Retired Missouri Senator Roy Blunt has been appointed to the board of directors at Southwest Airlines. The 73-year-old Blunt served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years and in the Senate from 2011 until his retirement in January 2023. He held the position of fourth-ranking Republican in the Senate. Blunt chose not to seek re-election in the previous year.
Since April, Blunt has been employed at Husch Blackwell Strategies, a Washington, D.C. lobbying firm. His son and several former aides also work at the firm. According to Husch Blackwell Strategies, Blunt's role focuses on client advisory services, and he does not intend to register as a lobbyist.
Southwest Airlines Chairman Gary Kelly highlighted the value of Blunt's experience as chairman of the Senate aviation subcommittee, suggesting it will be a significant asset to the airline. The appointment to the 15-member board became effective on Sunday.
