June 17, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Contact: NMB Public Information Line -- (202) 692-5050

Re: Parmelee and Puchala Selected as Senior Mediators

The National Mediation Board is pleased to announce the selection of Les Parmelee as Senior Mediator, and Linda Puchala as Senior Mediator-ADR. Mr. Parmelee and Ms Puchala will assume duties as Senior Mediators immediately.

As a Senior Mediator, Mr. Parmelee will supervise a team of mediators engaged in resolving contract disputes in the air and rail industries. Mr. Parmelee joined the National Mediation Board in May, 1999, as a Mediator, and he has worked successfully on cases involving both railroads and airlines . He came to the Board with over 25 years of experience in the railroad industry, and, immediately prior to joining the Board, Mr. Parmelee served as the President of the American Train Dispatchers Division (ATDD).

Linda Puchala joined the National Mediation Board in May, 1999, as a Mediator, working on both airline and railroad cases. As Senior Mediator-ADR, she will be responsible for the Board's alternative dispute resolution program, managing interest based bargaining and grievance mediation training and facilitation for railroads and airlines and their unions. She will also work cooperatively with the Board's other Senior Mediators to assist in mediation cases. Prior to joining the Board, Ms Puchala had over 30 years of experience in Labor Relations, including work as President of a major airline union.

To add [or delete] your name or others in your organization to the NMB Email List for Press Releases, send name, organization, email address, and business telephone number to PDO@NMB.GOV.