Outside of work, I hope that you were able to take some time to rest and recharge over the summer—because starting now, we are all going to be focused on the DOA’s Strategic Plan and getting ready for 2026. 

The DOA has embarked on a strategic planning process to enable better enterprise prioritization of programs and more collaboration across divisions and functional units. This plan focuses on key initiatives that we need to accomplish for 2026 – a pivotal year for our city, and our airports as we will celebrate America’s 250th birthday and welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game and many other major events.

As we prepare to welcome the world, we have identified four focus areas:  

• Improve the Conditions of Current Facilities  
• Elevate the Airport Experience  
• Enhance Business Opportunities  
• Build for the Future

Our Chiefs have developed specific goals for each of these focus areas and with each team are outlining the steps that it will take to reach these goals. We will consistently track follow-through and execution on these and share progress.

To keep these front and center for everyone, we’ve developed this flyer that we’ll be dropping on your desks and sharing on bulletin boards throughout the DOA.   

In addition to the Strategic Plan rollout, this month, we will hold our inaugural State of the Airport address that will feature Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and American Airlines Executive Vice President Nate Gatten. I look forward to sharing the exciting updates that will be presented following the event.

Thank you for what you do for our airports every day.  I am looking forward to all of us working together to make the DOA the best it can be, for 2026 and beyond.  

-Atif 

HR Updates

Covid Reminder

COVID-19 exposures and confirmed positive cases must be reported immediately to [email protected] for contact tracing. Employees will be provided direction on leave usage and return to work on a case-by-case basis. The minimum quarantine/isolation for a confirmed positive case is five (5) days followed by five (5) days mandatory masking while working.

About CRGs & AEGs: The City of Philadelphia recognizes City Resource Groups (CRGs) as a critical initiative to support the growth and development of a diverse workforce. CRGs are designed to ultimately make the City and DOA more inclusive places to work. Airport Empowerment Groups (AEGs) are intended for the DOA community to promote employee engagement; create networking opportunities to make professional contacts; promote information sharing cross-functionally and organizationally; identify gaps in airport business strategies; support airport initiatives; and strengthen team building and social events.

CRGs - for questions about City Resource Groups, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected]. 
AEGs – If you are interested in participating or leading an AEG at PHL/PNE, email your idea(s) to [email protected]. There must be five people and a leader for implementation. 

Keep an eye out for more information on the AEG Resource Fair in November! If you are interested in joining, email Donna Jackson Stephans.

In August, the YoPros gathered for a summer BBQ and said farewell to their group leader and founder, Alec Gever, as he embarks on a new career. He has proudly passed the torch into the trusted hands of Latia White. 

Upcoming events include the monthly YoPro lunch and a meeting with Nationwide to discuss Deferred Compensation. Keep an eye out for more information on the AEG Resource Fair in November! YoPros meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month. 

Gold Pros

The GOLD Pros provide resources, support and encouragement for challenges that are a part of life for women over 40. There has been an uptick in membership, making them a group of almost 50, from entry level to executive team.  They are sponsored by Chief Administrative Officer Delicsha Wilds and are led by Vice President of Procurement Deatrice Isaac.      

Each meeting provides a safe space to share peer experiences through conversations, employee-led presentations, guests speakers and workshops. At a recent meeting, Director of Guest Experiences Leah Douglas talked about the amazing art installations throughout the terminals and now they have a walking artwork tour scheduled. They also had a fun discussion about dating over 40.  

In August, the Gold Pros took their meetup outside the DOA to visit the Sistah Scents Fragrance Bar, located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood. The GOLD Pros spent the afternoon creating personalized candles, scrubs, and lotions, while sharing amazing food and conversation. A special thanks to Desiree Rivers, owner and operator. Rivers participated in PHL’s ACDBE Academy, which teaches small and diverse businesses the dynamics behind operating as a vendor in the airport. Participants said River's professionalism and kindness were outstanding, and we were happy to support an ACDBE Academy business!  

GoldPros meet every second Wednesday from 10-11:30am. If you would like to join email Shawn Hawes.

Women of Color in Aviation and Allies: The mission of this AEG is to provide resources and support women of color who are in the industry and invest in ways to attract more women of color to aviation. General meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month, 10:00 AM -11:30 AM, at IP2 - 3rd floor, Training Room.  Join us! 

Training Calendar

Training Overview: Learn diaphragmatic deep breathing and visualization exercises to connect with your innate capacity for relaxation. Deep breathing is the simplest way to activate one’s relaxation response and is also the most portable of tools to access in challenging moments. Visualization helps individuals tap into their creative unconscious as a vital resource - in the workshop’s exercise, individuals will connect with an inner sense of safety and being grounded.

Open to all! No registration required! Accept the PHL Well calendar invite to confirm attendance!

Training Overview: This Microsoft Word 365 Basic course is designed to give you a solid foundation in the basics of Word in the Microsoft 365 environment, whether you’re new to the program or just need a refresher.
In this course we will cover the following:

• Microsoft Word Beginner
• Learn the Basics of Word
• The Ribbon
• Customizing the Ribbon
• Inserting Tables, Charts, Graphs, Pictures, Videos 
• Headers and Footers
• Font and Paragraph Options

New Employee Orientation

There is a revised New Employee Orientation schedule. Notifications to new employees will be communicated by Department of Aviation’s Human Resources and Training & Development. If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].         

