Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Parking Enforcement Officer Timothy Willis Sr. is known for his exemplary customer service. After assisting a family to their vehicle, he received the “Caring Support” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award honors individuals who prioritize passengers' safety by demonstrating exceptional commitment to service and customer needs.
Within his role at PHL, Willis is responsible for maintaining traffic flow outside the airport and assisting guests to their vehicles. He began working for the PPA in 2016 and has been at PHL since 2023. Willis works the 3 - 11 p.m. shift and enjoys interacting and meeting new guests.
At PHL, Willis demonstrates values of customer-centrism, prioritizing passenger needs, effectiveness, and respect.
“I enjoy meeting people from different countries and all walks of life at the airport,” said Willis.
In one passenger’s nomination of Willis, he stated, “On the evening of Sunday, January 12th, my family was returning home on an American Airlines flight through a different terminal than we'd flown out of. We had parked in the departing terminal's parking deck, so while my wife went to retrieve our vehicle, I navigated our two young sons, one with special needs, and several suitcases from our two-week trip through the airport. Once we cleared the doors, trying to get everything out to meet my wife, I struggled with uneven terrain and so many pieces of luggage. I had tied my one son's stroller to my belt while carrying the other on my shoulders so I could limp along to cross to the pickup area, and that’s when Officer Timothy Willis Sr. noticed how badly I was struggling. I am so thankful that he was there to witness me having such a hard time, because it was his goal to ensure our safety. Officer Willis was incredibly helpful and kind to us. He helped us cross the busy road safely and directed my wife to where she needed to park so that we could load the car and head home safely. As a man, your first goal is to protect your family, and Officer Willis knew this was a goal I had to conquer, and he was determined to help me achieve it. I don't feel that I can accurately verbalize just how much his help meant to us. I can't begin to describe how difficult it would have been to get my sons and luggage to the car safely without his assistance. I wanted to thank him and commend him for his kindness to my family.”
Willis is passionate about giving back and has recently completed a community service trip with his church to Zambia. He loves traveling and counts Thailand, China and the Philippines as his top three favorite destinations.
Willis counts receiving this award as his most memorable moment at the airport. He enjoys safely assisting guests to their desired locations and creating welcoming environments.
“I would like to thank my current team here at the Philadelphia Parking Authority,” said Willis. “I would also like to thank the guest who nominated me for this award and my supervisor, Thomas Headley.”
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 the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
