NWA names Detroit-based exec to top government affairs post

Andrea Fischer Newman, who once served in the Reagan White House under then-Vice President George Bush, has been named to head government affairs corporation-wide for Northwest Airlines.

Andrea Fischer Newman

Previously vice president for state and local government affairs for the airline's Michigan operations, Newman's new mantle is senior vice president-government affairs, overseeing all federal, state and local government affairs.

"We're pleased that Andi will direct our government affairs efforts," said Doug Steenland, Northwest's newly named president. "She is a highly regarded government affairs practitioner with significant airline experience.

"As a result of her previous responsibilities at Northwest, Andi already is a key member of the Northwest management team and will be able to hit the ground running in her new position."

Newman will report directly to Steenland.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent Northwest and its 55,000 men and women in this new capacity," Newman said.

Newman served with the Department of Defense as special counsel to the assistant secretary of defense for acquisition and logistics, with the White House as a deputy assistant to then Vice President George Bush, and with the Washington, D.C., law firm of Patton, Boggs.

Newman joined Northwest in 1995. Previously she was a senior partner at the Detroit-based law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone.

Newman, 41, attended Seaholm High School in the upscale Detroit suburb of Birmingham. Although she maintains a condo in Ann Arbor, her home base is in northern California, where she resides with her husband, Frank, and children Lauren, 13, and David, 4.

Since 1994, Newman has served as a regent of the University of Michigan, from which she received her bachelor's degree with honors in 1979. Newman also has a law degree from the George Washington University National Law Center in 1983 and serves on the board of directors of America's Thanksgiving Day Parade Foundation, the Michigan Economic Development Foundation and the Mosaic Youth Theater.

Newman also formerly served as co-chairman of Gov. John Engler's Purchasing Reform Task Force, and as a director for both the Michigan State Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Next Story >>