New Hires

Welcome to our August new hires:

Blair Coleman - Custodial Worker 1

Bradford Thompson - Semiskilled Laborer

Briana Lindsay - Custodial Worker 1

Camille Bryant - Custodial Worker 1

Dylan Fox - Sign Fabricator

Erika Baker - Custodial Worker 1

Jammie Letona - Clerical Assistant

Lawrence Javed - Airport Operations Trainee  

Maurice Mitchell - Custodial Worker 1

Michelle Duffy - Clerk 3

Nicole Saunders - Custodial Worker 1

Patrick O'Donell - Building Maintenance Mechanic

Rakeisha Stevenson - Executive Assistant

Raquib Johnson - Custodial Worker 1

Samuel Green - HVAC Mechanic 1

Sierra Smith - Custodial Worker 1

Tamika Williams - Custodial Worker 1

Trent Riggins - Custodial Worker 1

Troy Smith - Service Rep

Promotions

Congratulations to everyone promoted in August:

Lin To - Customer Care Supervisor

Niama Baraka - Customer Care Supervisor

Trudy Tyler - Customer Care Supervisor

Join the PHL-PNE DEI Book Club

Dive into topics like personality assessments, charismatic leadership, biology's role, and bridging communication gaps. Explore how flexibility with different personality types can boost inclusivity. 

Sign up to for the book club and join us for an information session and kickoff meeting on September 12 from 11AM-12PM in IP2 conference room 4505 or via Teams. 

Information Security Update

Keeping Your Head in the Clouds: Essential Tips for Cloud Security

In today’s digital age, cloud computing has become an indispensable part of our work environment. Whether you're collaborating on projects, storing data, or using cloud-based applications, it's essential to prioritize cloud security. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, keeping your head in the clouds requires vigilance and knowledge. Here are some essential tips to ensure our cloud environment remains secure.

Back to School Coat Drive

Today is the last day to participate in the Community Relations Unit Back to School Coat Drive. The drop off location is located at Keesha Lane's office at IP2. For more information, contact Zoraida Antonetty. 

What's New at PHL Food and Shops

Openings: Elixir in the B/C Food Court is now open! 

Visit flythru.phlfoodandshops.com to stay up-to-date on open concessions and events.

To sign up for the latest OrderAtPHL discounts text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996

Follow the Airport on Social Media

Want to learn more about news and events at PHL and PNE? Be sure to follow the airports on social media:

X: @PHLAirport 
Instagram: @phl_airport
Facebook: @PhiladelphiaInternationalAirport
LinkedIn: @phlairport
YouTube: @PHL_airport

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport

Wagging Tails Brigade Celebrates Five Years at PHL  

Launched at PHL in partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2019, the Wagging Tails Brigade (WTB) has brought tremendous “pawsitivity” to PHL’s travelers and airport staff. In the past five years, the team has grown to 23 furry friends. You can find Allagash, Aruba, Atticus, Bella, Benny, Casey, Chi-Chi, Copper, Demi, Django, Endeavour, Enzo, Exon, Genova, Gladys, Koa, Lego, Memphis, Orson Welles, Rex, Sophie, and Tarik throughout the terminals daily, providing comfort to all who have the opportunity to pet them.   

Who Does What at PHL? 
Guests traveling through PHL will interact with several organizations during their visits, usually without even knowing it. The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation owns and operates PHL, but there are hundreds of organizations working together with the Department of Aviation to serve our passengers. 

Press Releases

Fitch Ratings Upgrades PHL Bonds Rating to “A+” with Stable Outlook 

Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s leading financial ratings agencies, has upgraded PHL's Revenue Bonds to “A+” with a stable outlook on $1.37 billion of debt. In its ratings report issued on August 15th, Fitch cited the airport’s continued positive movement to full passenger traffic recovery; demonstration of strong financial performance; and a large and stable service area in the Greater Philadelphia region with a solid base of origination and destination (O&D) traffic. 

In the Community

PHL School Year Aviation Tours Recap: Inspiring Educational Journeys 

Last year, the Department of Aviation’s Community Relations team relaunched a new School Tour Program to offer local students from elementary, high schools trade schools, organizations and universities, a behind-the-scenes look at PHL's daily operations and potential careers. 
 

Northeast Philadelphia Airport

PNE's Multi-Year Taxiway L Rehabilitation Program Continues 

In July, the Department of Aviation completed significant electrical upgrades on Taxiway L at PNE. These improvements are part of a series of pavement and electrical infrastructure projects at PNE, Pennsylvania's third busiest airport. The Taxiway L Rehabilitation Program is a multi-year program at PNE designed to enhance the airport’s capacity, operational efficiency, and long-term reliability.  

People at PHL

PHL Impression Makers - Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) Airport Division Police Officer Eric Scott

Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) – Airport Division Police Officer Eric Scott recently received the “Impression Makers” award from PHL’s Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide direct customer service to passengers. Scott has been with the PPD for 25 years, serving 12 of those years at PHL.  He upholds the safety and security on PHL’s departure and arrival roads, Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-2 p.m.