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Leadership is... "removing obstacles so the experts can do their jobs."

TITLE:	Senior Vice President Technical Operations
JOB DESCRIPTION:	As Senior Vice President Technical Operations, Brian leads Southwest's 3,300 M&E Employees in providing Safe, clean, reliable and ontime aircraft for Southwest Customers, while continuously conquering costs and always providing a positive work environment for Employees.
EXPERIENCE:	Hirshman joined Southwest's Maintenance and Engineering Department after working in the airline maintenance industry for more than 20 years. He started his career as a frontline mechanic for Northwest Airlines in New York, and he later held the positions of Director of Maintenance and Staff Vice President Maintenance at Alaska Airlines until 2004. He broadened his knowledge of aviation with his experience at Oliver Wyman Consulting in Dallas. There he specialized in strategy and operations projects, primarily in the MRO world. While with Macquarie Capital, also in Dallas, Brian was responsible for all principal investing and advisory activity within the aerospace sector.
LENGTH OF SERVICE AT SOUTHWEST:	Brian joined Southwest Airlines in June 2010.
EDUCATION:	Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; Masters in Business Administration, Operation Management, Baruch College, City University of New York.
FIRST PAYING JOB:	Building decks, age 12
PROUDEST MOMENT:	Every time my kids hug me!
BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED:	Treat all people with respect.
BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN:	Always hire people smarter than you!