SkyWest Airlines has announced that the
airline has named Russell “Chip” Childs as president and chief operating
officer, as the company further positions itself as the preeminent regional
carrier in the country.Childs will replace Ron Reber as President and COO.
The transition begins immediately, and Childs will officially enter his new
role April 2.

Childs came to SkyWest as senior director - controller in January 2001
and was named vice president - controller later that year. During his time
at SkyWest, Childs has proven instrumental in the airline’s evolution as it
has grown to become a part of the world’s largest regional airline
alliance.
  “Chip’s management of the airline’s partner carrier relationships,
financial planning and internal controls have positioned him well to take
on his new role as president of the airline,” said Jerry Atkin, SkyWest
Inc. Chairman and CEO. “But most importantly, it’s Chip’s commitment to
SkyWest’s people, coupled with his financial background, that will prove
invaluable to the airline’s success. As SkyWest continues to grow, I’m
confident Chip will successfully guide the airline into the next era.”
  Childs has been integral in solidifying contracts and relationships
with SkyWest’s major partners, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines; and
played a significant role in SkyWest Inc.‘s acquisition of Atlantic
Southeast Airlines.
  “During the years I’ve spent working with Chip, he has continually
demonstrated leadership in the company,” said Brad Rich, SkyWest Inc.
executive vice president and chief financial officer. “As a respected
colleague, I support Chip one hundred percent in his new role. He’s done
well balancing the hard and soft side of leadership, and I know he’ll
continue to keep both pieces in balance.”
  As president of the airline, Childs will be responsible for the
airline’s operational, strategic and fiscal success. Managing nearly 10,000
employees and three major airline partnerships, Childs’ strategy,
innovation and commitment to SkyWest’s people will be integral to the
airline’s success.
  Additionally, to aid in the transition, Reber will remain on staff at
SkyWest in a new capacity and work on special projects for the airline. “I
am confident that Chip will lead SkyWest and its employees forward as the
airline continues to chart new territory,” explained Reber about his
successor. “Chip is a no-nonsense, get-it-done kind of guy with grass-roots
experience in various fields. I’m certain these attributes will serve him
well at the helm of the airline,” he said.
  Childs’ diverse work history ranges from construction and operating
heavy equipment to various responsibilities in public accounting. He earned
his bachelor’s degree in Economics and master’s degree in Accounting from
Brigham Young University. Childs resides in St. George, Utah with his wife
Jennifer, their three sons and a daughter.
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