The results were generally positive, with an overall average of 3.5 out of 5, 70 percent of staff stating they would recommend the DOA as a place to work and 67 percent recommending the organization as airport of choice. But we know we can do better—and now comes the work we must all do to move the needle further in the positive direction.   

You can review a high level summary of the results here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2kxhul9a2dwcz2ozfqpts/PHL2023-Infographic.pdf. Our executive team is currently reviewing all of the data from Flex to identify the key areas we can start working on immediately.  From this review, we will create a training program for managers to help them interpret the reports and develop plans for presenting the information to their teams in order for them to work on improvements together. Because no two DOA units are alike, action plans generated by the results will be tailored to individual teams.  

 Action plans will be implemented over the next year. Additional results and further updates will also be released DOA-wide throughout the year. At the same time next year, we will issue another survey to benchmark the 2023 results and track our progress.  I have no doubt that by working together and using results to make change thoughtfully, our 2024 scores will be even better.   

In addition to the Flex survey, the DOA has been working with the Paslay Group to evaluate our mission, vision and values. Over the summer, senior leadership met with Paslay representatives. To ensure all members of the DOA have the opportunity to provide their input, I have asked Paslay to create an additional survey.  This will be much shorter than the Flex survey and should only take about five minutes of your time. The survey will run October 10-24. Please check your emails and signage in break rooms for instructions for accessing and completing the survey.  

Thank you again for taking time to complete these important questionnaires.  Your opinions are critical as we move forward to 2026 and beyond.   

Regards,

Atif 

The DOA’s Racial Equity Council (REAC) is hosting a series of activities from September 15-October 15 in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month. REAC’s programming will celebrate the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Click here to learn more.

HR Updates 

Covid-19 Reminder

News of the Omicron EG.G variant, aka “Eris” which has become the latest dominant circulating variant in a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., has heightened concern about current COVID-19 protocols and preventive measures. So far, there has been no change in the CDC guidance or the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 protocols. The current policy statement, last updated May 2023 is available for review. 

COVID-19 exposures and confirmed positive cases must be reported immediately to [email protected] for contact tracing. Employees will be provided direction on leave usage and return to work on a case-by-case basis. The minimum quarantine/isolation for a confirmed positive case is (5) days followed by (5) days mandatory masking while working. 

• Continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and altered sense of smell 
• Employees should stay home when sick or work remotely if possible 
• Employees experiencing sinus/allergy symptoms should wear masks while working with others and test to confirm a negative COVID-19 status. 
• Employees should avoid close contact, confined or closed spaces and crowded places. 
• Employees should continue practicing hand hygiene and disinfecting common use and frequently touched areas.  

Thank you for your vigilance and continued support in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Contribute to the 2023 City of Philadelphia Combined Campaign

Philadelphia has changed a lot over the last 40 years, but our Brotherly Love remains unmatched. For 40 years, City employees have given generously to local organizations-- almost $40 million. The 2023 Combined Campaign is your chance to continue the legacy. 

Making a pledge is EASY and FAST! Visit https://bit.ly/phillygive

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Training Calendar

*=Provided by the City of Philadelphia

PHL WELL has Scheduled two workshops for October.

Be sure to join PHL WELL on Tuesday, October 10 for the financial planning workshop, "Creating a Financial Plan- Unlocking Financial Success", to be held from 1-2 PM in the International Plaza 2- Third Floor HR Training Room. 

PHL WELL is partnering with Penn Medicine again to relaunch the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 “Mental Health Series". This is available to all DOA staff!

Join us on October 12 from 12-1PM for “Establishing Healthy Professional and Personal Boundaries"| Mental Health Series | Penn Medicine , facilitated by: Penn Medicine’s Carol Rickard, LCSW. Click HERE to see flyer for workshop description & other details. A calendar invite with Zoom login information has been sent out to all DOA Staff. Email [email protected] for more details.  

