Linda Valdez Thompson
Executive Vice President of Administration and Diversity
DFW International Airport

Linda Valdez Thompson is the Executive Vice President of Administration and Diversity at DFW International Airport (DFW), the world’s third busiest Airport. Linda is one of the highest-ranking Latinas in the aviation industry worldwide. In her role, she is responsible for the following functions: Human Resources, Procurement and Materials Management, Risk Management, Business Diversity and Development, and Internal Communication and Diversity.

A recognized diversity leader known for her strategic vision and ability to achieve business goals, Linda has built a reputation for consistently delivering results that align with business goals, strategic initiatives and performance in the areas for which she is responsible.

Linda oversees the Airport’s award-winning business diversity program that continues to create significant economic opportunity for North Texas’ minority and women-owned businesses. In 2011, DFW contracted over $119 million with 34 percent of the total going to M/WBE firms, 58 percent of the Airport’s concessions revenues came from M/WBE firms and the airport exceeded all of its’ M/WBE participation goals.

Also among Linda’s achievements are the successful implementation of the Diversity Leadership Council to integrate inclusive practices into DFW’s business strategy and Employee Resource Groups to support the development and promotion of minorities and women. In 2011 45% of the airport’s workforce was comprised of minorities and women. The airport’s senior management staff is comprised of 50% women and minorities.

Linda has received several distinctions including being named Woman of the Year by Hispanic Business Magazine, and Ultimate Latina by the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s been the recipient of the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Award and most recently, earned the Diversity FIRST Award by the Texas Diversity Council for her outstanding work to promote diversity through her leadership. She is also an alumni of the prestigious National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI).