Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union Honors Scott Johnson
DALLAS, TX — After five decades of dedicated service, Scott Johnson is stepping down as the Chairman of the Board at Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union (SWACU). Since the credit union’s inception in 1975, Johnson has been the guiding force behind its growth, helping transform SWACU from a small operation into a thriving financial institution serving nearly 60,000 members nationwide with assets over $800 million.
Johnson’s journey with SWACU began when operations were run out of a tiny office at Southwest Airlines’ headquarters. With strategic foresight and steadfast leadership, the credit union expanded into a national institution that includes not just Southwest Airlines Company, but also 235 Select Employee Groups. It is known for financial stability, personalized service and adaptability.
“He was laser-focused on anticipating and preparing for the problems the credit union would face during difficult periods,” said Barry Bursey, fellow board member and incoming Board Chairman. “While other financial institutions struggled, Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union remained business as usual.”
Johnson’s oversight was instrumental in helping SWACU navigate major industry shifts, from the rise of digital banking to economic downturns, including the 2008 financial crisis, COVID and rising interest rates. His philosophy was simple but effective: find the best people for the job, trust them, and let them do their work.
“Under his watch, the credit union literally grew from a closet at Southwest Airlines headquarters to over $800 million in assets,” said Barry Bursey. “He helped adapt the credit union to meet the changes that have occurred over these many years.”
Even after retiring from Southwest Airlines in the early 2000s and relocating to Florida, Johnson continued to commute monthly to personally oversee board meetings—a testament to his unwavering commitment to SWACU’s success.
Beyond financial growth, Johnson’s true legacy is the culture he cultivated within the Board and SWACU’s executive team–a focus on conservative and strategic growth for long-term stability. His ability to listen before speaking set a standard for thoughtful leadership as well.
“Scott wasn’t a loud leader; in fact, he worked better quietly,” said SWACU Vice Board Chairman Steve Day. “And I have always felt he led the Board in the same manner. He has a view but is interested in yours as well.”
“I have always been in amazed at Scott’s commitment to the Board and Senior Leadership of SWACU regardless of what he may have gone on in his personal life. His desire to fostering a relationship with the CEO and provide wisdom from his decades of SWACU oversight has been instrumental in moving SWACU forward,” said SWACU President/CEO Cynde Jones. “He takes his fiduciary responsibility very seriously.”
As Johnson steps away from the Board, his leadership lessons remain a guiding force. “His success and accomplishments are obvious,” said Barry Bursey. “It is now our job to continue what he built over the past 50 years.”