This lecture is part of the University's 2025 Fall Signature Lecture Series. 

Allison Ausband is Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer for Delta Air Lines. She leads the company's global talent management, total rewards, and human resources service delivery functions in support of Delta's 100,000-strong workforce, who make up Delta's unique people-first culture.

With four decades of experience serving Delta customers and employees, Ausband is a staunch advocate of Delta people and its culture as the company's most important competitive advantage and the Delta Difference. In her most recent role as Chief Customer Experience Officer, Ausband oversaw the end-to-end customer experience and the team of 70,000 who deliver those experiences.

Ausband and her team led innovations to meet evolving customer expectations while providing peace of mind during times of rapid change. As a result, Delta people catapulted the airline to the top-ranked spot in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study for both First/Business Class and Premium Economy segments.

Ausband also previously led Delta's 20,000-plus flight attendants as Senior Vice President of In-Flight Service, overseeing the team as they achieved all-time high customer satisfaction scores. She has also served as Vice President - Reservation Sales and Customer Care, where she was responsible for more than 37 million customer contacts each year across 10 engagement centers in four countries. During her tenure, Delta's engagement centers achieved J.D. Power certification - a first for a U.S. airline.

Ausband began her career at Delta in May 1985 as a flight attendant after graduating with a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. She is currently Delta's executive sponsor for Delta's efforts to fight human trafficking and Chair of the University of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees. Ausband also serves on the board of directors for Delta Community Credit Union and the board of trustees for the William R. and Sara Babb Smith Foundation.

The Mason Public Leadership Lecture is part of the Institute for Leadership Advancement's Speaker Series. It features prominent business leaders who have contributed significantly to their communities or spent time in public service. A donation from Terry College of Business alumnus Keith Mason (BBA '82, JD '85) supports the lecture. 

Requests for accommodations for those with disabilities should be made as soon as possible, but at least 7 days before the scheduled lecture. Please get in touch with Allison Porter (adavis@uga.edu) to request accommodations.