DALLAS, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The clamoring of cowbells and a rendition of a Willie Nelson song is not what you would expect to hear in the lobby of a Fortune 500 company; but then again, Southwest Airlines is famous for doing the unexpected! Southwest Executive Colleen Barrett, who leaves her role as President effective today, was honored by Employees in Dallas with a surprise tribute to show appreciation for her years of Servant Leadership.

By Terry Maxon, The Dallas Morning News Jul. 15--The mom of Southwest Airlines Co. is about to become mom emeritus.

By Terry Maxon, The Dallas Morning News Jul. 15--The mom of Southwest Airlines Co.

By MARY SCHLANGENSTEIN Southwest Airlines Co. named CEO Gary Kelly chairman Wednesday, succeeding Herb Kelleher as the co-founder of the largest discount carrier leaves the board after 41 years. Kelleher, 77, will remain an employee for another five years at the Dallas-based airline.

US-based Southwest Airlines has elected its CEO, Gary Kelly, as its new chairman of the board.