Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today it has appointed Senator Roy Blunt, Chairman of HBS Leadership Strategies Advisory Services, as a member of its Board of Directors.

Gary Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Board for Southwest Airlines, said when making the announcement, “Roy’s leadership as a public servant—most notably in the Senate where he provided critical oversight of the aviation industry in areas of operations and innovation, combined with his background in education, will be a tremendous benefit to our Board. His knowledge and expertise, along with his broad experience spanning health care, infrastructure, and national security, will add valuable perspectives and thought leadership as we continue to expand and bolster our Board with proven, established Leaders. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

In its announcement, the company noted that, “Among his many accomplishments, Blunt has worked to ensure Missouri colleges and universities remain on the cutting edge of research and innovation, helping them attract and retain exceptional students, faculty, and researchers. He advanced critical infrastructure projects for the State of Missouri, prioritizing federal support for projects. During his time in the Senate, he supported the travel and tourism industry. And as a member of both the Intelligence Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Blunt worked to ensure the U.S. military and intelligence community had the tools and resources they needed.”

With the addition of Senator Blunt, the Southwest Airlines Co. Board of Directors is made up of 15 professionals with a range of leadership experience, including technology, innovation, business, and education.