spend time talking to someone that needs her help has no bounds. She gives of herself to others in a way that I have rarely seen in my lifetime.

Mary is a leader! Speaking unvarnished truth to power is her forte and she will not be denied when she pursues the right thing for the right reason.

Mary is an intellectual! Her vast knowledge of an array of subjects is marvelous. Whether it is aviation, labor issues, politics, mental health, or history, Mary can converse with anyone on almost any subject.

As a Regional Business Agent, she often is the first to initiate a new strategy to address a management initiative that puts programs before people. As a member of the PASS Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Peer Debriefing Team her empathy and dedication stand front and center. And as a member of the National Legislative Committee her political acumen and knowledge make her a “go-to” member of the committee.

All this leads to a simple conclusion... Mary is not only a “once in a decade” leader willing to serve as a PASS officer, but she is also a great human being that PASS desperately needs in our leadership ranks now! I believe that her remarkable ability to focus on people is something we are in desperate need of in PASS Region IV and she will bring that “PASSion” to the Executive Board. Please do not miss this opportunity to help PASS become that Great Union we all are striving to make it.

I lend my full endorsement to Mary Oaks as she humbly asks you to serve as your next PASS Region IV Vice President. She will not let you down. She never does.

Vote for Mary Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President.

In solidarity,

Dave Spero

PASS National President

Allow me the privilege to endorse Mary Oaks’ candidacy for PASS Region IV Vice President. There are myriad reasons for my endorsement. I’m certain she will be an effective, successful Regional Vice President.

Mary brings decades of experience to the table. She is the daughter of an Air Force Flight Engineer and FAA ASI; her exposure to things FAA began early. She has been a member of the FAA, herself, for 20 years. When she talks about past events and policies she talks from personal experience, not the stories of others.

In the FAA she interfaces frequently and directly with all Flight Standards disciplines at all levels, probationers to senior management. As a PASS Representative and, more recently, Regional Business Administrator, she continues those relationships with the added responsibility of defending the rights of all FS personnel under the PASS CBA.

Mary has an uncanny ability to pull legal or administrative justifications, seemingly, out of thin air. She’s virtually always correct, much to the disdain of the managers with whom she’s dealt. Her natural assertiveness ensures her point is taken. It takes deep experience to develop that ability; it takes more to use it effectively.

Mary has extensive experience dealing with management and senior management. She never hesitates to “jump into the fray” where or when needed. Her success record with grievances is enviable. She doesn’t let anything lie fallow and pushes everything to completion. Her extensive knowledge of, and willingness to share, the rules, guidance, and Collective Bargaining Agreement, FS personnel live by, has served her very well and is of enormous benefit to her colleagues.

I ran for president in the last election because I felt a lack of representation of Region IV from the top of PASS and I believed I could fill the need. I’m sure Mary is running for RVP for much the same reason. She’ll more than fill our needs.

Mary Oaks is what a Regional Vice President must be. She’ll represent us to the top and ensure our needs are met. She’ll ensure our contract is enforced in all dealings with FAA management (and above if necessary) and nobody will have need to feel under represented. Her roots are with us in the rank and file. Her future is sure to be one of action.

Vote for Mary in the upcoming election. She’s the right person for the job. She’s what we need now and in the coming years.

Dear PASS Region IV Brothers and Sisters,

It is an honor and privilege to endorse Mary Oaks for Region IV Vice President. I believe she is the only candidate that possesses the fundamental abilities to create and manage the much-needed leadership change in Region IV for the next three years.

I have known Mary for over 20 years inside and outside of the FAA. We attended AST string together and we have become the best of friends, colleagues, and PASS members.

Mary is adamant about representing the CBA and all Bargaining Unit employees regardless of dues paying status. She is relentless in the pursuit of resolving issues at the lowest possible level and if there is no resolution in sight, she will not hesitate to utilize other avenues of redress and maintains the knowledge, skills, and propensity to follow those processes all the way through.

Mary is a strong advocate for representing and protecting the rights of all employees and is extremely knowledgeable of the Articles in the CBA and does not hesitate to provide guidance to the contract representative under her purview.  As stated in the CBA PREAMBLE “The true measure of the Parties’ success will not be the number of disagreements the Parties resolve, but rather the trust, honor and integrity with which the Parties jointly administer this Agreement.”  

Mary sustains the attributes of trust, honor, and integrity because she does not leave any field office BUE’s behind. We in Region IV value the fact that we can confide in her, trust that she will always follow up and is well known for honesty, willingness to do the next right thing and being of strong moral character.

