Matt Shelby has joined Alaska Airlines as managing director of corporate real estate. He’ll be responsible for the oversight of Alaska and Horizon Air’s airport real estate activities, specifically in Seattle.

“Matt is a seasoned professional with extensive aviation, legal, policy and operational experience,” said Karen Gruen, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of real estate. “His broad background in operating and negotiating with airports, and proven track record in relationship management make him a great addition to our team.”
 
Shelby comes to Alaska with a 20-year background in aviation and the law. He recently was director, airport affairs for United Airlines in Chicago, where he was responsible for managing real estate strategy and a substantial portion of the airline’s multi-billion dollar annual corporate real estate budget. He also worked in global real estate at Continental Airlines in Houston. Prior to that, Shelby worked in private legal practice in Memphis, including time in aviation insurance defense and litigation. He also served as general manager at Air Tran Airways Inc. in Memphis and worked for Arinc Inc., an aviation communications and engineering firm.
 
He holds a legal degree from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in business and legal studies from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale.