David Abney, Chief Operating Officer, UPS and President, UPS Airlines is responsible for the strategic development and management of UPS’s international package division. As part of UPS’s Management Committee, Abney is also responsible for overseeing UPS’s international package services within the United States.
A native of Greenwood, Miss., Abney received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Delta State University. He began his UPS career in 1974 as a part-time employee loading and unloading packages.
Abney has held various positions throughout his UPS career, including division manager in New Jersey and district manager in Utah. He also served as president of SonicAir®, UPS’s same-day delivery service. While president of SonicAir, Abney was honored with the Professionalism in Services/Support Management Award by the International Association of Services Management for demonstrating exemplary managerial characteristics.
Prior to taking the helm of UPS’s top international post, Abney led UPS’s logistical and freight operations in Canada, Latin America and the United States. He later headed up the global operations of UPS’s freight forwarding and customs brokerage operations. During his tenure, Abney oversaw UPS’s largest acquisition in recent history – the Fritz Companies.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Abney is a Trustee of The UPS Foundation. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Air Couriers Conference of America, including a term as chairman of the Airline Liaison Committee. Abney also serves as a board member of the Southern Center for International Studies, the Coalition of Service Industries and Cargo Network Services (a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association).
"Obtaining my degree from Delta State was like crossing the continental divide. I was the first in my family to graduate from a university. I also transitioned from the hourly ranks to management at UPS. My education at Delta State certainly helped prepare me for the ‘real world’ of business. It has been 29 years since I left Delta State. As I now travel throughout the world, I proudly refer to Delta State wherever I go! I wholeheartedly recommend Delta State to anyone that is interested in continuing their education."
