Puchala to chair National Mediation Board for fifth time

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has installed Linda Puchala as chairman. She will lead the board through June 30, 2020, with Gerald Fauth and Kyle Fortson continuing to serve as members.

Puchala was confirmed as an NMB member in May 2009 and previously served as chairman from May 2009 through June 2009; July 2011 through June 2012; July 2013 through June 2014; and July 2016 through June 2017. She received her most recent Senate confirmation in November 2017.

Puchala previously served the NMB for 10 years as a mediator, senior mediator and associate director of alternative dispute resolution services. Her prior labor relations experience includes stints as the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and staff director of the Michigan State Employees Association.

An independent U.S. federal government agency that was established in 1934, the NMB facilitates labor-management relations in the railroad and airline industries.