Well, the last two MEC chairs are now in management positions, so I think you might have a point here.

Can't blame them--if I lived in Phoenix I'd def be gunning to be on the MEC and/or signing off on TAs like this and buddying up with management myself.

There's a very long history of MEC chiefs securing management positions after winning concessionary contracts for the company. Go talk to a FedEx pilot about Frank Fato and the parking lot deal if you want an epic example from history.