I strongly believe that if Mary is selected as Region IV Vice President our rights will be protected because she does not back down and does her homework, she is not in management’s pocket and genuinely cares about what is happening in the Western Pacific field offices. She is emphatic and confident regarding her position and when she meets with management, I believe they are taken back by her knowledge of the Contract, Labor Law, and guidance.  She will ensure our contract is adhered to in all business-related issues with office and division management.

Mary’s communication and writing skills are exceptional, I have observed her in Leadership meetings where she has captured the attention of management officials and left them speechless.  I have read correspondence that she has authored that mirrors the work of a Labor Law attorney. 

We need Mary Oaks to serve in the capacity of Vice President of Region IV, I am confident in this roll she will have a positive impact on current PASS Leadership and on all BUE’s because change is profoundly needed.

I wholeheartedly support and endorse Mary Oaks for Region IV Vice President. Since I have known Mary, she has always been a straight shooter and takes no BS. She is not afraid to say what needs to be said and push to get what needs to be done, DONE!

Mary is very caring and tenacious! She cares deeply for the well being and proper treatment of all employees. I have seen her engage with senior leaders very professionally and very to the point...no frills, no BS, no guff.

Working with Mary is great, she is able to handle a variety of things at once and stays focused on the issues. Mary would make a very strong impact for the Union as a whole and for all BUEs. Please support Mary in her quest to be our next VP.

Thank you.

I am proud to endorse Mary Oaks as she seeks to become the Region IV Vice President of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists. Mary embodies the leadership and representation we need to effectively voice our concerns and aspirations during these pivotal times with the agency. Her extensive experience as a regional business agent has allowed her to be on the front lines, connecting with the membership and partnering with us daily to ensure our contract's fair and equitable application. She has been relentless in fighting against any and all violations and blatant disregard for our contract. Her unwavering commitment to our cause has been a source of strength and stability for many, including myself. In moments of uncertainty, Mary’s voice of reason has provided clarity and direction. Her promises are not just words but guarantees; if Mary says she will accomplish something, she delivers. I have absolute confidence in her ability to lead us as our next RVP, championing our future with dedication and integrity.

Dear PASS Brothers and Sisters,

It is my pleasure to endorse Mary Oaks for the next PASS Region IV Vice President.

As a PASS Office Representative for the Phoenix CMO and a past Regional Business Agent (RBA), Mary has demonstrated the leadership qualities needed to be a PASS Vice President. In Mary’s current position as an RBA for the Western Pacific Region, Mary has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge of the Flight Standards Contract and labor laws needed to be an effective PASS Region IV Vice President. Her writing skills are far superior to any I have seen which is a vital part of this position. Mary is assertive when acting on behalf of our PASS Members when working with her management counter parts.

Please join me in voting for Mary Oaks to be our next PASS Region IV Vice President.

I endorse Mary Oaks for PASS Region IV President.

Mary has our backs. When I had a situation and was falsely implicated as being disrespectful, she dropped everything and stood by my side in working through the falsehood presented. I felt vulnerable and was shaken up by this situation and she had the calm, collective ability to work through it with me.

Mary promotes solidarity. Through weekly Western Pacific PASS Representative meetings and messages, Mary listens to what is happening in offices and issues being worked on by the Representatives along with providing an atmosphere of collective input from other representatives promoting collaboration. This collaboration builds trust and communication making the representatives more prepared and stronger to take on the issues and support other BUEs. I believe this has resulted in PASS Region IV membership increasing during the past 24 months. Mary follows through on issues and concerns presented to her. She does not shy away from the work that needs to be done.

Mary has effective communication skills. With both verbal and written communication, Mary has demonstrated her skills on several occasions in grievances, guidance to BUEs during the Telework Article 51 grievances, in speaking with upper FAA Management and along with BUEs. Mary has compassion for others who are in need. Even virtually through Zoom or Teams, she expresses herself professionally while giving a personal touch in what and how she expresses herself to others.

Mary has a can-do spirit. Mary looks for solutions, tactics, and contacts others within PASS to solve issues that concern our members. She takes ownership and has heart in our PASS Brothers and Sisters. I am confident that issues will be addressed and acted upon to represent the best interests of our members. 

During the past years, I have come to know I can depend on Mary Oaks and therefore believe by these examples given above she will prove to be the best, if not one of the best, leaders for PASS Region IV.

