Jason Van Eaton

Senior Vice President – Governmental Affairs & Real Estate

-- Download Photo --

TITLE: Senior Vice President – Governmental Affairs & Real Estate

JOB DESCRIPTION: Advocating for Southwest in Washington, D.C., in the states and cities Southwest Airlines serves. Representing Southwest’s interests in every airport and market we operate.

EXPERIENCE: Jason’s professional life has revolved around legislative and regulatory issues. Since 1994, he’s been working in politics and government in state and federal affairs. Jason joined Southwest in 2015, and took on his current role as Senior Vice President in 2018.

Prior to joining Southwest, Jason held positions in the U.S. Senate from 1994 until 2007 when he left government service to begin a private consulting services company.  Jason operated that company for eight years until he landed at Southwest.

LENGTH OF SERVICE AT SOUTHWEST: After two years as an outside consultant to SWA, Jason officially joined Southwest in May 2015.

EDUCATION: Jason received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University (go Frogs!).  He has served as an adjunct professor in journalism/political advertising at the University of Missouri, as well.

FAMILY: Jason has been married to Mindy for 20 years. They have two children, Reagan and Clay. 

FIRST PAYING JOB: “I had so many in my teens it’s hard to remember which one came first. I think it was one summer when I trimmed Christmas trees for a farmer in Southwest Missouri. Hot, labor-intensive work!”

PROUDEST MOMENT: “When my beautiful wife agreed to marry me, followed closely by the scary, humbling experience the day each of my two children were born.”

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED: “Think twice before saying nothing.”

BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN: “Do what you think is right, even when…especially when…it isn’t easy.”