Financial Monthly Challenge Alert

Join the October "Money Madness Challenge"! The challenge will run the third week of each month for the duration of the year with “Money Mindset” check-ins every Friday.

Challenge Goal: To redefine how we think about our money and the influences it has on how we save, spend, and manage our debt. 

The October Money Madness Challenge will run from Monday, October 16 to Friday, October 20. Kick-off the challenge individually on Monday, October 16, using this "MONEY MADNESS" Savings Card as your guide to achieve each financial daily challenge goal and accept the calendar invite that PHL WELL sent out to all DOA staff to attend our challenge check-in on Friday, October 20 at 12PM.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Thank you for your participation and ongoing support of the PHL WELL Program. We hope to see you all at each Friday Check-in and please feel free to bring a friend!

City Resource Group (CRG) and Airport Empowerment Group (AEG) Meetings

CRGs

• AAPI: Meets on the last Thursday of every month. 
• Latindad: Meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.  
• LGBTQ+: Meets on the third Wednesday of every month.  
• New and Expecting Parents: Meets on the second Friday of each month.  
• Women of Color: Meets on the last Friday of each month.  

For questions about the City of Philadelphia City Resource Groups, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected]. 

AEGs 

In September, the YoPros gathered at Citizens Bank Park to watch the Phillies game. 

YoPro meets the last Tuesday of each month. If you have questions or would like to join, please reach out to Stacey Lennon or Alec Gever.

ABOUT CRGs & AEGs: Employee Resource groups are designed to ultimately make the City of Philadelphia and DOA more inclusive places to work. Focus areas include networking, talent development and enhancing diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives. If you are interested in participating or leading an AEG at PHL/PNE, email your idea(s) to [email protected]. There must be five people and a leader for implementation. 

TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE UPDATES DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE, EMAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR EMAIL AND/OR CELL PHONE NUMBER.

New Hires

Welcome to our new hires:

Anthony Jaramillo, Bilingual Receptionist

Darryl Jones, Semiskilled Laborer

Darryl McCall, Custodial Worker 1

Donna Jackson Stephans, Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Edward Irizarry, Electrician 1

Gabriel Tidridge, Engineering Intern

Gavin Graybill, Engineering Intern

Jakeem Reams, Electrician 1

Jerome Bagby, Custodial Worker 1

Julia Curley, Custodial Worker 1

Masud Abdul Jabbarr, Custodial Worker 1

Nafis Chowdhury, Engineering Intern

Shadiyah Clark, Custodial Worker 1

Shawn Lavenhouse, Custodial Worker 1

Taalib Wimbush, Stationary Engineer

Tyreek Johnson, Custodial Worker 1

CyberSecurity Awareness Month: Be Cyber Smart!

Picture courtecy of CISA.GOV

Arm yourself with knowledge to stay ahead of the game!

Multi-Factor Authentication: Double your login protection.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that the only person who has access to your account is you. Use it for email, banking, social media, and any other service that requires logging in. If MFA is an option, enable it by using a trusted mobile device, such as your smartphone, an authenticator app, or a secure token—a small physical device that can hook onto your key ring. This way, even if cyber criminals guess your password, they’re still out of luck!

Sometimes even long and strong passwords aren’t enough. Step up your game with MFA and keep all your private bits … private.

Wi-Fi Safety: Stay protected while connected.

Practice safe web surfing wherever you are by checking for the “lock” or padlock icon in your browser bar—this signifies a secure connection. When you find yourself out in the great “wild Wi-Fi West,” avoid free internet access with no encryption. If you do use an unsecured public access point, practice good internet hygiene by avoiding sensitive activities (e.g., banking) that require passwords or credit cards. Your personal hotspot is often a safer alternative to free Wi-Fi.

Make sure you see the lock, that is—for a trusted internet connection, and make this step a habit in every new environment.

App Security: Keep tabs on your apps.