Endorsement for Mary Oaks: A Transformative Vision for PASS Region IV

As we approach a pivotal moment in the election for PASS Region IV Vice President, it is essential to evaluate the candidates based on their vision, track record, and commitment to our collective future. Mary Oaks stands out as the leader we need, especially when compared to the current leadership. Her unwavering dedication to protecting workers' rights and her proactive approach to addressing the challenges within our union make her the ideal choice for this crucial role.

A Record of Proactive Leadership

Mary Oaks has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our union and its members through her swift actions against management's contractual violations. Unlike the current leadership, which has allowed bargaining unit employees to lose more contractual rights than ever before, Mary has shown that she is willing to stand up and fight for what is right. Her proactive stance is not just about addressing issues as they arise but about creating a culture of vigilance and preparedness to safeguard our rights.

Addressing Grievances with Determination

Under the current PASS Region IV leadership, grievances have often been left unresolved, leading to a status quo where the agency disregards our contract, and the union fails to fight effectively. Grievances either get dismissed once arbitration is requested or sit in purgatory for years, leaving many feeling unheard and unsupported. Mary Oaks, however, has a clear plan to tackle this issue head-on. She is committed to ensuring that grievances are handled promptly and fairly, restoring faith in our union’s ability to protect its members.

A Vision for Collaborative Leadership

Mary’s vision for PASS Region IV is built on the principles of strong, collaborative leadership. She understands that the strength of our union lies in our unity and our ability to work together towards common goals. Her approach involves engaging members in meaningful projects, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that every voice is heard. This collaborative spirit is essential for creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Restoring Contract Integrity

The current leadership has shown a willful and wanton disregard for our contract, and the union has been unwilling or unable to fight for its enforcement. Mary Oaks is committed to changing this. She understands the importance of a robust and enforceable contract and will work tirelessly to ensure that our rights are protected. Her dedication to restoring the integrity of our contract is a testament to her commitment to our future.

A Strong Union for Aviation Safety

Having a strong union within the FAA is critical not only for the well-being of its employees but also for the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). The NAS Safety Review Team (SRT) report highlights significant challenges related to process integrity, staffing, and facilities that inject risk into the NAS. When workers are content and not distracted by contractual violations, they can focus entirely on their responsibilities, contributing to a safer and more secure aviation environment. For example, the report indicates that staffing shortages and inadequate facilities increase the risk of operational errors and inefficiencies, which can compromise safety.

Mary Oaks recognizes that protecting workers' rights is directly tied to maintaining high standards in aviation safety. By ensuring that our workforce is treated fairly and with respect, we also protect the public who rely on a safe and efficient airspace system. The SRT report underscores the importance of adequate staffing and training, robust safety reporting systems, and modernized facilities to mitigate risks and maintain safety margins. Mary’s commitment to addressing these issues aligns with the SRT's recommendations, making her the ideal candidate to lead PASS Region IV.

Why Mary Oaks?

Choosing Mary Oaks means choosing a future where our rights are fiercely protected, where grievances are handled with the seriousness they deserve, and where collaborative leadership creates a strong and united union. Her track record of advocacy and her relentless pursuit of justice make her the ideal candidate to lead PASS Region IV forward.

A vote for Mary Oaks is a vote for a brighter, more secure future for all PASS members. It's a vote for a leader who will not back down in the face of adversity, who will fight tirelessly for our rights, and who will work to restore the integrity and effectiveness of our union. As we make this important decision, let's choose the candidate who has shown time and again that she is dedicated to our cause and capable of leading us towards a better tomorrow. Elect Mary Oaks as PASS Region IV Vice President and let’s build a stronger, more resilient union together, ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of our National Airspace System for all.

Endorsement for Mary Oaks

I am declaring my endorsement for Mary Oaks for Region IV RVP.  It is time that we see a change in our Region IV leadership.  There are many issues that need to be corrected and I believe Mary is the person for the job.  We need to ensure that we are not giving our contract away.  Mary will hold the agency’s feet to fire when it comes to adhering to the CBA versus having back door negotiations that go against what our contract stands for.  She will make decisions based on the best interest of bargaining unit employees versus her own self-interest.  She cares about the people and she cares about the fight for working conditions, which we don’t have in our current RVP.  She will make sound and fiscally responsible decisions when it comes to the Region IV budget, funds that come from BUE monthly union dues.    She will listen to what the people who elected her want her to do versus current PASS leadership who puts up the hand, does not listen to what other leaders have to say, and does what they want to do that is not in the best interest of all BUE employees.  An RVP who is often on the side of management will go out the door.  You will get a fair leader who can negotiate issues with the agency without giving our contract away while simultaneously making the Agency adhere to our contract!   There is no point in having a contract if we don’t have leadership to uphold it!  Mary is the person for the job!  She is a no-nonsense leader who will lead us into a stronger, better union. 

