Honoring the Life and Legacy of Ginger Hardage

Dear Page Community,

It is with deep sorrow that I share the news that our beloved colleague, Page Hall of Fame inductee, and dear friend, Ginger Hardage, passed away Saturday morning after a valiant fight with cancer.

Ginger was a beloved figure in our community and in the broader profession, not just for her extraordinary career at Southwest Airlines, where she helped shape one of the most iconic corporate cultures in the world, but for who she was: kind, wise, generous, and deeply committed to the development of others. As one colleague put it, she radiated warmth and positivity, a light that lifted everyone around her.

In her Hall of Fame acceptance remarks, Ginger reflected on the power of intentional leadership and the importance of culture, reminding us that “a strong culture does not just happen—you have to build it.” She saw storytelling as the connective tissue of purpose, and believed that “our plans—our PowerPoints—inform people, but our stories inspire people.”

She also spoke of four “corner posts” that anchored her leadership: the importance of showing up as your authentic self, the value of substance and operational excellence, the strength of character required to act with integrity and courage, and the deep responsibility we have to mentor and prepare those who come after us. These were more than leadership lessons; they were a way of being, and Ginger embodied them all.

Ginger was also a trailblazer in how she practiced corporate communications. She was among the first, if not the first, Page members to formally take on human resources alongside communications, helping to shape what we now refer to as the CCO+ model. Her expanded role wasn’t just about scope; it was about vision. She understood earlier than most that shaping culture, engaging employees, and advancing business strategy required an integrated, people-first approach. Her leadership helped pave the way for a broader, more strategic definition of the CCO’s value to the enterprise.

Ginger often said that Page was more than a professional community. “Page has become a source of some of my dearest friendships,” she said in her Hall of Fame remarks. And she meant it. Through her service on committees, her support of Page Up and Future Leaders Experience, she made Page better, by being wholly herself.

Even as she battled cancer, Ginger remained dedicated to the profession and to Page. Earlier this year she was so kind to share with me her experiences as a CCO and volunteered to help mentor new CCOs through Page. Her dedication to the next generation and for continuing to elevate our practice was strong. I appreciate her being a role model to so many. Ginger is remembered fondly by her friends and colleagues in the Page community:

“Many of us knew Ginger and were lucky to have worked with her. Her charm, grace, ever-stylish outfits, and her ability to remain calm in any situation were just a few of her enviable traits. She made a huge impression on Southwest both on the Culture and the Comms front, and she made an enormous impact in her field before, during and after her time at Southwest.” - Linda Rutherford, Advisor, Southwest Airlines

“Ginger gifted us with grace and generosity. As a young, first-time CCO I was blessed by her warm welcome to Page followed by years of mentorship that became friendship. I will always remember watching Ginger brilliantly receive Hall of Fame honors surrounded by her beloved family, trusted colleague Linda and their terrific team.” - Kelli Parsons, CEO, Hill and Knowlton

“When I had the honor of presenting Ginger Hardage with the Larry Foster Award for Integrity in Public Communication from the Page Center at Penn State, I cited her incredible professional accomplishments. But then I observed that there is something special about Ginger that isn’t captured in discussions about her leadership or accomplishments, as impressive as those are. I quoted David Brooks’ from his book, The Second Mountain: ‘Some people live joyfully day by day. They have the inner light.’ Ginger, I noted, is one of those people. She is unfailingly optimistic. Always sees the best in everyone. When you are with Ginger, you feel that you are special. That you are known and cared about. Truly, though, it was Ginger who was the special one. I will miss her deeply.” - Roger Bolton, former CEO, Page

“It was devastating to hear of Ginger’s passing. She truly exemplified the mission we ascribe to of strengthening the business impact of the chief communication officer, guiding Southwest, its executive team and the whole company, as the airline became the watchword for a friendly, people-centric, and innovative culture. She built and mentored a powerhouse internal communications team. She was the consummate professional. But more importantly she was a wonderful human being, always optimistic, always with an infectious smile, always with great judgement and advice. She contributed so much to Page and so much to each of us who had the privilege of being her friend.” Peter Debreceny, former VP, International, Page

We offer our deepest condolences to Ginger’s husband, Kelly, their family, and to all who knew and loved her. Ginger’s story will forever be part of Page’s story, and we will carry forward the lessons she taught us, in words and in action. Cards and notes may be sent to Kelly Hardage at: 4502 Wildwood Road, Dallas, TX 75209 (The family requested no food or flowers).

Warmly,

Rochelle