Professional Work History:
CURRENT POSITION
Managing Partner - Davidson Arbitration and Mediation, LLC
Leads a three-person dispute resolution practice based in Atlanta, GA. Responsible for the overall business operation including marketing and professional oversight. Manages and conducts mediations and arbitrations as a member of the professional staff. The firm also provides ADR consulting services to businesses as well as Federal and local governmental organizations.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
2003-2004
Director, Global Safety, International Air Transport Association, Montreal, Canada
Lived and worked in Montreal and traveled extensively to Europe and Asia working with airlines and regulators on airline and air transport safety issues. Participated in several international air transport law conferences as speaker and moderator.
2006 – 2010
Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, Emirates Airline and Group, Dubai, UAE
Lived in Dubai, UAE for 4.5 years and interfaced with both Middle East-based and other international business leaders including the US Ambassador and US Consul General for the UAE. Member of the initial group associated with the startup of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Met frequently with senior Emirati Royal Family members and other senior UAE government officials.
2012-2014
Vice President, Flight Operations, Porter Airlines, Toronto, Canada
Lived in Toronto, Canada for two years and worked closely with Canadian government and transportation ministry officials. Frequent travel across Canada in support of the airline’s government affairs program and route development.
2015-2016
President and COO, National Airlines, Orlando, FL/Dubai, UAE
Split time between the Orlando and Dubai offices of the airline. Worked closely with Emirates Airline, the UAE Government and Middle East investors to improve the operational capabilities of the airline, local Dubai Airport facilities and international service levels.
Frequent travel throughout the Middle East, West Asia (Afghanistan) and Far East (China and Japan)
DOMESTIC BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
1999 to 2003
Domicile Chief Pilot for Northwest Airlines, Detroit and Minneapolis and Director, Flight Safety
During this employment, served on over 12 System Boards of Adjustment (arbitration panels) as company Panel Member. Later served as the Airline’s Director of Safety, Quality and Government Affairs.
2004-2006
Vice President, Flight Operations Northwest Airlines subsidiary, Champion Air, and Vice President, Flight Operations, Mesaba Airlines, the largest Northwest Regional carrier
During this period participated in several contract negotiations, including the 2006 Mesaba bankruptcy negotiations with ALPA and numerous system arbitration panels.
2011-2012
Senior VP of the Aerospace Practice for Tetra Tech AMT, a Washington, DC consultancy
Led the domestic and international consulting practice for a $1B US-based engineering and aerospace consulting company. Frequent travel to the Middle East and China in support of various consulting projects.
2014-2015
Chief Operating Officer, Island Air, Inc., Honolulu, HI.
During this period, traveled in Asia (China) and Japan while working with various international airline partners. Also conducted labor negotiations with the airline’s mechanics, pilots and cabin crew as company negotiator.
UNION LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
1991-1995
Vice Chairman, Master Executive Council of the Airline Pilots Association, Northwest Airlines. Chairman, Local Council 20, ALPA Northwest.
During service with the union, participated in and/or supported negotiations of two collective bargaining agreements and 12 side-letters of agreement.
Dispute Resolution Experience
ARBITRATION & MEDIATION EXPERIENCE/NEUTRAL ROSTER SERVICE
State of Georgia, Cobb County Magistrate Court - Civil Mediator
Labor Panel, American Arbitration Association (AAA)
Arbitrator, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Public Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA),
Arbitration Panel, National Mediation Board (NMB)
EXPERIENCE WITH LABOR/MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Absenteeism, insubordination, misconduct, substance abuse, unsatisfactory performance, health and safety, seniority, leave of absence, promotions, vacations, holidays, welfare benefits, management rights, union rights, strikes and lockouts, union security, dues check off, wage and hour plans, discrimination due to age, gender, religion or disability, past practice, layoffs and recall, off-duty conduct, subcontracting, cost of living pay, shift breaks, job classification, discharge and discipline, incentive rates, work assignment, transfer, severance pay, overtime pay, union officers, holiday, scheduling, pensions, severance pay, rate of pay, job posting.
INDUSTRIES SERVED AS AN ARBITRATOR
Public Transportation
Railroad
Financial Services
Manufacturing
Cornell University Dispute Resolution Training (Course titles and dates taken)
Arbitrator Development Program, Cornell University, Scheinman School of Labor Relations, 2009 to 2010
Civil Mediation Training, State of Georgia, 2016
Mediator Training Course, American Bar Assoc. 2015
Other Dispute Resolution Training
American Arbitration Association, Arbitration Fundamentals Course, 1996
American Arbitration Association, Arbitration Award Writing, 1997
FINRA Arbitrator/Mediator Training Program, 2009
General and Civil Mediation Course, Center for Dispute Resolution, 2016
Professional Associations
Certified Mediator, Georgia Judicial Commission
Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London, UK
Associate Member, American Bar Association, United States
Member, Section on Dispute Resolution, American Bar Association, United States
Member, Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA)
Member, National Association of Railroad Referees
Organizing Member, Dubai International Arbitration Centre, Dubai UAE
Education
Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, Weidner University, 1971
Senior Executive Leadership Course, London Business School, 2005
References
Mr. Rocco Scanza, Director, Scheinman School of Labor Relations
Mr. Richard Fincher, Mediator/Arbitrator, Workplace Resolutions, LLC
Mr. Jack Clarke, Mediator/Arbitrator, Athens, GA
Fee Policy
Per Diem Fee: $1,150
The fee is for the mediation or hearing day which is 8 hours.
Motion Practice/pre-mediation and pre-hearing teleconferences are $250/hr.
Research and award writing is $200/hr.
Cancellation Policy:
If the scheduled mediation or arbitration hearing is not cancelled prior to 14 calendar days before the date scheduled, a day of per diem is owed.
Travel Expenses:
There is a travel charge of $150/hr for travel outside the Atlanta SMSA. Air travel is booked on refundable fares due to potential for cancellation and delays. Expenses for hotel, food and rental car (if required) are charged at actually incurred cost. Should the mediator/arbitrator's vehicle be used, mileage is charged at the then current IRS rate.