Connecting Care to Every Journey: The Impact of President’s Award Winner Holly Lumbard

For Holly Lumbard, the heart of aviation has always been about connection; connecting people to where they need to be and, more importantly, to the people who matter most. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Holly’s journey into aviation began six years ago on the frontline, working aircraft operations and boarding flights as a gate agent. That hands-on experience eventually led her to Piedmont Airlines, where she advanced into a supervisor role overseeing the daily operations of incoming and outgoing flights. In this position, Holly managed gate operations, ticket counters, and passenger baggage needs while also training new “above-the-wing” team members, an experience that helped prepare her for her next step with Piedmont.

Today, Holly serves as a Travel Analyst in the Harrisburg corporate office in Middletown, Pennsylvania, where she continues to support her Piedmont team members in a new capacity.

Holly’s growth, dedication, and lasting impact on her team ultimately led to her being recognized as a President’s Award winner, Piedmont’s highest honor celebrating team members who go above and beyond in service, leadership, and support of others.

Holly’s impact is also reflected in the words of her leader, Samantha Shadursky, Senior Manager, Benefits and Travel, who proudly nominated Holly for the President’s Award. In her nomination, Samantha described Holly as “an essential member of our Travel department,” known for her dedication, compassion, and tireless work ethic. She highlighted Holly’s ability to pair technical expertise with genuine care, ensuring team members not only get where they need to be, but feel supported every step of the way.

From managing high volumes of travel requests with accuracy and fairness to collaborating closely with leaders and partners across the operation, Holly approaches every challenge with professionalism and positivity. Samantha also emphasized the culture Holly helps create, bringing warmth, connection, and a strong sense of community to the Harrisburg office. “Her combination of skill, dedication, and kindness makes her truly deserving of this recognition,” Samantha shared.

Holly’s commitment to people has had a direct and lasting impact on those around her, including Travel Intern Lillian Gross, who’s path to Piedmont reflects the culture Holly helps create. Lillian’s father, a former long-time Piedmont pilot, reached out for guidance on how his daughter could gain experience in the aviation industry. Piedmont’s strong sense of community took center stage. Matthew French, Manager, Community and Engagement and fellow President’s Award winner, helped bridge that connection, ultimately introducing Lillian to Holly. From there, Holly ensured the opportunity turned into a welcoming and supportive start with Piedmont for Lillian. “From my first interview until now, Holly has been the friendliest face in the room,” Lillian shared. “She trained me on everything I know, introduced me to everyone, and helps me grow.”

To Lillian and so many others, Holly is the go‑to person for anything travel‑related, and much more. She mentors, supports, and steps in wherever travel assistance is needed, whether that means confirming urgent business travel, answering detailed policy questions, or simply offering reassurance to team members during stressful moments. “She’s a great mentor, a great leader, and someone you can always rely on,” Lillian said. Through that everyday dedication, Holly brings Piedmont’s values of caring, communication, compliance and community to life.

Family is central to Holly’s purpose, and it fuels the passion she brings to her role. With her son attending college nearly 1,000 miles away at the University of Mississippi, Holly understands firsthand how meaningful her company travel privileges can be. Being able to stay connected during holidays and milestones reinforces why she takes her work so seriously. In her five years with Piedmont, Holly has made it her personal mission to align travel processes with American Airlines guidelines, ensuring fairness, compliance, and long-term sustainability so all team members can continue to share those same connections with their families. Holly approaches even the most high-pressure situations with positivity, reliability, and heart.

When Holly learned she was being honored with the President’s Award, she was left speechless. “I cried,” she said. “I was truly humbled.”

For Lillian, the recognition felt long overdue. “Everybody knows Holly; everybody loves Holly,” she shared. “This award is about appreciating the people who go above and beyond, and that’s exactly who Holly is.”

Holly was one of just 25 team members honored with the President’s Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Piedmont. She celebrated the evening alongside her husband at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was recognized by senior leaders and colleagues. The moment served as a meaningful tribute to Holly’s dedication, both to her team and the culture that defines Piedmont.

Holly’s President’s Award reflects more than operational excellence; it honors a career rooted in service, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to others. Through her work, Holly continues to shape not just travel experiences for team members, but careers, connections, and the culture that defines Piedmont Airlines.

Nominations will be accepted for 2027 President’s Awards beginning September 21, 2026 through October 30, 2026.