Russell "Chip" Childs came to SkyWest as senior director – controller in January 2001 and was named vice president - controller later that year. Joining SkyWest at a significant time in the airline’s history, Chip has proven instrumental in SkyWest’s evolution as a part of the world’s largest regional airline alliance.

Chip was integral in solidifying contracts and relationships with SkyWest’s major partners, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines; and played a significant role in SkyWest Inc.’s acquisition of Atlantic Southeast Airlines in 2005. His commitment to SkyWest’s people, coupled with his management of the airline’s partner carrier relationships, financial planning and internal controls positioned him well to take on the role of president and chief operating officer of the airline in April 2007.

Chip holds grass-roots experience in various fields. His work history runs the gamut from construction and truck-driving to various responsibilities in public accounting. Prior to his employment with SkyWest, Chip worked in public accounting for five and a half years as an audit manager, assisting many large Utah corporations with financial accounting and SEC reporting. He earned his bachelor's degree in Economics and master's degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University. Chip resides in St. George, Utah with his wife Jennifer, their three sons and a daughter.