Linda B. Rutherford

Director Since 2022

Ms. Rutherford is the Chief Administration Officer at Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest airline in terms of domestic customer boardings. She is known for creating and leading powerful teams that equip, empower, and engage the business to serve its people and customers. In her role, she provides executive leadership for Culture & Communications, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Internal Audit, People (Human Resources), Talent and Leadership Development, Total Rewards, Technology, Southwest Airlines University, and Artificial Intelligence & Data Transformation. She has been with Southwest since 1992 and has held several leadership positions, including Chief Administration and Communications Officer, Executive Vice President People & Communications, Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, Vice President and Communications Officer, and Vice President Communications and Strategic Outreach. Prior to joining Southwest, she began her career with Newsweek magazine in New York and was a journalist in the Dallas area, including working for the Dallas Times Herald.

Ms. Rutherford serves on several local and national nonprofit and community outreach boards. She has a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. She is married to Michael, and together they are proud parents to Allison and Matthew.