On October 12, 2023, the Council for Quality Growth held its 34^th annual Four Pillar Tribute in honor of Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines, for his leadership and commitment to serving the Atlanta region, state of Georgia, and far beyond. Bastian’s chosen theme for the evening was Leading with Purpose, something that’s characterized his 25-year career at Delta. The 2023 Four Pillar Tribute was presented by American Express, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, the New York Stock Exchange – An ICE Exchange, and UPS. Bastian received this award among friends, family, and 1,300 other guests in the Georgia Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center. 

As the 34^th recipient of the Council’s Four Pillar Award, Bastian joins an extraordinary list of leaders that have made significant economic and philanthropic contributions toward improving the quality of life here in our region and state. In his time at Delta, he has guided his team through its greatest challenges, including bankruptcy and a pandemic that crippled the airline industry. Through it all, he remained a thoughtful and resolved leader for the 100,000 people of Delta, displaying Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity – the Council’s ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership. 

Rob Ross, 2023 Chairman of the Council for Quality Growth and Senior Vice President of Kimley-Horn, presented Bastian with the Four Pillar Award. In his acceptance, Ed focused on his commitment to leading with purpose and his love for Atlanta. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2016, Bastian has been a champion of true servant leadership, continually putting Delta people and their customers first. This dedication to his people is infectious. He’s created a team of 100,000 that serve with his same level of pride and commitment. “Wherever service is required,” said Bastian, “you’re going to find Delta people. We have a unity of purpose, and it is to serve.” 

Bastian announced he was not only celebrating 25 years with Delta this week, but also 25 years living in the City of Atlanta. Ed recognizes Delta’s critical role in driving economic value to Atlanta, being the anchor of the world’s busiest airport. He sees the airport as the “front door” to the city and is continually inspired by the culture of Atlanta to “keep climbing.” “I love the ambition and the energy that this city displays. I love the heart and the diversity of our town, which always seeks better,” he said. “I love how this Atlanta community pulls together the private and the public sectors, working side by side to create a more inclusive city and create opportunities for all. That’s the Atlanta I know, and that’s the Atlanta I love.”

Michael E. Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, added, “Atlanta is fortunate to be both Ed’s and Delta’s home. Ed Bastian and Delta Air Lines fully embody the heart of Atlanta. I can think of no better airline, and no better team, to represent our hometown across this state and across the globe.” 

The Four Pillar Tribute is about leadership and how the recipient displays the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity – through their work and in their everyday lives. A distinguished group of speakers paid tribute to Bastian. On Quality, Ginni Rometty, Former Chairman, President & CEO of IBM, told a metaphor of a tree. “Ed believes his most important job is to water and nurture those roots, his people,” she said, “so they can learn and grow in their own careers and so they can serve the customers, partners, and communities of Delta all around the world.” Rometty referenced Bastian’s high-quality leadership through difficult times, and praised his commitment to creating opportunity, ensuring safety, and elevating the customer experience, all for his Delta people.

On Responsibility, John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Operation HOPE, reflected on his friendship with Ed and how that level of responsibility to others translates to his role as CEO. “When you climb in a foxhole, you want Ed Bastian with you,” said Bryant. “Thanks to his responsible leadership, Delta employees genuinely believe their employer cares about them.”

On Vision, Ambassador Andrew Young, Founder & Chairman of the Andrew Young Foundation, spoke about family, and Ed’s vision to create that sense of family, even among 100,000 people. “Vision is not a single thing. Vision is a lot of crazy, talented people sharing life together, and every so often you come up with a wonderful idea. And Ed, I believe you’ve done that. I think Delta is a wonderful idea, and you are a wonderful man.”

On Integrity, Daniel H. Bastian, Vice-President & Co-Founder of Progressive O&P, Inc., reflected on his brother’s support of him through a terminal illness as a young child. “Even in the smallest moments, when you have nothing to gain, your actions show your truest integrity,” said Daniel. “Ed has the ability to create a culture of integrity that permeates everyone around him.”

Frank Blake, Former Chairman and CEO of The Home Depot, served as the Master of Ceremonies. He highlighted his experience as Delta’s Board Chair when the pandemic struck, and how privileged he is to have witnessed Ed’s leadership in Delta’s darkest days. “Ed’s leadership during that time will be studied for decades as an example of thoughtful, principled leadership under the most difficult of circumstances,” said Blake. 

The evening also featured remarks from Georgia’s 83^rd Governor, Brian Kemp, and Atlanta’s 61^st Mayor, Andre Dickens, welcomed guests to the City of Atlanta. Dan T. Cathy, Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange, and Deisha Barnett, President of Global Communications also spoke on behalf of their companies. Pastor Kevin Myers of 12Stone Church, a close friend of Bastian, delivered the invocation.

Bastian’s Four Pillar Tribute featured an outstanding performance by a fifty-eight-piece ensemble of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and tenor vocalist, Mr. Timothy Miller. Together they performed a very intentional selection of compositions to pay tribute to Bastian. An esteemed group of Tribute Chairs were selected to pay tribute to Bastian for his impactful leadership among Atlanta and beyond, including: 

The prestigious Four Pillar Tribute annually recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity – and exemplifies the Council’s mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth. The Council is proud to add Ed Bastian to its list of Four Pillar Award recipients.