accomplishments and I hope you are, too.  

Last year, we celebrated a number of milestones, such as: the 25^th anniversaries of the Airport Art Exhibition Program and PHL Food and Shops; the launch of new and extended routes, including Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and year-round service to Lisbon and Barcelona; the TSA pilot to streamline the Landline security screening process; the establishment of the Wingmate Guest Pass Program; and the continuation of our award-winning restroom renovation program.  

We took significant strides to improve the employee experience for all staff members through enhanced recruitment, retention, and communication efforts. Thank you to our HR Department for their work to fill key vacancies throughout the DOA, including holding hiring blitzes for critical custodial openings and for its commitment to securing SIDA badge increases for civil service staff. Those job grade changes went into effect in mid-December after many months of work.  

Thank you for participating in our employee engagement surveys and working with your units to create unique action plans. Those plans should guide your teams’ work this year and will hopefully result in higher scores when we revisit the surveys again this year.   

Throughout 2023, we discussed the events that will be coming to the Philadelphia region in 2026.  This year, we will be laser focused on ensuring the DOA is ready to have the world’s spotlight on us. Using the input we received from staff last fall, we will finalize our Vision 2026 and work together to ensure the success of that plan. 

2024 will be an exciting year for the DOA and for our city as we welcome Mayor Parker.  I am happy to have you as part of our team. Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year. Thank you for what you do for our airports every day.  

Regards,  

Atif 

Meet two more of DOA’s units: The Marketing and Branding Team and Information Security 

Marketing and Branding Team

Before coming to DOA to lead the marketing and branding team, director Megan O’Connell spent four years at Marketplace PHL where she became very knowledgeable about the concessions program at PHL and strategies for promoting its many services. In that past year, she has built out this relatively new team that we refer to as a new muscle for the airport.

 “Why does an airport need marketing? When you consider that we are in a very densely populated area, the busiest airspace in the country and how many options local travelers have, part of our purpose is to promote PHL as the airport of choice,” says Megan. “We also support our business partners and stakeholders to drive awareness, engagement and incremental revenue.”

The team works to promote:

• Destination-based and air services – new airline carriers and routes
• Non-aeronautical revenue – concessions, parking, amenities, and ground transportation

Most people think of advertisements and brochures when they think of marketing. However, there is a strategy behind the team’s work.

• Marketing strategy – what is the direction for achieving our business/marketing goals? Key to that is conducting market research and gathering consumer insights to make data-driven decisions.
• Creative – how to execute and express that strategy? How does PHL/PNE capture attention and affirm it with a consistent brand image?

Nicole Geyer is the team’s assistant director and leads branding and creative programs. “Consistency is key. The brand is the personality of PHL/PNE and how we present ourselves to the world,” says Geyer.

The team works with units throughout DOA to incorporate the brand into campaigns and other initiatives. “A unified brand delivers a seamless customer journey at all touchpoints. For example, we worked closely with the Capital Projects Unit to make sure that the bathroom renovation signage and graphics maintained the consistent look and feel used throughout in the airport,” said Megan.

Other recent highlights include:

• A website refresh to make it easier for users to find information and help PHL be found when searched via search engines.
• A new “Where we Fly” widget which lets users explore all the nonstop routes PHL has to offer on our website.
• New advertising programs on Facebook and Instagram promoting new destinations and jobs at PHL reaching more than 2.6 million people within our region.
• The launch of the Wingmate pass which allows non-ticketed guests to access PHL terminals to assist family and friends to their gate or greet loved ones. So far 700+ passes have been approved.

Looking ahead, the team is conducting market research to update the PHL and PNE’s brand and working with partners such as the Convention and Visitor Bureau to plan for hosting the major events that are coming up in 2026. You can see sample ads and more of the team’s work when you view the full presentation.

Information Security Group

According to Peter Yong, who manages the Information Security Group, (also known as InfoSec) the cyber security threat landscape constantly changes day to day. “We’ve seen a major increase in social engineering. However, it’s not the same today as it was five years ago,” says Peter. “The threats get more complicated, more creative and we must constantly battle to ensure our systems and processes are updated to make sure that you as a user know what's coming after you and the airport.”

Peter highlighted that there are three pillars of information security:

Confidentiality – preserving personal privacy, proprietary and operational information.

Integrity – making sure information is accurate – not modified or corrupted.

Availability – ensuring systems are always operating and delivering timely and reliable access to information.

Why is the airport a target? There are many reasons. There are hackers who seek monetary gains by holding PHA hostage. There may be political reasons. There are others who engage in cyberattacks for fame – or even for fun.

Top threats to DOA include:

• Social engineering – when employees receive manipulative requests and are tricked into providing information or access.
• DDoS – An attack that could block access to systems via a Distributed Denial of Service
• Data Security – especially external sharing of information
• Vulnerabilities – issues that can be brought on by systems, processes or people
• Access control – dormant accounts and ex-users’ accounts still active
• Internet of Things – new apps, devices and services that can open doors to new threats -- for example, new systems that automatically tracks supplies can introduce a potential new threat into our network.

