those employees who were our “boots on the ground” during these demanding situations.  

I also want to thank everyone for a successful return to office transition. I have enjoyed seeing you in person and appreciate how you have made the office atmosphere livelier.

I’m sure that many of you are watching the Olympics and are inspired by the performances of athletes from all areas. We can use their accomplishments to motivate our work here at the DOA.  Just as individuals—swimmers, runners and gymnasts, for example—are pursuing their own goals and records, they are also working with teammates to achieve success as a group for their countries. At the airports, we strive to improve ourselves and the work we do every day. But we also collaborate within our units and across departments to make the PHL and PNE the best they can be.  

Soon, we will be launching our Strategic Plan, with our ambitious enterprise goals to accomplish by 2026. We will each have an individual role in the plan, but most importantly, will be the collective work to meet those overall goals for our airports. I look forward to sharing details of the Strategic Plan with you next month.  

Enjoy the rest of the summer. Thank you for everything you do for our airports every day.  

-Atif 

HR Updates 

Covid Reminder

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 five (5) days followed by five (5) days mandatory masking while working.

ABOUT CRGs & AEGs: The City of Philadelphia recognizes City Resource Groups (CRGs) as a critical initiative to support the growth and development of a diverse workforce. CRGs are designed to ultimately make the City and DOA more inclusive places to work. Airport Empowerment Groups (AEGs) are intended for the DOA community to promote employee engagement; create networking opportunities to make professional contacts; promote information sharing cross-functionally and organizationally; identify gaps in airport business strategies; support airport initiatives; and strengthen team building and social events.

CRGs - for questions about City Resource Groups, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected]. 
AEGs – 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.

The YoPros meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month. During their last meeting, members saw AeroCloud, a gate management system used by Airport Operations. 

GoldPros: The GoldPros is an AEG for women over 40 and allies. They meet every second Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30 AM. Keep an eye out for an email invite if you are interested in joining.

Women of Color in Aviation and Allies: The mission of this ARG is to provide resources and support women of color who are in the industry and invest in ways to attract more women of color to aviation. 

New Hires

Welcome to our July new hires:

Alijah Burch - Vocational School Intern

Arthur Green – Custodial Worker I

Christopher Davis – Custodial Worker I

Christopher Lopez - Vocational School Intern 

Evan Amon - Vocational School Intern

Isaiah Rogers – Custodial Worker I

Isaiah Thompson - Vocational School Intern 

Jamar Washingtom – Custodial Worker I

James Johnson - Vocational School Intern

Jose Lopez – Airport Communications Operator I

Keith Rogers – Custodial Worker I

Kendrick Lewis – Semi Skilled Laborer

Marquise Williams – Custodial Worker I

Maxleny Bonilla - Vocational School Intern

Mercedes Jones – Office Clerk 2

Nathaniel Williams – Semi Skilled Laborer

Neftali Vasquez - Vocational School Intern

Peter Higgins - Vocational School Intern

Prince Lyons - Vocational School Intern

Sarah Zurmuhl – Work Study Intern 

Shykia Fullard – Custodial Worker I

Tyqwan Talley - Vocational School Intern

Zaheer Smith – Semi Skilled Laborer

Promotions: 

Congratulations to everyone promoted in July: 

Alphonso Wheeler – Custodial Worker II

Ameer Brown – Custodial Worker II

Angelo Grant – Custodial Worker II

Baseema Felder – Custodial Worker II

Damon Graves – Custodial Worker II

Ekawati Phiong –  Senior Accountant

Erin Mackintosh – Custodial Worker II

George Curtis – Custodial Worker II

George Gruber – Custodial Worker II

James Goodwin– Assistant Airport Operations Officer

Jeneen Aklin – Custodial Worker II

Markeya Osborne – Custodial Worker II

Michael Alston – Custodial Worker II

Ratheesh Gopi – Electrical Engineer 2

Roger Reid – Custodial Worker II

Shaquana Russell – Custodial Worker II

Tiawhana Batts – Custodial Worker II

Yasaan Betterson – Custodial Worker II

Information Security Update

Embracing Zero Trust for Enhanced Organizational Security

As we continue to advance in an increasingly digital world, the security of our organization's data and resources remains paramount. Today, we want to highlight the concept of Zero Trust, a security model that is vital for protecting our organization against modern cyber threats. Read more to understand the importance of Zero Trust and why it is crucial for every employee to adhere to its principles.

“I Speak” Badges Now Available

The Department of Aviation is excited to introduce the availability of "I Speak" badges that allow employees and our stakeholders to voluntarily identify languages that they are fluent in.

