Linda Rutherford
Southwest Airlines
Chief Administration Officer (retired)
After graduating from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, my dream in life was to work as a beat reporter for a major newspaper. While working for the Dallas Times Herald I had the privilege of meeting the wonderful people at Southwest Airlines. There was something about the People and the Company I couldn't shake.
Turns out I didn’t have to! I joined the Southwest Family as a Public Relations Coordinator in 1992. I served the airline most recently as Chief Administration Officer until retiring from my executive role in April 2025. The Enterprise function I led encompassed 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. I am truly privileged to have worked with the best People in the industry. I continue to serve the airline in an advisory capacity as well as work with a strategic consultancy called Throughline. I am also a member of the Board of Directors for Cullen/Frost Bank and serve on the audit, compensation and benefits, and nomination and governance committees.
I have been married to my husband Mike for more than 31 years, and we are the proud parents of two adult children, Allison and Matthew. We love to travel, watch football, garden, and serve our community.
