Elizabeth A. Schuette

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 been certified by IATA’s prestigious Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) for Live Animal Logistics.

Elizabeth works closely with TSA, CBP, USDA and CDC officers, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials, IATA representatives, as well as airline carrier executives. The ARK’s facility, located in Cargo Area D, comprises 63 equine quarantine stalls and 25 equine export stalls; ARK’s Pet Oasis offers kenneling, a CDC-approved Animal Care Facility, and quarantine, ground transport, and veterinary and husbandry services for in-transit pets and other small animals.

Elizabeth is an active contributor to animal shipping trade organizations including the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (“IPATA”) and Animal Transportation Association (“ATA”), as well as various organizations concerned with public health and animal care. She serves on the Board of Directors of ATA and of SPCA International, a rescue group that provides U.S. military personnel with financial and logistical support to move their pets.

Before taking on her responsibilities at The ARK, Elizabeth served as Managing Director with Racebrook Capital (developer of The ARK) with strategic planning, compliance, and oversight responsibilities. She is married to John J. Cuticelli, Founder and Chairman of The ARK. Together, they have five children and seven grandchildren.

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How did you get your start working at the airports or in aviation?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: My background and education are in finance/banking and real estate; I began working on the ARK at JFK project in 2015 for ARK Development (the entity that owns ARK’s cargo facility in Cargo Area D), creating financial models and drafting the business plan and SOPs for ARK’s operations.

Was working in the aviation industry or at airports your first choice for your career?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: No, my previous positions were with financial institutions and private equity. Now, after nearly 10 years in the aviation industry, I have discovered an affinity for this unpredictable yet engaging world of aviation in general and air cargo in particular. I appreciate the unique opportunities for success that the airport offers so many individuals without advanced education. The JFK community has become an extended family.

What are the top skills a new airport worker should have to succeed?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: The top characteristics necessary for success in the aviation/transportation industry are flexibility and a strong work ethic, followed by strong communication skills, dependability, and the ability to function within a team structure. The airport never closes, and participants in this industry must be available 24/7.

Did you have a mentor at the beginning of your career? Can you tell us about them and how they impacted your career?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: I met my husband, John J. Cuticelli (Founder and Chairman of The ARK at JFK), in 1985 when we both worked at a bank in Connecticut; he provided invaluable advice regarding my future career choices in the finance world. After we married, we continued to collaborate on many endeavors. He has been instrumental in guiding and challenging me to grow and embrace new opportunities.

How has networking or involvement in the Airport Community benefited your career?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: Networking and involvement in the airport community have allowed me opportunities and helped me establish connections. Initially, as an outsider to the aviation industry, it was critical to create strong working relationships with all the stakeholders at JFK—from PANYNJ officials to federal government agencies to airlines and ground handling agents—all played a part in improving the efficiency of ARK’s operations.

How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: While I believe that women provide a uniquely collaborative style and emphasize teamwork, I think it is the interaction among male and female leaders that yields the optimum results in an organization. This approach fosters an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued.  

Women hold four out of six senior managers at The ARK. However, we believe that these women were the most qualified for their positions regardless of their sex.  

My goal is to encourage greater numbers of young, ambitious women and men to assume leadership positions throughout the JFK community. The future of the aviation industry depends on automation, connectivity, and communication – these skills are embedded in the education and development of the younger workforce.   It is incumbent upon current airport leaders to train and develop the next generation. 

Are you a member of any local airport-related civic or business groups?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: Yes, THE ARK is a member of KAAMCO, the Queens Chambers of Commerce, and the JFK Rotary. We partake in all airport events to support our neighboring colleagues in the industry. 

What is the most memorable moment during your career in aviation or at the airports?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: Every day is an adventure at The ARK. We never know what might happen that impacts animals in transit. One memorable event was a shipment of hibernating honey bees that was inadvertently placed next to a heat source at another cargo facility. The bees awoke from their slumber and were escaping the travel container. The ARK received a panicked call from the ground handler, and we were able to assist.

Is there an airport redevelopment project that you are most interested in seeing completed?

Elizabeth A. Schuette:  The entire upgrade to the airport will improve operational efficiency and bring renewed attention to JFK as a premier airport and U.S. port of entry.

What makes the New York metropolitan area unique to other aviation/airport markets?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: The New York metropolitan area is one of the busiest airspaces in the world. It remains unique in the aviation and airport market because it is driven by its global connectivity, economic significance, infrastructure challenges, and resilience in the face of adversity.

How has your company/institution adapted to the sustainability initiatives at our airports?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: The ARK actively participates in collaborative efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. The ARK’s facility was designed as an environmentally sustainable building. The ARK uses environmentally friendly cleaning and disinfection agents, and we are evaluating the introduction of electric equipment into ground operations. 

Do you want to tell us about any sustainability initiatives your company has implemented?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: The ARK continually seeks opportunities to uphold environmental stewardship, aiming to not only potentially decrease operational expenses but also to appeal to eco-conscious clientele and collaborators.

Green Procurement: Source products and supplies from vendors with sustainable practices and prioritize items with minimal packaging or made from recycled materials.

Does your company have internships or other programs to attract young employees, particularly women?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: Yes, we offer internships in several areas, including social media and content creation, animal handling, and veterinary assistance.  

What is the most significant barrier to finding an airport job in our area?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: Competition and job requirements. Due to the high demand and limited availability of positions, competition is intense. Also, the requirements for an airport job, such as security clearances, specific skills and certifications, or prior experience, can pose challenges for some candidates. 

Would you use a pilotless, autonomous aircraft such as an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for short trips?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: Probably not yet. I’d like to see more experience in this form of transport.  

Has the airport worker shortage in our area affected your company or business?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: I wouldn’t say there is a shortage of interested candidates for positions at The ARK. However, finding the unique combination of skills, drive, and ambition necessary can be challenging. I believe that over-regulation of the workforce limits the ability of smaller organizations such as The ARK to create programs to develop and train the workforce. 

What steps has your company taken to attract qualified workers?

Elizabeth A. Schuette: The ARK promotes employment opportunities in its social media accounts; positions at The ARK provide job satisfaction and fulfillment both from the perspective of animal welfare and aviation. ARK recognizes the value of previous work experience and does not require advanced educational degrees for most of its positions.