Register for PHL's 5K on the Runway Run/Walk

Join us for the 7th PHL 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 14! In addition to supporting the March of Dimes, Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition, and Eastwick United CDC, participants will receive a moisture-wicking PHL5K shirt, post nutrition food and beverages, and awards.
Registration is open now through September 5.

Back to School Coat Drive

The Community Relations Unit is accepting coat donations now through Tuesday, September 3. The drop off location is located at Keesha Lane's office at IP2. For more information contact Zoraida Antonetty. 

What's New at PHL Food and Shops

Join MarketPlace PHL on August 22 from 11AM- 2PM at the B/C Connector stage for their final Summerfest event of the season.

Openings: La Colombe in Terminal F is now open. Swing by and try an oat draft latte or their popular banana whip bowl!

OrderatPHL Promo Codes: Summerfest: $5 off 8/22 using code: Summerfest3

To sign up for the latest OrderAtPHL discounts text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996

Meet the Airport Operations Unit: Compliance, Airside, Terminal/Landside and Airport Operations Center Teams
 

View the Airport Operations Unit presentation

The Department of Aviation’s Airport Operations Unit is led by Vice President of Operations and Security, Chris Dougherty, and is under Chief Operations Officer, Keith Brune. The unit consists of four key areas that are essential to maintaining safe air travel at PHL.

Training & Compliance is managed by John Glass and ensures that all airport personnel are trained and all paperwork/documentation is filed according to Federal Aviation Regulations. The team is the liaison to the FAA, the City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and various other organizations and handles VIP movements at the airport.
Airside Operations is managed by Wallace DeBois and is responsible for regular self-inspections of all paved areas to make sure they are clear of debris, ruts or erosion and that all markings, signs and lighting are clear and in working order. It also coordinates any construction taking place on the runways/airfield. The team inspects fuel trucks and facilities, maintains an Airport Emergency Plan, tracks all codes and alerts, and manages the Wildlife Hazard Management program.
Terminal and Landside Operations is managed by Judi Wright and oversees all operational issues that impact the arrival/departure of passengers such as gate management. The team also coordinates landside operations that include road access, passenger drop-off zones, staging lots and the ground transportation contract. It is also the liaison with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The Airport Operations Center (AOC) is managed by Steve Belton and opened in January 2024. It is the central informational and operational hub for PHL bringing together Terminal / Landside Operations, Security, IT, Job Control, the Communication Center and Lost & Found. It provides Riverwatch, Gate Control, Terminal & AED inspections, plane diversion handling, staff notifications, the Daily Ops call, airlines and stakeholder coordination, emergency response coordination, camera/security system monitoring, the snow command center, roadway reports and more.

Follow the Airport on Social Media

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

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport

PHL Receives FAA's 2024 Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award

The DOA received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s 2024 Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award for its Title VI program. This award recognizes Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) commitment to ensuring non-discrimination in public interactions and activities

New Art Exhibitions at PHL for Summer 2024 

When you are traveling through PHL this summer, be sure to leave extra time to check out the award-winning Exhibitions Program, now showcasing three new art exhibits, each uniquely tailored to the airport environment.   

Capital Development

Welcome Capital Development Group Co-ops 
This year, the DOA's Capital Development Group is excited to welcome five talented Drexel University co-op students. As part of the airports’ ongoing partnership with Drexel, these undergraduate and graduate students are gaining invaluable experience in the aviation industry, while bringing their distinctive educational backgrounds and energy to the Department of Aviation team. 

People at PHL

PHL Unsung Heroes - Paramount Building Solutions Custodian Stanley Mulbah

Paramount Building Solutions Custodian Stanley Mulbah recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from PHL’s Employee Recognition Program. He was nominated by American Flight Attendant Benjamin Reid who said, “PHL is very lucky to have an employee as kind, personable, and dedicated as Stanley. Not only does he ensure that the Crew Room is clean, but he is also very warm."

PHL Caring Support – Hudson Group Supervisor D'Anna Patterson

Hudson Group Supervisor D’Anna Patterson recently received the Caring Support award in PHL's Employee Recognition Program. Patterson has over 20 years of retail, customer service, and management experience and has been at PHL for more than two years.

PHL Impression Makers - PPA Maintenance II Employee James Faulk

PPA Maintenance II employee James Faulk recently received the “Impression Makers” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide direct customer service to passengers. Faulk has been at PHL since 2016. In this role, Faulk maintains PPA-operated garages, elevators, and the lobby. His responsibilities include painting, waste disposal, and, in the winter, snow plowing. He strives to keep the airport a safe and clean environment. 

PHL Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - Travelers Aid International at PHL Program Manager Morgan McBrearty

Travelers Aid International Volunteer Program Manager Morgan McBrearty recently received the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This distinction acknowledges employees who create a positive guest experience through service and delivery while collaborating with other organizations.