City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed received the 2025 Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Philadelphia Man of the Year Award. The annual award honors male leaders in the transportation industry who have advanced WTS’ mission to attract, retain, and advance women in transportation. 

Saeed has appointed numerous women to leadership positions. Five of the Department of Aviation’s out of eight top leadership roles are held by women — the Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Development Officer. He also supports professional development by strengthening mentorship networks and programs that help young people understand the aviation industry and career opportunities.  

Through PHL’s School Tour Program, the Department of Aviation has welcomed hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds and showed them behind the scenes of airport operations. During those visits, Saeed and airport leaders share their career journeys and insights. These tours give students the opportunity to see a future for themselves in aviation.

“We want to inspire and mentor the next generation of young people within our community to consider aviation careers,” says Atif Saeed. “Thank you to WTS Philadelphia chapter for the work that you do – to create a community among your members and for the leadership, professional development and peer exchanges that are fostering our future transportation leadership pipeline.”