Crystal Byrd

Crystal Byrd is the Director of Corporate Communications for Piedmont Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines. In this role, she leads internal and external communications, develops brand awareness through strategic marketing, and manages public relations and crisis communications. She also drives community and belonging initiatives, forming strategic partnerships and advocating for best-in-class inclusion practices. As the airline’s spokesperson, she represents Piedmont, headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, with its largest operation in Charlotte, North Carolina. She and her team oversee communications strategy for more than 11,500 employees nationwide, ensuring messaging aligns with American Airlines’ broader corporate objectives.

Crystal began her aviation career in 2007 with US Airways in Richmond, Virginia, where she quickly advanced into leadership roles. In 2014, she transitioned to American Airlines’ communications team in Charlotte, overseeing media relations, stakeholder engagement, marketing, community relations, and crisis communications throughout North and South Carolina.

A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a degree in mass communications (broadcast journalism concentration), Crystal honed her storytelling and media expertise while contributing to WCVW-TV (PBS), where she covered significant campus and community developments, amplifying key issues and events shaping the region.

Committed to professional and community growth, Crystal is an active member of Black Professional Network, Professional Women in Aviation, and Veteran Military Business Resource Groups at the airline, as well as the Diversity Advisory Council. Passionate about community impact, she volunteers with nonprofits in Charlotte and serves on the Board of Directors for Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI), a purpose-driven organization focused on ending intergenerational poverty through holistic revitalization efforts.