MIKE VAN DE VEN
President and Chief Operating Officer
Leadership is...
"Having a passion about the mission needing to be accomplished and instilling that passion in your Team by working with them, side by side, and supporting them in any way necessary."
LENGTH OF SERVICE AT SOUTHWEST:
Started April 1993
MY FLIGHT PLAN AT SOUTHWEST:
I have held several positions at Southwest such as Executive Vice President of Aircraft Operations, Senior Vice President of Planning, Vice President Financial Planning & Analysis, Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, Director of Financial Planning, Director of Internal Audit, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I WANTED TO GROW UP TO BE:
A baseball player
MY FIRST JOB WAS:
Summer recreation instructor where I coached kindergarten kids
WHEN I WANT TO HAVE FUN, I:
Relax with family and friends
THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE RECEIVED:
Happiness is something you decide, not find
CHOOSING FROM ANYONE, PAST OR PRESENT, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DINNER PARTY WITH:
Family and friends, Stan Musial (Greatest Cardinal Ever), Harry Truman, and Lewis & Clark