Spirit Magazine - March 2014 - (Page 16)

Brian Ragsdale + Star of the Month S E N I O R PRO G R A M L E A D, T R A I N I N G , DA L L A S Brian Ragsdale is a true Texan through and through- six generations deep, in fact! Brian started his Southwest Airlines journey 17 years ago as a Customer Service Agent at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport. Today, he is the Senior Program Lead for Station Training and Compliance, a role that entails tracking all training for Southwest Airlines University and ensuring compliance with all requirements and deadlines. In supporting more than 20 stations, Brian is involved in everything from deicing procedures to New Hire training. His trick for staying on top of everything? Building relationships. "I tell the station Employees to call anytime-I've got plenty of cellphone minutes!" he says. For Brian, getting into the aviation industry was a no-brainer. "Growing up, I had an uncle who flew on his company's corporate plane all around the world," he says. "He'd bring me little things from different countries, and that's what really sparked my interest in travel." Brian LUVS that Southwest gives him the Freedom to Fly. He travels extensively (domestically and internationally) to attend concerts and pro sporting events and to pursue charity work. "Southwest promotes Ronald McDonald House Charities and local Make-A-Wish chapters, but the Company also encourages Employees to find our own meaningful causes," Brian says. "For me, that's supporting cancer research." Brian's favorite Southwest memory is when he helped lobby Congress in 2005 to repeal the Wright Amendment. "It worked just like my high school government teacher said it would," he jokes. "I can't wait for it to finally come to fruition in October." Brian is also excited that Southwest will begin to fly internationally this year. "I hope to see a lot more passport stamps in our Customers' futures." When Brian isn't traveling by air or helping a charity on the ground, he can be found out on the water, fishing or wakeboarding. Thank you, Brian, for sharing your enthusiasm with all of us at Southwest! -Laura Wilkinson SHORE THING If it's a water sport, Brian is on board. Blue Man Group is proud to give Brian Ragsdale two tickets to a Blue Man Group show as a token of appreciation for his work and dedication. Congratulations, Brian! 16 SPIRIT MARCH 2014 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN CLEMONS

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - March 2014

Spirit Magazine - March 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Wise Guide
Numbers
Business
The New American Dream
Your Adventure In New York City
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - March 2014