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.
Gursonia Clair is a Data Engineering Manager at Kubrick Group, where she has worked for over four years across multiple industries, including insurance and aviation. Originally based in the UK, Gursonia relocated to New York City in 2024. She holds a BSc in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Chemistry and Drug Discovery, bringing a scientific and analytical foundation to her work in data consulting. Since being placed with an aviation client through Kubrick Group over a year ago, Gursonia has become a subject matter expert in maintenance planning and ATA coding, delivering multiple data solutions that support operational efficiency…
Donna Draghi-Lemay is a seasoned aviation and technology executive, currently serving as Director of IT Products and Systems for The New Terminal One at JFK, where she helps drive the technology vision for the next-generation international terminal opening in 2026. Previously, Donna held senior leadership roles in IT at JetBlue Airways for over fifteen years, overseeing airline IT operations and complex enterprise systems. A proven program management leader, she is known for aligning technology with business goals, steering large-scale portfolios, and delivering impactful projects. At the New Terminal One, Donna leads a team to deliver resilient, passenger-centric platforms that power…
Catherine joined the Cradle of Aviation Museum in 2012 after completing college. For many years, she worked in the Education Department charged with supporting the education mission of the museum through activities and curriculum for school-aged children in aviation and STEM. Catherine transitioned to Deputy Director of the Museum two years ago. Today, she works toward strategic fundraising efforts, assisting with the day-to-day operations, and cultivating community partnerships in an effort to help expand the Museum’s reach. How did you begin your career in aviation or at the airports? Catherine Gonzalez: I wrote a letter, if you can believe it.…
Dawn Kelly is the award-winning Founder & CEO of The Nourish Spot Inc., a family-owned, certified MWBE and ACDBE fresh juice and wellness bar she launched in Jamaica, Queens in 2016 with her two children, Owen and Jade Duncan. What began as a reinvention, following her departure from a successful 30+ year career in public relations and marketing, has grown into a trusted community hub for health, healing, and economic opportunity. During National Small Business Week in 2019, The Nourish Spot was named Microbusiness of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (NY District). Dawn has been honored as…
Denecia Marshall, M.A., Ed.M. has prepared students for successful careers in the Aviation Industry since 2023. She serves as an Academic Internship Manager/Industry Organization Specialist at CUNY York College where she specializes in career launch readiness, leadership development, and professional identity for aviation students. Her work emphasizes bridging the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations through experiential learning, career coaching, industry exposure, and leadership skill-building. A certified coach and educator, Denecia leverages 18 years in finance and 14 years in psychology and higher education to prepare students for the aviation industry. She combines industry rigor with career strategy and student-centered…
Sonjay Murray brings a strong background in community engagement, public service, and customer advocacy to her role at Delta Air Lines. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in sociology and her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University, academic experiences that shaped her people-centered approach to service. She began her career with Girl Scouts of the USA as a Membership and Community Development Liaison for the Northeast region, working with diverse communities to expand access and engagement. She later joined the U.S. Department of Justice, contributing to mission-driven work at the federal level. After taking time to focus on…
Lucia Oswald is the Vice President of Business Development at Global Elite Group, Inc., an aviation security company located in Garden City, NY. Lucia joined Global Elite in 2008 and has held various positions within the company, including Director of Operations and Vice President of Operations, before taking on her current role. With over 45 years of experience in the aviation industry, Lucia has also worked for TWA in both the U.S. and Europe, as well as for Spirit Airlines, Jet Airways of India, and Maxjet. How did you begin your career in aviation or at the airports? Lucia Oswald: I…
Kathleen Pettit is a distinguished hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience driving growth and excellence within the New York market. Currently serving as the Corporate Director of New Business Development for HHM Hotels, Kathleen oversees a sprawling portfolio of over 230 properties. Her career is defined by a unique blend of high-level sales strategy and a ‘people-first’ leadership philosophy that consistently exceeds guest expectations. Known as a ‘trailblazer’ in the industry, Kathleen’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. In 2021, she received the prestigious HSMAI Global Recovery Hero award for her visionary leadership during the pandemic, where she…
Jaclyn Rodriguez is the Controller for JFK International Airport’s animal health, reception, and quarantine center at The ARK at JFK. She oversees all accounting functions, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management/assessment alongside management. Jaclyn partakes in operational work with all departments, having specific oversight of the Equine Import/Export Operations. From Long Island, NY, Jaclyn graduated from Molloy College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in finance, where she was also part of the softball and equestrian teams. With a family background in JFK aviation and a lifelong love for animals, Jaclyn combined her passions at…
Cathy Romano is a seasoned Executive Manager with over 30 years of experience in the aviation and ground handling industry, specializing in delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Renowned for fostering strong client relationships, Cathy has a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, resolve complex challenges, and ensure customer satisfaction at every touchpoint. With a customer-first mindset and expertise in service delivery, Cathy is dedicated to creating seamless, world-class experiences for clients and stakeholders alike. Was aviation your first career choice? Catherine Romano: Aviation was not my first choice as a career. I have a B.S. degree from St.…