11.16.2010 Annual Meeting Announcement: Southwest CEO to Speak

SOUTHWEST CEO TO ADDRESS ATTENDEES OF THE GREENVILLE CHAMBER’S 122nd ANNUAL MEETING

(GREENVILLE, SC)  The Greenville Chamber announced today that Gary Kelly, chairman of the Board, president, and CEO of Southwest Airlines, will be the keynote speaker for its 122nd Annual Meeting, presented by Carolina First, on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the Carolina First Center.  

Kelly began his career at Southwest Airlines as Controller, moving up to Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance, then Executive Vice President and CFO, before being promoted to CEO and Vice Chairman in July 2004. Gary assumed the role of Chairman in May 2008 and President in July 2008. Prior to joining Southwest Airlines in 1986, Gary was a CPA for Arthur Young & Company in Dallas and Controller for Systems Center, Inc.

A 23-year Southwest veteran, Gary has worked closely with Southwest’s legendary Cofounder and Chairman Emeritus Herb Kelleher and President Emeritus Colleen Barrett to build the nation’s largest airline in terms of passengers-and the undisputed Low-Fare Leader.

In addition to Kelly’s keynote remarks, the Greenville Chamber will announce its 2010 award winners, which includes, the Small Business of the Year Award, the Minority Business of the Year Award, the Young Professional of the Year Award, the Athena Award, the Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award, the Chairman’s Award, the Buck Mickel Leadership Award, and the Arts Leadership Award

Outgoing Chairman Michael J. Hayes of WYFF 4, will be recognized for his service and Sam Konduros of SK Strategies will assume the Chamber’s leadership gavel for 2011.  The Chamber will also celebrate its many accomplishments over the past year.