CHPlanning Properties Liaison Lindsay Bodin recently received the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” category of Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This distinction acknowledges employees who create a positive guest experience through service and delivery while collaborating with other organizations.
Bodin is part of the Properties team, the airport's real estate developer. Within their role at PHL, they oversee, manage, and ensure spaces are utilized to their highest use by airlines, ground service handlers, rental car companies, federal agencies, and the City Department of Aviation. Bodin received their Bachelor of Architecture degree from Philadelphia University. They have been at PHL for over one year and work from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
At PHL, Bodin is known for teamwork, proactive communication, effectiveness, respect, integrity, and customer-centrism.
Bodin is passionate about their job and is always ready to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. “I focus on knowing that all the little pieces I’m a part of make a difference and are going to help a passenger or employee,” said Bodin. “I know that all the little things I do matter, and that’s a big driver. I don’t need coffee to drive me.”
In his nomination of Bodin, PHL Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services Edgar Vesga stated, “Lindsay's proactive approach to work with internal and external partners is remarkable. Lindsay makes any project, including moving DOA offices, a pleasant experience. They welcome suggestions and deliver ahead of schedule on requests. In addition, Lindsay proactively identifies members of their team or other teams that need to be involved to get things done. From a missing chair that needs to be found to relocating an airline gate, they are an asset to the organization!”
Bodin believes that real estate is central to the mission of every airport. “Our department is tied to the region's economic development, which is tremendous,” they said. “The good work that we do here matters and has an impact that’s greater than any work I’ve ever touched before. When we do the work better here, it means good jobs, and it means more flights to more destinations.”
The sight of airplanes taking off excites Bodin, who never gets sick of seeing them flying in the sky. “There’s something about travel in general and that connectivity and the feats of engineering that allow that to happen,” they said. “It’s energizing that that’s just the activity that’s going on here.”
Bodin considers their department to be the airport's chief administrative officer of real estate development, often functioning behind the scenes. They believe they've been able to strengthen their manager-related skills, patience, and pacing of projects in a timely manner. “’Don’t let perfection get in the way of completion,’” is a quote that guides them throughout their day.
The diversity of experiences and backgrounds at PHL fascinates Bodin, who appreciates all the leading players contributing to the aviation industry. “It’s a mixture of people overlapping,” said Bodin. “The passengers, airline workers, and facilities employees all contribute to the ecosystem of the businesses and companies that converge here for air travel.”
Bodin enjoys working with their coworkers as they’re always ready for a challenge. “They all have their unique personalities,” they said. “They all join me in the tireless pursuit of always trying to make something better.”
The most meaningful part of Bodin’s job is the reach and impact they have had so far, including the opportunities to work on projects that have led them to meet most of the Department of Aviation employees. Bodin oversaw the relocation of Department of Aviation employees from Terminal D/E office spaces to International Plaza II (IP II). “When we did the first phase of the move to IP II it was a big picture plan for DOA employees,” they said. “The human resources team was the first team to relocate. When we did a question-and-answer session the day they moved in, we ensured the employees were getting what they needed from the new space. We welcomed them to the new space and shared resources. It was a milestone vision project. In that moment, people felt valued.”
Bodin understands the real estate development process and considers the principles around imperfection, collaboration, and coregulation to get the job done. Bodin appreciates their team and their boss for the support they provide. “Adam Mitchell is the type of leader we need more of in the world,” said Bodin. “He has so much patience, grace, and gratitude which he perpetually extends to everybody on his team. I’ve never felt more respected at a job.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