I wish to fully ENDORSE MARY OAKS for Region IV PASS Vice-President. In over 27 years, I have served the FAA as a GA ASI then as an Air Carrier ASI in three CMO. I have been a PASS Member almost immediately in 1996 and was selected as the Southern Region RBA with over 16 offices. I was successful in building the membership in those offices from Kentucky to Puerto Rico. Region VP selected me among others to serve on the Contract Negotiating Committee until 2000. I have seen Region IV VP's "cozy up" to management way too much and it is clearly time for CHANGE! It is extremely important that everyone support Mary Oaks as Mr. Struck has done nothing for the employee.

I am proud to endorse Mary Oaks for the Region IV PASS Vice President. Mary is one of the most caring, hardworking individuals I know. She is a proven advocate for friends in need and everybody is a friend. She is the best choice, standing between us and an agency that superficially follows the “collective bargaining agreement”. Her knowledge of that contract, her experience with-in the agency as well as her contacts across the spectrum will be crucial in PASS having success on a number of issues we all face daily. She is the right leader for this moment.

I am writing to give my recommendation for Mary Oaks, RBA, Western Pacific. I met Mary Oaks when she was assigned the WP RBA post-retirement of Steve Steinhoff, RBA. I have since had the pleasure of working with her on various PASS concerns and local Bargaining Unit Employee (BUE) grievances. It was through those events that I was able to determine that Mary has an impeccable work ethic and is a staunch supporter of employee rights with a non-biased yet highly effective approach during union representation.

 Mary’s loyalty towards our PASS Union is unquestionable and contagious. Her defense of our rights concerning the Collective Bargaining Unit is supported by her writing skills and fervent approach and support when communicating with FAA management.

Her position is often faced with multifaceted and unique challenges. Mary is capable in identifying unanticipated problems and can quickly provide well thought out and executable solutions. She has an innate ability to think three steps ahead of every situation, consider all possible outcomes, and give a confident, correct resolution.

Mary is currently the RBA of the Western Pacific area where she excels in this capacity. She is well liked among her union office representatives and is very focused in her interactions with employees. She has often been found going above and beyond to provide superior representation for the union and employees while managing her FAA position. I have witnessed her character, determination, and talents among the finest to offer. If voted into the position of PASS Vice President, she will dedicate the utmost attention in obtaining changes within the FAA to support our employee rights.

It was with pleasure to nominate Sister Mary Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President. As I reviewed her website at MaryOaks.com, I became re-energized and realized so much hope and promise for the future of Region IV where it is sorely needed. I recommend reading the “Canary in a Coal Mine” section of Sister Oaks’ website as well as the vision section. I am writing to provide my own endorsement for Sister Oaks as the next Region IV Vice President.     

I have seen Mary in action in many different areas for PASS, and her PASS roots grow deep. I have served many years with her on the Legislative Committee where she has worked tirelessly bringing our issues to members of Congress to improve our working conditions and advocate for legislation important to our jobs. In addition, she has assertively led the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program for Region IV and traveled nationwide with very little notification, responding to the needs of BUEs during a potential or immediate crisis. Most important, I have witnessed Mary during Step Three Grievance Resolution Meetings (GRM) as Regional Business Agent (RBA), where she has been a formidable force and fierce advocate for contractual rights, and thorough documenter of violations and other misconduct by members of Agency management. Mary comes exceptionally well prepared, has a professional demeanor when presenting her case, clearly and concisely represents PASS and the BUES position all while not allowing the Agency to dilute the process. It is abundantly clear in watching Mary’s interactions with Agency management, that they both respect her and recognize that this is not a representative of PASS they can overlook or ignore. FAA senior leadership is keenly aware that she has the support to take a case to arbitration, having already vetted the documentation and items of proof with the Step Four official and PASS legal team.

Sister Oaks recognizes that as Contract Representatives, defending the current contract and working conditions is our priority. As Region IV RVP, she would commit herself to her primary job of Vice President leading the affairs of the Region. Mary understands how important the contract language is and the importance of not ceding any portion therein. Mary knows the underpinnings of any article of the CBA is the best interest of the BUEs and anything that detracts from this erodes the strength of the union and the contract in place. She will listen to the elected representatives who report to her and collaboratively develop the Region’s strategy with solidarity. Sister Oaks has what PASS and Region IV need in a time more important to Union rights than ever before.

