Colleen C. Barrett

Colleen C. Barrett is an American business executive best known for her long career at Southwest Airlines. She joined the company in its early years and worked closely with cofounder Herb Kelleher, helping to shape Southwest’s employee-centered approach and internal culture. Barrett served as President and Chief Operating Officer, and she is frequently cited in leadership and workplace-culture discussions for her emphasis on treating employees well as a foundation for customer service. Though not primarily a literary author, she is often quoted in business and management contexts and has been credited in publications and interviews focused on organizational values and service leadership.