With all of these threats, the team directs a strategy to protect DOA. The strategy is based on the following:

• Governance – what are the policies that we need to have in place?  The team evaluates standards that are used and determines the policies and controls in collaboration with organizational business unit requirements and productivity.
• Risk – The team reviews systems and data and evaluates the risks of information being compromised.
• Compliance – The team constantly monitors data to understand threats that are coming in. It conducts self-assessments and external audits to monitor compliance.

“We see a lot of threats, for example there’s a lot of phishing that continuously comes in. Awareness training is top on our list to help everyone understand the risks and how to protect themselves and the organization,” said Peter.

 Recent highlights include:

• Awareness training program that begins on an employee’s first day.
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA) which is a second level of identification that protects your accounts.
• Incident response plan in place to have recovery planning in place if there is an attack
• Third party risk management program – making sure our partners and vendors are compliant
• Mobile device protection plan – ensuring the safety of iPhones and devices
• USB drive security blocks – you may have noticed that your laptop will not read or save to USB drives.
• Cybersecurity awareness month – this year the team took a new approach to host more engaging sessions through lunch-and-learns

The team strives to provide clear direction on standards and procedures to employees and others who are operating with the Department of Aviation. “Security begins with all of us, everyone in the organization,” says Peter.

See how the InfoSec team monitors cyber threats and view the Information Security Unit presentation.

HR Updates 

COVID-19 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 (5) days followed by (5) days mandatory masking while working. 

PDPH COVID-19 Call Center

Looking for information or resources related to COVID-19? Call the PDPH COVID-19 hotline, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. to speak with a trained Information Specialist.

Call 215-685-5488 or Email [email protected].

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

2024 Schedule of Paydays and holidays

Going into the new year, feel free to print out the list of 2024 pay period details and holidays.

City Resource Group and Airport Empowerment Group (AEG) Meetings

About City Resource Groups

City Resource Groups (CRGs) are designed to ultimately make the City of Philadelphia a more inclusive place to work. All City Resource Groups must align with the three focus areas outlined in the City Resource Group Policy and Procedure Document. These focus areas include:

• Networking: Allowing City employees an opportunity to interact with one another
• Talent Development: Creating opportunities for City employees to provide talent development to members
• Enhance Diversity & Inclusion Strategies and Initiatives: City Resource Groups must produce at least one annual initiative or strategy that focuses on building a more diverse and inclusive City of Philadelphia workforce.

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

AEGs – DOA has several Airport Employee Groups. 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. 

In December, the YoPros threw a winter potluck and went to Silk City for happy hour for their last gatherings of the year.  The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. If you have questions or would like to join, please reach out to Stacey Lennon or Alec Gever.

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

Training Calendar 

*=Provided by the City of Philadelphia

DOA HR Training & Development Unit in Partnership with K- FERG Training Presents New Six-PART “Project Leadership Series” 

The “Project Leadership Series” at PHL is a Leadership Development series focused on empowering leaders and equipping them with the tools they need to successfully manage projects and tasks at PHL.

“Time Management” (Part four of the six-part series)   

Tuesday January 16, 2024 from 10 AM-12:30 PM   

Time management is a crucial element in Project Leadership. Managing time effectively impacts the quality, scope, deadlines, and cost of projects. In this session, we’ll discuss time management challenges and examine proven time management strategies.   

Email [email protected] to register. Virtually instructor-led via Zoom (link will be provided once registered).

Mental Health Series 

PHL WELL has partnered with Penn Medicine again to relaunch our “Mental Health Series”, available to all DOA staff!   

“Calming Anxiety” | Mental Health Series | Penn Medicine | Facilitated by: Penn Medicine’s, Carol Rickard, LCSW 

January 11, 2024 from 12- 1 PM   

Email [email protected] for Zoom info and more details.   

Turn the Key Initiative

The Turn the Key Initiative will help 1,000 Philadelphia families buy new affordable homes. This is a five-year initiative, meaning most homes have not been built yet. 

Preference will be given to income-qualified City employees (full-time employees with a payroll number).  

What we know so far: 

• Seven homes have been sold and 16 are under agreement 
• 10 of the buyers are City Employees 
• The Area Medium Income (AMI) of home buyers is 64% or just over $47,000/year 

Look out for the January workshop date and registration details coming soon from the PHL WELL inbox. It will be offered by the City of Philadelphia’s Community Engagement Office | Facilitated by Shelvia Williams, Community Engagement Officer of PHDC.

 

Please direct attendance questions to [email protected]. 

NEW! Financial Planning Workshop Series, "Becoming A Home Buyer" 

January 9, 11 AM- 12 PM 

Hosted by Truist Bank in partnership with The Urban Affairs Coalition, this training will be offered in a hybrid, virtual, and In-person format.

In-person location: 2 International Plaza, Suite #325, 3rd FL Training RM 

Virtual login info: Registration link will be provided in the calendar invite. 

