Author: Metropolitan Airport News
Metropolitan Airport News
Produced by a team of aviation professionals and enthusiasts, our mission is to inform and update the more than 68,000 employees who work on the metropolitan New York airport properties, as well as the many others that provide goods and services in the surrounding communities.
Elida Espinosa’s career trajectory is an excellent example of growth and dedication in the travel retail industry. With over three decades of experience, she has clearly made a strong impact at Duty Free Americas. Her journey from a part-time sales associate to her current leadership role demonstrates a deep understanding of the business’s operational and customer service aspects. As the Regional General Manager of the airport division, her responsibilities not only span overseeing 19 stores, but she also plays a key role in maintaining high operational standards and fostering relationships with airport authorities and partners. Elida’s customer service, visual merchandising,…
With more than 15 years in the aviation industry, Vanita is a champion of change who enhances the overall customer experience. Vanita serves as a Manager for Customer Care at American Airlines, located in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8, where she helps to lead the customer care organization toward new heights, ensuring that every passenger’s journey is marked by efficiency and satisfaction. Before her tenure at American, Vanita served as the General Manager for Travelspan, a charter airline & tour operator. Beyond her career, Vanita channels her passion towards humanitarian endeavors and traveling the world. How did you…
For more than twenty years, Jane Mrosko has dedicated herself to the mission of Travelers Aid International, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the travel experience for passengers. Through a network of airport programs and social service agencies, Travelers Aid provides a vital safety net for travelers in transit or distress. Since 2001, Jane has served as the Program Manager at JFK, leading a team of over 100 volunteers and staff to ensure the smooth operation of daily services. Recently promoted to Director of Program Services, Jane now oversees the development and growth of Travelers Aid programs across the country,…
Sarah Palmer joined Delta Air Lines in March 2020. She began her career with Delta by working on the new LaGuardia Terminal C project, where she served as General Manager. In October 2021, she moved to John F. Kennedy International Airport and serves as the Deputy Program Director for the Phase 2.5 Redevelopment Project at Terminal 4. With more than 15 years of experience working on complex construction projects throughout New York City in the Aviation, Waterfront, Higher Education, Healthcare, Private, and Landmarked sectors, she continues to shape the landscape of New York City. She has a proven track record…
In her current role at Fraport USA, Shetl Petro oversees leasing, contract compliance, and business intelligence functions for John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 5 and Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B, ensuring that all airport operations, commercial agreements, and performance metrics align with organizational goals and contribute to the growth of the business. Shetl previously worked as a Concessions Manager for JFKIAT Terminal 4 at JFK Airport and has more than 15 years of experience in the aviation industry. Her background spans finance, airline management, terminal operations, safety & security, and commercial oversight, making her a seasoned professional skilled at…
Vidya Ramsammy began her career in the finance department with Corporate Loss Prevention Associates (CLPA) in 2003 and, during that time, has developed the knowledge and experience to become one of the foremost experts in the aviation industry. As the current president of CLPA, she has proven herself in many advanced training programs, including the TSA, Department of Homeland Security, and Explosive Trace Detection, and she is a New York State certified security officer trainer. Vidya’s experience has allowed her to develop and implement security policies, manage security personnel, and conduct risk assessments. Throughout her career at CLPA, she has…
As the Chief Financial Officer, Mercedes Rendon oversees all of the company’s corporate finance and manages stakeholder obligations connected to the terminal redevelopment and management. Prior to her role as CFO, Mercedes was LGP’s Controller, with responsibility for the company’s accounting operations and financial planning and reporting. A skilled finance executive, Mercedes has more than 25 years experience, including her role as SVP, Financial Controller of SmartStream Technologies. Mercedes is a graduate of Baruch College. How did you get your start working at the airports or in aviation? Mercedes Rendon: After 20+ years in private accounting and fintech, I was…
Elizabeth A. Schuette oversees daily operations, strategic and financial planning, and marketing for JFK International Airport’s animal health, reception, and quarantine center at The ARK at JFK. Opened in January 2017, The ARK provides necessary, safe and humane animal care services to airlines and their ground handling agents, shippers and brokers, corporate accounts, rescue organizations, and individuals for the import and export of all animals arriving or departing from JFK – including horses, goats, pets, zoo animals, exotics and laboratory animals. All handling staff have received extensive training in the transportation and handling of live animals. The ARK’s operations have…
Monisha Singla embarked on her journey as the founder of M & R Concessions in 2013. During her formative years, Monisha honed her skills by contributing her time and talents to her father’s restaurants, savoring the flavors of the food service industry. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her down a different avenue, where she pursued a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science from New York University. Monisha established her own successful enterprise in the fast-paced IT consulting world. Yet, deep within her entrepreneurial spirit, Monisha wanted to return to the airport environment. Driven by her profound love for both food service and management, Monisha took…
Marisa Von Wieding is Vice President of Operations at The New Terminal One at JFK, the developer and operator of a new all-international terminal in New York. She oversees the operations and customer experience at the terminal, which will transform the international travel experience to and from New York. Prior to joining The New Terminal One, Marisa led operations and guest experience at the successful redevelopment of LaGuardia Terminal B. She played an integral role in ensuring the operational readiness of the terminal and served as the key liaison with airline partners and the Port Authority of New York and…