Southwest Airlines is deeply saddened to announce the passing of President Emeritus Colleen Barrett, who died at the age of 79, surrounded by her loved ones. Barrett, widely recognized as the architect of Southwest's famous corporate culture, dedicated her life to instilling the values of kindness, respect, and treating others the way they want to be treated.
Colleen Barrett's unwavering commitment to putting Employees first and encouraging them to deliver Positively Outrageous Customer Service became the hallmark of Southwest Airlines. Her fervent belief in The Golden Rule shaped the airline's culture for more than half a century, earning her the title of the person who gave Southwest its Heart.
Throughout her illustrious career, Barrett held several leadership positions, including Vice President Administration, Executive Vice President Customers, President and Chief Operating Officer, and finally, President of the airline from 2001 to July 2008. Her tenure as President made her the highest-ranking woman in the commercial airline industry at the time. Barrett also served on the Southwest Airlines Company Board of Directors from 2001 to 2008 as Corporate Secretary.
President & CEO Bob Jordan praised Barrett's legacy, stating, "Colleen's legacy is the Heart of Southwest Airlines and everything that it stands for, the Golden Rule; Hospitality; Serving others; and most of all, LUV! Colleen's fingerprints are all over Southwest Airlines, and she cherished her Southwest Family. We will honor her unending contributions to Southwest Airlines by living out our Southwest Way Values in everything we do."
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines, Gary Kelly, echoed Jordan's sentiments, emphasizing Barrett's role in creating and nurturing the unique and special culture that has defined Southwest Airlines for more than 50 years. "Her passion and commitment to ensuring that our Employees provided Legendary Customer Service has made Southwest Airlines famous for our Hospitality," Kelly said.
In lieu of flowers, as Barrett was allergic to them, donations and other expressions of remembrance to honor her life and legacy should be directed to the Southwest Airlines Employees Catastrophic Assistance Charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Visiting Nurse Association (Meals on Wheels), or the Dallas Hearing Foundation.
Southwest Airlines has established a special site, honoringcolleen.com, to honor the woman who gave the airline its Heart. Details regarding funeral services, visitation, and obituary will be released soon. Additional information about her impact on the world can be found through the Colleen C. Barrett Institute for Cultural Excellence & Customer Service, which was established in 2021 to honor her legacy.
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