NATCA Staff Spotlight: Senior Social Media Representative Meagan Roper
We have an amazing National Office staff that our membership can be very proud of. Senior Social Media Representative Meagan Roper came to NATCA from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration in 2017. Meagan celebrated her five-year anniversary on June 14. Meagan serves as Secretary of the National Office staff union, Organized NATCA Employees Union (ONEU), and also served on the most recently negotiated NATCA-ONEU Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) contract team.
Meagan is responsible for leading and executing NATCA’s social and digital media strategies and tactics across platforms to advance the Union’s outreach, public policy, and membership and event marketing goals. “I remain in awe of the unique and exceptional set of skills required of aviation safety professionals who keep the nation’s skies safe,” Meagan said. “I’m even more in awe of the fact that I personally know, laugh, work, and fight alongside members of this astounding profession and great Union.”
Read more below.
Where are you from, or what places have you lived?
I grew up across the U.S. at various Army bases, but I have called the Washington Metro Area home for the last 10 years.
What education do you have?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising and a Master’s in Organizational and Interpersonal Communication.
How did you come to work at NATCA?
I previously worked with NATCA’s Director of Public Affairs Thom Metzger in the U.S. Department of Energy in the National Nuclear Security Administration, and he reached out and asked me to apply when NATCA needed a staff member to help with social media. I had no idea how life-changing a move that would be!
What’s the most rewarding part of being a member of NATCA’s staff? What’s the most challenging?
I remain in awe of the unique and exceptional set of skills required of aviation safety professionals who keep the nation’s skies safe — and I’m even more in awe of the fact that I personally know, laugh, work, and fight alongside members of this astounding profession and great Union. The most challenging part is trying to explain some of the most complex aspects of our National Airspace System in a concise-but-still-completely-accurate way for our members and the public. But that’s also my favorite part.
Do you have any hobbies or any other activities you enjoy outside of your work for NATCA?
My husband and I fill our calendar with plans with friends — going to concerts, throwing themed parties, playing golf, watching hockey, and trying out new places and experiences in the D.C. area. On our property in Loudoun County, we have an outbuilding we call the “Party Barn,” and we love to entertain.
Has there been a favorite moment for you while at NATCA?
In my second year at NATCA, the late AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka gave a keynote address at the Philadelphia Convention, and his words helped light the fire of union pride for me and everyone else in the room: “Solidarity is sort of like love. You can’t measure it. You have to feel it…. You’re never alone in a fight. You have a brother and sister that are going to stand with you no matter what.”
My local hotspot is: the American Legion on karaoke night
My favorite book I could read over and over is: How to Win Friend and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
The one thing that always makes me laugh is: My niece and nephews, who are the weirdest and most wonderful little humans.
POC: Meagan Roper