Sister Mary is the right leader to chart a new course for Region IV and appreciates that collaboration means having the union’s interest front and center, if the agency’s position intersects with ours, then we can agree to agree, but for the sake of our bargaining unit employees’ interests, not solely FAA’s.  Collaboration also involves listening to our team, the BUEs, and contract representatives in the field defending the CBA and working conditions. Mary will provide clear messaging on the union’s position on telework policy changes by following President Spero’s clear message of not backing down from the negotiated language of Article 51. She can be counted on to enforce the new telework language in the upcoming contract. It is crucial that we get that right from the start. I am enthused and energized with the hope for the future of Region IV under Sister Oaks’ leadership.

Sister Mary is willing to speak truth to power and be held accountable for her work representing all BUEs as Region IV Vice President. She listens actively and wants to learn all sides of an issue before getting ideas from whatever team she is working within and capitalizing on those ideas for a strategy going forward. She brings a lot of historical knowledge and expertise to the team. Sister Mary will be an RVP who will truly demonstrate inclusivity and is interested in hearing from as many interested representatives as she can about what CBA Articles are under attack and a strategy to go forward in solidarity.

Regarding documentation and note taking, Mary can be counted on to provide the RBAs and HQs reps with the sharing of information from interactions and meetings for which PASS has a seat at the table.

It’s time for Region IV to chart a new course-one that’s inclusive, collaborative internally, accountable, and serves the best interests of the bargaining unit employees while protecting the contract. Any gains with a future contract are diminished without a leader who supports reps in their defense of the contract. It’s time for all reps and BUEs to feel supported by Region IV leadership, not just the loyalists. It’s time to install leadership that will fight back against management’s anti-union tactics and union busting of denying all grievances. If PASS has a seat at the table, it needs to have it with a leader at that table that is willing to fight for our contract and not allow changes to working conditions like telework.

Sister Mary Oaks is that leader…sometimes liked, always respected and usually feared by management.

I ask you to join me in voting for Mary Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President.

I endorse Mary Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President. Mary comes from an aviation family and has a passion for aviation safety. In her 20-plus years with the FAA, Mary has served our AVS BUEs as a Regional Business Associate for the Western Pacific Region, a National Legislative Committee member, a Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Debriefer, and a fierce advocate for PASS members and non-members, alike. As so many of you know, Mary does not shy away from standing up for what is right for our workforce. Mary will call upon AVS leadership to respond to the needs of our dedicated aviation safety professionals while maintaining open lines of respectful and productive communication on topics such as numerous stalled grievances, clear communication from FAA management, and the still ongoing contract negotiations. We have seen for far too long how AVS leadership are dragging their feet on important workforce issues that ultimately affect safety of the NAS by hindering recruitment and retention of Inspectors and office personnel. With her broad range of experience working with multiple offices across all the AVS regions, Mary Oaks knows what we need to successfully continue promoting aviation safety and to achieve an equitable work-life balance. It's time to take a new approach: Mary Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President.

I am supporting Mary as the Region IV RVP. I have been working with Mary since 2021 on the Legislative Committee.  In my three short years of knowing Mary, the one thing that stands out about her is PASS is her passion.  She is constantly working to meet with Congressmen and Congresswomen.  She has provided valuable insights to the Committee.  Outside of the her work on the Legislative Committee, everything that she does, is about putting the employees first.  I have seen her strongly represent the employees in her group--as most reps do.  Mary goes above and beyond.  She has provided guidance to reps outside of her group, and outside of her region.  She is a strong leader in this aspect--again wanting to ensure ALL employees are represented as strongly as possible.  She takes what she has learned in her years in PASS and educates other reps.  I believe she will be a strong leader within Region 4.

As the Scottsdale Flight Standards District Office PASS representative, I, Cheryl Villa, whole heartedly endorse Mary Alice Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President. Over the last couple of years I have had the opportunity to get to know Mary while working together on different and unique situations that have arisen in my office and our region. Mary always displays complete competency, confidence and compassion. Mary never backs down from defending a Bargaining Unit Employee (BUE) and our contract. Mary makes herself available and is always willing and able to step in and help. Mary has been a steadfast source of strength and knowledge for me as an office representative. As Region IV Vice Presidential, Mary will bring her knowledge, work ethic and fearlessness to the job.  Please join me in voting for Mary Alice Oaks for PASS Region IV Vice President.