Officer Biographies

Ellen Torbert

Ellen Torbert

Leadership is...
"Listening to your people, knowing the goal, and taking the initiative to make it happen."
--Ellen Torbert


TITLE: Vice President Customer Support and Services for Southwest Airlines Co.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Ellen is responsible for leading Southwest’s Customer Support and Services Department of more than 2,800 Employees.
EXPERIENCE: Ellen has previously held the positions of Reservations Sales Agent, Reservations Supervisor, Reservations Assistant Manager, Manager Reservations Training, and Director Reservations Training for Southwest Airlines.
LENGTH OF SERVICE AT SOUTHWEST: Started March 1987.
EDUCATION: Ellen received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University.
FAMILY: Ellen and her husband, Walter, have two children: Domonique and Ashton.
FIRST PAYING JOB: Working as a waitress at Woolworth's Department Store. Ellen remembers making really good tips.
PROUDEST MOMENT: Seeing my daughter graduate from the Air Force Academy and my son flying as a pilot for the first time.
BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED: "Get an education because that is one thing that no man can take from you."
BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN: "Listen and gain an understanding."


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