Star of the Month

Bernd Hofmeister
SENIOR MANAGER OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS SAFET Y, dALL AS, TE x AS
Safety is always priority No. 1 at Southwest Airlines, and no one knows that better than Bernd Hofmeister. Although Bernd has been part of the Southwest Family for just five years, he brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience. Originally from a small town near Munich, Germany, Bernd spent 21 years in the German air force and has a masters degree in aviation. When he retired from the air force, Bernd never dreamed he would start another career, and his journey to Southwest was anything but normal. After hearing that one of his former professors would be submitting students work to Leaders at Southwest, he asked that his recent analysis on the LUV airline be included. Bernd didnt think much of it until six months later, when he received a five-page response from none other than (then) Southwest Airlines President, Colleen Barrett. She had personally responded to each of his recommendations and wished him the best of luck in the future! Bernds professor had never seen such a response before, and urged him to send in his rsum. Bernd did exactly that, and now he finds himself in his second career and LUVing every minute of it. Today, Bernd puts his talents to use managing three Teams at Southwest, including the Flight Data Analysis Program, Aviation Safety Action Partnership, and Flight Operations Investigations. What does he enjoy most about the job? The People, Bernd says. You hear that a lot at Southwest Airlines, but to be able to be a part of my Fellow Employees lives and help keep Southwest a safe airline, especially when we have such a great track record, is pretty extraordinary. These days, his wife, Brandy, baby son, Marcus, two cats, a dog, and a horse keep him close to his new home in Dallas, but Bernd still finds time to visit family in Germany and is so grateful that Southwest gives him the Freedom to Fly. Bernd is truly a rising star at Southwest Airlines, and we greatly appreciate his dedication and commitment to Safety. Danke, Bernd! Lauren Kraft

Safe At Home Southwest is secure in Bernds hands.

30 spirit july 2011

PhotograPhy By jonathan zizzo