Exactly. The identity of the CEO is a separate issue no matter whether AA emerges as an independent airline or is merged with US. To do otherwise would be putting the cart before the horse. The first inquiry is whether they believe that there are enough synergies to pay for the merger costs plus the much higher wages that the US employees would receive (to bring them up to AA payscales).
No matter how that decision goes, the creditors will choose the board, which hires management. Could be that the airlines are merged and Parker is shown the door. Same with Horton.