Richard Bell

Richard Bell is an accomplished aviation professional with extensive experience in aircraft technical operations. Currently serving as Senior Manager of Portfolio and Initiatives at Southwest Airlines since December 2016, Richard leads a team overseeing over 60 executive-sponsored projects focused on safety, compliance, process improvements, and aircraft modifications. Prior to this role, Richard held a position as Senior Manager of Business Services at Southwest Airlines, supporting operational objectives in a Chief of Staff capacity. Previous experience includes a decade at FedEx, where Richard managed various teams in Aircraft Technical Publications and Engineering Support, and worked on over 80 formal projects aimed at enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. Richard began his career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician at VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering, Inc. Richard holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and furthered studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.