If you’ve ever been to one of our famous Surplus Sales or Collectibles Shows, you’ve probably seen Judy Bean, our Manager of Surplus and Volunteers. Judy has a long history working with Delta, dating back to 1970.
Judy Bean (center) visits with her friend Miss Atlanta 1970 Mary Jo Hall and Georgia Senator Herman Talmadge.
On June 15, 1970, Judy reported to work in the Accounts Payable department as a Payroll Clerk. From there, she worked her way through Reservations, Farefax, and the Schedules departments.
One major highlight during her time with Delta was being awarded the honor of carrying the Olympic torch in 2001 in preparation for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. She jogged through Memphis and claims Elvis was her “support runner”.
After a 35 year career with Delta, Judy took a much-needed retirement…which lasted a full 14 hours! On March 1, 2005, the morning after she retired from Delta Air Lines, Judy went to work at the nonprofit Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum, Inc. (aka Delta Flight Museum) as the Store Manager. At the time, the Museum Store was located in the fuselage of the prototype L-1011, currently being used as an event rental conference room.
Judy with her beloved Museum Store.
Judy arrived at the Museum just in time for the 2006 retirement of Ship 102, The Spirit of Delta, to which she contributed in 1982. She was given the honor of riding in Spirit’s cockpit while it was being towed through the parking lot to the Museum.
During the 2012-2014 renovations of the Museum, the Store was relocated and outsourced. Judy’s job then changed to managing Surplus Sales, now held monthly, and our core of dedicated Museum volunteers. She deals with departments across Delta securing surplus items for the sales, and recruiting and training current and interested new volunteers.
Judy with several of her “Boll Weevil” volunteers and staff.
The next time you come to one of our Surplus Sales (2nd Friday each month), please say hi to Judy at the cash register. Or, if you are interested in joining our Volunteer Crew, please let her know!
Tiffany Meng
Director - Operations