Your mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved—gathering your personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Don’t give your apps an all-access pass. The following are some steps to avoid “over-privileged” apps:

• Check your app permissions and use the “rule of least privilege” to delete what you don’t need or no longer use.
• Learn to just say “no” to privilege requests that don’t make sense.
• Only download apps from trusted sources.

Enable automatic app updates in your device settings, because having the most up-to-date software helps keep you patched and protected against ever-evolving cyber threats!

Oversharing and Geotagging: Never click and tell.

What many people don’t realize is that these seemingly random details are all criminals need to know to target you, your loved ones, and even your physical belongings—online and in the real world. Avoid posting names, phone numbers, addresses, school and work locations, and other sensitive information (whether it’s in the text or in the photo you took). Disable geotagging, which allows anyone to see where you are—and where you aren’t—at any given time.

While it’s tempting to do otherwise, limit your social networks to people you actually do know in real life, and set your privacy preferences to the most restrictive settings.

Phishing: Play hard to get with strangers.

Cyber criminals cast wide nets with phishing tactics, hoping to drag in victims. Seemingly real emails from known institutions or personal contacts may ask for financial or personal information.

Cyber criminals will often offer a financial reward, threaten you if you don’t engage, or claim that someone is in need of help. Don’t fall for it! Keep your personal information as private as possible. If they have key details from your life—your job title, multiple email addresses, full name, and more that you may have published online somewhere—they can attempt a direct spear-phishing attack on you. Cyber criminals can also use social engineering with these details to try to manipulate you into skipping normal security protocols.

If you’re unsure who an email is from—even if the details appear accurate—do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. Always avoid sending sensitive information via email.
 
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to be from someone you know, reach out to that person directly on a separate secure platform. If the email comes from an organization but still looks ‘phishy,’ reach out to them via customer service to verify the communication.

Passwords: Shake up your password protocol.

It’s important to mix things up—get creative with easy-to-remember ways to customize your standard password for different sites. Having different passwords for various accounts can help prevent cyber criminals from gaining access to these accounts and protect you in the event of a breach. Always keep your passwords on the down-low. Every time you share or reuse a password, it chips away at your security by opening up more avenues in which it could be misused or stolen.

The most secure way to store all your unique passwords is by using a password manager. With just one master password, a computer can generate and retrieve passwords for every account you have—protecting your online information, including credit card numbers and their three-digit CVV codes, answers to security questions, and more.

Device Protection: If you connect, you must protect.

Our devices are great at making our lives easier and fun, but it’s important to be conscious about all the information you are generating and where it’s headed. Once your device plugs into cyberspace, you and your device could potentially be vulnerable to all sorts of risks. These include malware that can steal information and data, destroy your hardware, log keystrokes, and infect other devices connected to your compromised device. Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, game device, or other network devices, the best defense is to stay on top of things by updating to the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. If you have the option to enable automatic updates to defend against the latest risks, turn it on. And, if you’re putting something into your device, such as a USB for an external hard drive, make sure your device’s security software scans for viruses and malware. Finally, protect your devices with antivirus software. There are many kinds of antivirus software available, so find one that fits your needs and your devices.

Cyber threats may be evolving, but you can outsmart them with a savvy security protocol.

Content courtesy of CISA - https://www.cisa.gov/be-cyber-smart/cyber-lessons 

DOA Hosts 11th Business Opportunity Forum 

More than 400 representatives from large firms, small businesses, and minority-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises and organizations attended the DOA’s 11th Annual Business Opportunity Forum (BOF) at the Airport Marriott Hotel on September 26. This was the first time since 2019 the event was held in person.

Participants learned about current and upcoming opportunities at PHL and PNE, the DOA's diversity goals and initiatives and resources available from the US Department of Transportation.  

To learn more about the BOF, click here.

PHL’s 6th 5K on the Runway Takes Off 

There was an unexpected participant at PHL’s sixth 5K on the Runway on September 23, but rain caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia didn’t keep hundreds of runners and walkers from departing on Runway 8-26 from the ramp near Atlantic Aviation.  Proceeds from the race totaled more than $35,500 and supported Eastwick United, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition and March of Dimes.  

