The Council for Quality Growth has honored Delta CEO Ed Bastian with the 34th annual Four Pillar Award. This award is given each year to an outstanding Georgian who has demonstrated significant contributions to economic growth in the community and the state, in addition to improving the region’s quality of life.  

A celebration took place in Atlanta the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 with several business and community leaders in attendance to recognize Delta’s and Bastian’s achievements. His chosen theme, “Leading With Purpose,” demonstrates Delta’s core values of putting people first always. The award is comprised of four key pillars of Quality, Responsibility, Vision and Integrity.  

“It was my honor to accept the Four Pillar Award on behalf of Delta’s 100,000 world-class employees. They are the reason that the communities where we live, work and serve continue to thrive as they represent Delta’s values around the globe every day. It’s my privilege to serve them and to accept this high honor on their behalf. Thanks to the Council of Quality Growth for this special recognition and for a lovely celebration in our hometown of Atlanta.” 

Bastian serves on the Woodruff Arts Center board and will chair their next campaign, is the corporate chair for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta ‘Never Settle’ campaign, a past chair of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Atlanta Committee for Progress. He was recognized by the Georgia Historical Society as a Georgia Trustee in 2018 and will be honored in New York City later this month by Chief Executive Group as the 2023 CEO of the Year.  

The Council for Quality Growth works on behalf of the development industry – and in collaboration with elected officials and government staff – to ensure that the city of Atlanta thrives. First presented in 1990, the Four Pillar Tribute Award has become one of the most distinguished honors in metro Atlanta and has paid tributes to many key leaders.  

With more than 34,000 employees in the state, Delta has been proud to call Georgia home for more than 75 years. Delta operates over 800 peak-day flights from the Peach State. In addition to serving its Atlanta hub, Delta offers regional service to Albany, Augusta, Brunswick, Columbus, Savannah and Valdosta.   

Delta’s comprehensive international network plays a vital role in maintaining Georgia’s position as a global economic leader. From Georgia, customers have access to over 200 destinations served by Delta Air Lines. Georgia’s robust aviation industry is supported by Delta’s signature workforce development programs – Propel and TechU. Through partnerships with the University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia, Delta is strengthening the pipeline of aviation professionals in its home state. 

Bastian accepted the 2023 award on behalf of the 100,000 Delta employees worldwide who show deep commitment and dedication to serving the community in addition to one another and Delta’s customers every day.