Fort Worth-based air carrier American Airlines celebrated 100 of its top team members at a gala this week at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas.
The 2022 Annual Chairman’s Award event recognized this year’s winners for their exemplary careers and unparalleled dedication to customers, colleagues, and the airline, the company said in a statement. American Airlines is the largest carrier in the world based on fleet size and number of employees.
Honorees included employees from across the nation and seven foreign countries.
Robert Isom hosted his first Annual Chairman’s Award gala since becoming CEO in March, and recognized the team members as longtime servant leaders and creative thinkers who were integral in helping the airline run reliably and profitably this year.
‘The best of the best’ at American
“Annual Chairman’s Award winners are truly the best of the best at our airline,” he said. “I was honored to spend the evening recognizing their hard work.”
Honorees and their guests were treated to a reception and dinner, followed by an award ceremony that included notes of congratulations from friends and family, a special award pin, and $10,000. This year’s honorees and their work roles encompass every aspect of operating a successful airline and represent each of American’s workgroups, the company said.
Some honorees said they were surprised at being nominated.
“I was in shock, but also humbled, knowing that I have an entire network of people who appreciate me this much,” said Sheri McCrandall, a senior analyst for technical publications in Tulsa who has been with American for 12 years. “I lead a team of five people, and this award really trickles down to them and all the work we do together.”
Others said they wanted their careers to be remembered for always having a spirit of both teacher and learner.
“I mentor students from the aviation school to show them the real-world part of the job,” said Wendell Listhrop, an aviation maintenance technician in Miami who has worked for American for 32 years. “I can pass my knowledge to the younger team members, but I also let them know that they can still teach me. I’m always learning, even after 32 years.”
This year’s honorees traveled to Dallas from:
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- Austin, Texas
- Boston
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cancun, Mexico
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Chicago
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Honolulu
- Lima, Peru
- London
- Miami
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Nashville, Tennessee
- New York City
- Oklahoma City
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Port of Spain, Trinidad
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
- Shanghai
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Tucson, Arizona
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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