Delta Air Lines welcomed 100 employees Thursday into the Chairman's Club, its most prestigious corporate recognition program. Chairman's Club recognizes employees who embody the airline's values through their contributions and exceptional service to customers and their communities. Delta will honor the 2014 Chairman's Club members at its 18th annual gala at the newly renovated Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta.  

"This is shaping up to be another exceptional year for Delta thanks to the hard work and dedication of our people," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Our Chairman's Club honorees are not only the best at doing their jobs, they are the people you want to work alongside and learn from every day. We are grateful for the example they provide all of us on how to do and be the best that Delta has to offer to our customers and as coworkers."

Nearly 10,000 Delta employees were nominated for the Chairman's Club this year. The honorees were named following a rigorous review and selection process by business-unit committees made up of frontline and management employees.

This year's honorees represent 27 Delta stations in four countries and have nearly 21 years of service on average. Two of the most experienced honorees have been at Delta for 40 years. Many of the honorees are heavily involved in fundraising efforts in their communities through Delta's Force for Global Good program, which includes the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Habitat for Humanity home builds, Relay for Life, AIDS walks in various cities and other charitable causes. 

The annual Chairman's Club gala allows Delta's senior leaders to individually recognize honorees for their service. The night will begin with a walk down the red carpet to the cheers of their colleagues outside the Flight Museum. Once inside, honorees will be treated to a cocktail reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres crafted by members of Delta's culinary team, chefs Linton Hopkins and Michelle Bernstein, who will both be on hand. Additionally, master sommelier Andrea Robinson will provide a wine tasting experience, followed by a multi-course dinner, an award ceremony and an after dinner celebration with music and dessert. 

"Each year, I look forward to celebrating our distinguished honorees at the annual Chairman's Club gala, and this year will be no different," said Delta President Ed Bastian. "I want to offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to our new members – they are truly the best in the business and we are fortunate to have them at Delta."

See the full list of the 2014 honorees: