David Barger is the CEO and President of Jet Blue, and his estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. The president of the major airline has been part of the company since its inception, though he’s only been president since 2007. Rumors are currently swirling that Barger is considering leaving Jet Blue in February rather than renewing his contract. Read on for a few more things you didn’t know about the Jet Blue CEO.
His Dad Inspired Him
Barger grew up wanting to be like his father, and that meant doing something with airplanes. The Jet Blue CEO’s father was a pilot for a commercial airline for 37 years. When he began working after graduating college, he migrated toward airlines.
He’s Been Part of the Company Since the Beginning
Jet Blue began doing business in 1998, and Barger was on the board at that time. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Jet Blue until he was promoted to CEO in 2007, following the insistence that the former CEO step down following an airline disaster.
He’s Kind
When the airline was first introduced, one of its flights had to be diverted quickly when a passenger onboard the flight needed emergency medical treatment for a diabetes-related issue. When this occurred, Barger approached each passenger on the flight to apologize and offered each one a free flight on him.
He’s Into Flight Safety
Barger is part of the board of a nonprofit committee that deals with flight safety. The company, the Flight Safety Foundation, provides flight safety resources and information to passengers and crew members. Barger is a big supporter of this foundation, as well as a board member.
He’s Financially Generous
Barger believes in a good education, and has founded an organization that provides that at the University of Michigan. In 2007, the President of Jet Blue gave a donation in the amount of $4.5 million to the foundation at the University as a gift.
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