On January 21, the Department of Aviation proudly celebrated its employees and their outstanding achievements. The festive atmosphere of the event was filled with cheer as employees celebrated their peers. Highlights of the ceremony included the recognition of individual PRIDE Award recipients, Team Award winners, the Department’s Chiefs’ Choice Award honorees, and the retirees, and employees who reached significant service milestones. 

“Congratulations to all of the awardees – you are outstanding representatives of our employee community. You have a lot to be proud of today and we are glad you are part of the team,” said Chief Executive Officer Atif Saeed. “Employee recognition improves motivation, encourages stronger teams and helps retain top talent. And retaining good talent is important to the health of our organization”. 

Moda Ndiaye, Custodial Work Supervisor 1 

Moda’s outstanding work has made him a truly valued member of the custodial team. He is always reliable and willing to step in, even when off duty. He always goes above and beyond to ensure custodial operations are running efficiently. Moda always brings a positive attitude and a solutions-focused mindset to every challenge he faces. His strong problem-solving skills, and willingness to support others make him a trusted colleague and an important part of the PHL-PNE team. Thanks to his dedication, strong work ethic, and teamwork, he is not only a trusted colleague but also an essential part of the Department’s success.  

Louis Baxter III, Industrial Electrician II 

Louis is a reliable and valuable member of the team. He is a true mentor and really cares about supporting others, as can be seen in his passion for helping people grow. He also fosters a strong culture of safety and making sure everything gets done right. His leadership and dedication make a real difference across the teams he works with, including Pavement & Grounds, Maintenance, and airport contractors. 

Lakeshia Hawes-Cousin, Airport Communications Center Supervisor 

Lakeshia is an invaluable and knowledgeable member of the Airport Communications Center and Job Control at PHL. She goes above and beyond to provide critical support with work orders, locations, contact information, and guidance. She is always accessible for urgent matters and can be reached around the clock for any kind of issue or emergency. While training employees, she ensures they are fully prepared to meet the demands of the Department and cultivates a culture of teamwork and excellence. Lakeshia handles challenging situations with professionalism and fosters teamwork and morale. Her presence in the department serves as the glue that keeps the units running efficiently. Her knowledge, commitment, and positive influence make her an exceptional colleague and a model of excellence at PHL. 

John Glass, Airport Operations Superintendent 

John Glass is a true legend at the airports. He is recognized not only for his long tenure but also for his dedicated commitment to the success of PHL. Besides his skills and professionalism, John is kind, respectful, and genuinely cares about the people he works with and those he serves. During high pressure situations, John knows how to bring a sense of clarity, calmness and positivity. His approachable nature makes him an invaluable member of the airport community. John’s work and character exemplify the values of PHL as his actions leave a lasting impression on everyone he encounters.  

Ryan Moten, Pavement & Grounds Superintendent 

Ryan demonstrates excellence through his genuine positive demeanor and enthusiasm for his work for the airports. He serves as an inspiration to all who work with him. Ryan often shares his career story, from the entry level position he started in, to motivate others for growth. Now, he gives back by mentoring and encouraging new employees at the Department of Aviation helping them begin and advance their careers. The impact he has on colleagues and the airport community is invaluable. Ryan has also been recognized for his leadership and profiled on the airport’s website.  

Team Awards 

Commitment in Action Award - Electronics  

Honors the dedicated teams working behind the scenes whose commitment, reliability, and collaboration ensure that everything runs smoothly. Their hard work and determination embody the spirit of “making things happen”. The Electronics Team is dedicated to providing services for the many tenants it supports. They work hard to maintain the airports’ infrastructure including Access Control, CCTV, Fire Alarms, or Runway Surface Sensors and Atmospherics.  

Connection Award - Hiring Services  

Recognizes the team that navigates uncharted territory with creativity and forward thinking. Their innovative ideas and problem-solving skills serve as a guide, helping move the organization toward new opportunities and success. Thanks to the hard work and innovation the hiring services team has fostered in collaborating with all its stakeholders, the team has dramatically transformed mass hiring at the Department of Aviation to meet the airports’ hiring needs. 

Compass Award - Administrative Services Unit  

Celebrates teams that embody the mantra of intentional connection by fostering collaboration, building strong relationships, and creating a culture where everyone feels included and valued. The ASU team ensures the Department of Aviation offices remain high-performing and run smoothly every day. They are always up for any challenge, working together to get things done as soon as possible. 

Years of Service Awards 

5 years of service 

10 years of service 

15 years of service 

 20 years of service 

25 years of service 

30 years of service 

35 years of service 

Chiefs’ Choice Awards 

Food Pantry organizers and volunteers 

This award honors PHL/PNE employees who formed a cross-functional team and worked collaboratively to benefit the airport community in extraordinary circumstance. The 2025 Chiefs’ Choice Awards went to Food Pantry organizers and volunteers who during government shutdown rallied together to support affected federal employees by starting the Department of Aviation’s Food Panty. The award was presented to project leads: 

• Shane Doud, Director of Government Affairs
• Keesha Lane, Director of Community Affairs
• Pam Johnson, Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer