Linda Rutherford

About Linda Rutherford

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 proudly served the company for over 32 years, most recently as Chief Administration Officer, before stepping back from my executive role on April 1, 2025. The Enterprise function 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. In 2022, I joined San Antonio based Frost Bank’s Board of Directors. I currently serve on the Audit; Compensation and Benefits; and Corporate Governance committees.I have been married to my husband Mike for almost 30 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.

Experience

1. Senior Advisor

   Throughline Global Advisors

   Jan 2026 — Present · Dallas, TX, US

   Group of senior business advisors advising clients working on how to excel in a disruptive environment.

Education

• Texas Tech University

  BA, Journalism

  1984 — 1988

Skills

• Press Releases
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Communications
• Team-Oriented
• Strategic Thinking
• Strategic Communications
• Corporate Communications
• Bold
• Public Speaking
• Editing
• Social Media
• Crisis Communications
• Mentoring
• Process Improvement
• Visionary
• Crisis Management
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations