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.
This March, Metropolitan Airport News focuses on women in the aviation industry and at our New York metropolitan area airports. We asked each of these featured women questions about their careers, work in their respective areas of the industry, women in leadership, and sustainability, and here, we offer their one-on-one insight in their own words. Due to space restrictions, we have selected specific questions and answers from each contributor to share in print. You can find the unedited responses to all questions on our website. In sharing their experience and passion for the aviation and airport industry, their work honors the women who have come before…
Karen Ali was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) in July 2024. A key senior leadership team member, she oversees Terminal 7 operations, managing customer experience, budgeting, capital projects, risk management, and people leadership. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role during the ongoing construction of Terminal 6, working closely with capital development and construction teams to ensure a seamless transition to the new facilities, coordinating efforts in testing, commissioning, and implementation. Ms. Ali brings nearly 20 years of experience in operations management, project leadership, and business transformation across multiple sectors, including aviation, to her role. During…
Gina’s aviation career began in 1998 at JFK International Airport with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Starting in a clerical role, she quickly progressed to Assistant Office Engineer, gaining experience in various facility construction projects. In 2000, she moved to a Construction Administrator position at 1 WTC. Following the events of 9/11, she transitioned into the private sector, where she became a Senior ANSI-RAB Quality Management Systems Auditor. Returning to the Port Authority in 2003, she served as Office Engineer for Tenant Construction, overseeing significant airport-wide developments and numerous tenant construction fit-outs. Since 2012, Gina has…
Lauren Dascalopoulos is a passionate and dedicated Airline Manager with more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry. She began her career as a customer service agent and has worked her way up through hard work and a deep commitment to her teams and the industry. Today, as the General Manager for Hawaiian Airlines at JFK International Airport, Lauren oversees daily operations, driving excellence in customer service, safety, and efficiency while nurturing a culture of collaboration and high performance. Known for her ability to make meaningful connections, Lauren is deeply passionate about empowering her teams and making a…
Coleen DiGiorgio has dedicated over 35 years to the commercial aviation industry, building a dynamic career that seamlessly bridges airport operations and aviation construction. She began on the front lines at JFK International Airport, serving as a customer service representative for TWA and later American Airlines, where she mastered the complexities of passenger flow management and critical flight scheduling in one of the nation’s busiest hubs. Her deep understanding of airport operations led her to transition into aviation construction, where she has spent the past 24 years with VRH Construction, a highly regarded general contractor and aviation construction specialist. As…
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…