PHL Volunteer Navigator Michele Lovecchio received the “Caring Support” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to service by prioritizing the care of passengers.
Lovecchio has been a volunteer at PHL for three-and-a-half years. Her responsibilities include customer service and working at the information desk to support travelers. After her retirement from healthcare and healthcare IT in 2020, Lovecchio wanted to remain connected to people and traveling. She enjoys helping to ease the stress of travelers and employees. “The aviation industry revolves and evolves. I love the frenetic pace, diversity, employees, and travelers. It is a microcosm of the real world,” she said. Lovecchio is also a member of the airport’s Volunteer Committee, whose goal is to enhance the traveler’s experience.
PHL passenger Brittany Stone nominated Lovecchio for the Caring Support award for her urgency and care for her 19-year-old daughter. “My daughter was on a layover when she realized she had lost her wallet. Michele was extremely kind and caring and did her best to help. When my daughter became upset, Michele immediately comforted her and even offered her some cash to get through until we could recover the wallet. As a mom, it was comforting to know my daughter was receiving help from someone who clearly cared about the situation,” said Stone. “Her compassion and willingness to help a scared 19-year-old meant the world to us.”
Lovecchio believes that everyone has something to offer and learn, and that each volunteer offers a unique perspective to support fellow employees and travelers. “You can choose to be curious and caring. I believe and understand that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn something.” One of her favorite memories at PHL was assisting with the food collection drive for TSA workers during the shutdown. The experience reflects the impact she hopes to make at PHL, “I hope to offer passengers a positive experience—with a Philly smile, Philly is truly authentic.”
“I would like to thank my management team, Morgan McBrearty, Youssef Lalamimi, and Kennedy White. They work so hard to keep our group cohesive and informed.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Strategy Groups’ Guest Experience (GX) unit. Honorees are nominated by their peers and guests and are selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Stakeholder Engagement Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