Meeting ID: 821 0549 3653| Passcode: 767074 

No registration required! Accept the calendar invite and you’re all set! 

Identity Theft

PHL WELL would like to thank all who attended the Identity Theft workshop hosted by Truist Bank| Facilitated by: Reggie Barrett last month.  If you would like to provide feedback to the PHL WELL Committee, please take a minute to complete the Identity Theft| Financial Planning Workshop Feedback Form. We use the information to enhance the quality of future financial wellness series workshops. (All feedback will be submitted anonymously to encourage authentic and candid responses).

New Hires

Welcome to our December new hires:

Courtney Simpson, Airport Operations Trainee

Danif Williams, Airport Operations Trainee

Fulani Bah, Public Relations Specialist Trainee

Larry Tran, Airport Operations Trainee

Luis Miranda, Stores Worker

Milaris Florian, Director of Safety Management Systems

Mohammed Dukuly, Airport Operations Trainee

Roger Sargeant, Airport Operations Officer

Stacy Seels, Department Payroll Clerk

Promotions

Congratulations to all employees promoted in December: 

Dominique Randall, Utility Financial Analyst

Harry Davis, Clerk 3

Micheal Morris – Deputy CIO of Customer Engagement

Tasia Carlton, Procurement Specialist 1

Information Security 

Have a Data Safe New Year 

As we head into 2024, a new year means new ways and opportunities for cybercriminals to grab their share of YOUR money and/or data using scams and data theft. 

One threat that is increasing is credit card skimming, where cyber-thief’s steal your personal/credit card data via a device. 

A credit card skimmer works by illegally capturing and storing the information on a credit card's magnetic stripe. They’re often found in locations that aren’t heavily monitored where unsuspecting users swipe often — think self-pay gas station pumps, ATMs, or self-checkouts. 

Thieves will install the skimmer device while acting as an ordinary customer, leave it for victims, then come back to retrieve the device along with the captured user information or they will lurk nearby to capture the data electronically. 

To sidestep the snares of credit card skimmers, be observant and take the following precautions when using card terminals or ATMs:  

 Inspect for signs of skimming devices 

Start by inspecting the card slot. Skimming devices often present as unusual overlays, are mismatched in color, or have protruding parts. Be wary of any of these anomalies. 

Check for a security seal 

A tamper-evident security seal is often placed across card terminals, especially on gas pumps. If this seal appears broken or tampered with, avoid the machine. A compromised seal can be an immediate red flag, indicating a skimmer's presence. 

Pay at the cash register 

Whenever possible, make payments directly at the register to minimize risk. Stand-alone terminals, especially those outside, are more vulnerable to tampering. Paying directly with a store clerk and using terminals within a store often provides an added layer of security against skimming threats. 

Use the chip over magnetic strip 

Whenever possible, opt for using the chip on your card rather than the magnetic strip. Chip technology offers enhanced security against skimming, cloning and fraud. 

Now that the holiday season is over, it would be a good time to review your bank and credit card statements to detect any unauthorized or suspicious transactions. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.                            

The PHL InfoSec Group wants you to be as safe with your personal data as you strive to be with PHL data. 

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport 

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Travel   

PHL projects almost 1,092,100 guests will pass through its terminals between December 21 and January 3— approximately 13.8 percent more than last year. If you are planning to fly during the holidays, make your checklist now. And like Santa, check your list twice.    

Airlines 

Frontier Airlines Announces Twice Daily Nonstop Service from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) will launch twice daily nonstop service from PHL to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in May of 2024. With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of 28 destinations from PHL. 

Operations & Security 

Engine 78: A Year In Review 

The Philadelphia Fire Department’s Engine 78 (E78) is the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting unit (ARFF) located at PHL. To ensure the safety of the airport and aircraft, the Engine 78 team is always ready to fight the flames, respond to medical emergencies, and educate the public about their mission.   

People at PHL 

PHL Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - American Airlines Customer Service Coordinator Thomas Doersam 

American Airlines Customer Service Coordinator Thomas Doersam recently received the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” category of PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This distinction acknowledges employees who create a positive guest experience through service and delivery while collaborating with other organizations.   

PHL Teamwork Makes the Dream Work CHPlanning Properties Liaison Lindsay Bodin 

CHPlanning Properties Liaison Lindsay Bodin recently received the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” category of PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This distinction acknowledges employees who create a positive guest experience through service and delivery.

A Call for Volunteers on International Volunteer Day 

PHL celebrated the Guest Experience (GX) unit’s PHL Volunteer Navigators program on International Volunteer Day by recognizing current volunteers. Over 80 volunteers answer all passenger questions, from what food options are available to what form of transportation to utilize. 

PHL Impression Makers: LeBus Café Barista Akam Islam 

LeBus Café barista Akam Islam 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 Food and Shops 

The Urban Juicer Now Open in Terminal F 

On December 6, 2023, MarketPlace PHL held a ribbon cutting for Nashville’s popular all-natural juice bar and eatery, The Urban Juicer. The Urban Juicer is operated by SLA Worldwide. 

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