To read more about the 5K and for a list of sponsors, click here.

PHL Food and Shops 

In September, PHL welcomed two new merchants - Brookstone and Urban Juicer in Terminal F. For more information, visit the PHL Food & Shops website.  

PHL Food & Shops will host its annual Restaurant Week October 23-29. Participating restaurants will offer $20 lunch and $30 dinner deals. Check the PHL Food & Shops website later this month for a list of participating restaurants. 

To sign up for employee discounts, text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996.

Follow the Airport on Social Media, Download the Podcast

Want to learn more about news and events at PHL and PNE? Be sure to follow the airports on social media:

• X: @PHLAirport
• Instagram: @phl_airport
• Facebook: @PhiladelphiaInternationalAirport
• LinkedIn: @phlairport
• YouTube: @PHL_airport

For in-depth interviews about the aviation industry and our airports, download the “Taking Off with PHL” podcast at https://takingoff.podbean.com/.

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

Capital Development 

Are you a Professional Engineer in the Making? 

The eighth annual Professional Engineers Day was celebrated on August 2, however, with the new school year underway, the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation knows that professional development and potential careers are on the minds of many students. The airports' engineers want to share their experiences with high school and college students to help them better understand the path to becoming a professional engineer (PE). 

PHL Begins Phase 5 of Restroom Renovation Program 

On September 5, the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation was joined by U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr., U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans, State Representative Regina Young, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Director David Fish, and City of Philadelphia Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability Deputy Managing Director Michael Carroll to break ground on the next phase of Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) multi-year Restroom Renovation Program. 

Hopeworks to Perform New GIS Project at PHL 

Last month, the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation awarded a contract to Hopeworks for geographic information system (GIS) tree mapping services at PHL.  

At the Airport

Join Team PHL

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation is currently seeking applicants for a number of facilities positions at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). 

People at PHL 

PHL Impression Makers: Philly Pretzel Factory Nighttime Supervisor Tyreik Turner 

Philly Pretzel Factory Nighttime Supervisor Tyreik Turner recently received the “Impression Makers” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers. 

PHL Unsung Heroes: MarketPlace PHL Custodian Arturo Arreguin 

MarketPlace PHL Custodian Arturo Arreguin recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. The program honors employees who work behind the scenes and are not typically recognized for their work. Although they do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly affects the airport and guest experience.   

PHL Unsung Heroes: American Eagle Ramp Agent Robert Scannell 

American Eagle Ramp Agent Robert Scannell recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. The program honors employees who work behind the scenes who are not typically recognized for their work. Although these employees do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly affects the airport and guest experience. 

PHL Unsung Heroes: Allied Universal Terminal Support Officer Leroy Patton 

Allied Universal Terminal Support Officer Leroy Patton recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. The program honors employees who work behind the scenes and are not typically recognized for their work. Although they do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly affects the airport and guest experience.   

Press Releases 

Fitch Assigns Positive Outlook to Philadelphia International Airport Bonds, Affirms ‘A’ Rating 

Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s leading financial ratings agencies, has assigned a positive outlook to PHL's Revenue Bonds and affirmed its ‘A’ rating on $1.45 billion of debt. 

Cargo 

Bristol Group Plans New 261,000 Square Foot Cold Cargo Logistics Facility at the Philadelphia International Airport 

Bristol Group, Inc. announced today plans to construct a new state-of-the-art climate-controlled cargo facility totaling approximately 261,000 square feet at PHL.  The project will be constructed on a 16.8-acre vacant parcel of land on the northeast side of PHL property, situated east of Island Avenue along Escort Street.  The project’s unique multi-modal logistics location is adjacent to the PHL tarmac with immediate access to a four-way interchange of Interstate-95 and less than five miles from the Port of Philadelphia.