David Granger, 334/844-9999 (grangdm@auburn.edu)
CHAIRMAN-CEO OF AIRTRAN TO VISIT AU COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
AUBURN -- Joe Leonard, an Auburn University aerospace engineering alumnus and chairman and chief executive officer of AirTran Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary AirTran Airways Inc., will visit the Auburn University College of Business on Thursday, Oct. 7, as the Aviation Management Distinguished Visitor.
Leonard, a native of Augusta, Ga., will speak at 7 p.m. in Room 113 of the Lowder Business Building. The public is invited to the free presentation.
Prior to joining AirTran in 1999, Leonard, a 30-year veteran of the commercial air transport industry, served as president and CEO of Allied Signal Inc.'s aerospace marketing, sales and service organization. At Allied Signal, Leonard was credited with improving customer satisfaction for the aerospace unit and leading growth strategy for the company.
Leonard has also held a wide range of other executive positions, including chief operating officer for Eastern Air Lines and key management positions at American Airlines, Northwest Airlines and the Boeing Co.
AirTran is one of America's largest low-fare airlines, with over 500 daily flights to 43 destinations.
Auburn University is a comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama's largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.
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oct04:AU-airtran