LeSher Harvey

During the day, LeSher Harvey is a Commercial & Compliance Manager for JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) at Terminal 7, a role she has held for over a year. In her free time, she’s the founder and leader of JMP’s “People of Passion” (PoP) community outreach group, a 17-member strong team of JMP staff that volunteers their time to support initiatives in the local Queens community.

At T7, LeSher manages and optimizes the Terminal’s commercial operations and ensures compliance with standards and regulations. She oversees the development and management of concession spaces within the Terminal, fostering partnerships with vendors and ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and regulatory requirements, all while ensuring a great passenger experience. Prior to joining JMP, which is part of Vantage Airport Group – LeSher worked for over a decade in the retail industry, most recently in senior positions at Gap, Inc. and Primark. LeSher has always been passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. Over the last six months, the JMP PoP team has worked closely with the Saratoga Family Residence at Jamaica-based Homes for the Homeless. They’ve organized terminal-wide toy and school supplies drives and a resume-writing workshop for the Shelter’s 255 families, with plans to collaborate further this year.

---

How did you get your start working in the aviation industry? 

LeSher Harvey: I began my career in the aviation industry through a unique opportunity presented by Vantage Airport Group in January 2023. At that time, I was unfamiliar with Vantage and the specific role I would undertake. However, upon researching the company, I discovered that their values about people, place, and performance resonated strongly with me, and their innovative contributions to the industry inspired me. When I learned that Vantage was also a lead investor and the operator of the brand new LGA Terminal B, that sealed the deal for me. 

My professional background spans over 15 years in retail management, encompassing various roles such as Operations, Compliance, and Merchandising. Given my passion for travel and fondness for airports, the transition to the aviation sector was particularly exciting for me. This new role at Terminal 7 allowed me to merge my retail expertise with the intricacies of airport operations. 

While I lacked a direct background in aviation, I viewed this as an advantage in my current role. It enables me to approach challenges from our customers’ perspective, ensuring that their needs remain at the forefront of our operations. Day-to-day, I aim to ensure that our concessionaires comply with PANYNJ regulations, that I understand the passenger journey, and that I can leverage my merchandising skills to enhance the airport experience. 

In hindsight, transitioning from retail to aviation has proven to be one of the best decisions of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me.

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

LeSher Harvey: Networking and active participation in the airport community, particularly through the establishment of our JMP People of Passion team, has been transformative for my career. When our former COO (now interim CEO, Steve Thody) tasked me with spearheading a team dedicated to fostering engagement within our JMP team and the wider T7 and Queens community, I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. 

Throughout the past year, JMP PoP has allowed us to make meaningful contributions to both our local community and the Terminal 7 environment. From organizing events such as Easter Bunny sightings and school supply and feminine care drives to volunteering at community events like Senator Leroy Comrie’s Turkey and Fixings Giveaway Event, we’ve been able to give back in impactful ways. 

One of our notable initiatives was the recent Valentine’s Day Candy Gram drive, which raised funds for our community partner, Homes for the Homeless, and fostered a sense of camaraderie and community spirit among Terminal 7 employees. 

Through JMP PoP, I’ve created a tight-knit community among my peers and the broader T7 community. This experience has not only enriched my professional network but has also instilled a deep sense of fulfillment by contributing positively to the lives of others.

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

LeSher Harvey: As Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously stated, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ This sentiment underscores the importance of women’s voices in shaping progressive policies and practices within the aviation sector. Women leaders advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the needs of all travelers, including families, are prioritized in decision-making processes. 

With a focus on collaboration and empathy, women aviation leaders champion initiatives that facilitate smoother travel experiences for families, such as dedicated family lanes at security checkpoints, designated nursing and baby care facilities, and family-friendly amenities throughout airport terminals. By embracing diversity of thought and prioritizing the well-being of passengers, women leaders drive innovation and progress in our sector, ultimately enriching the travel experience for families and individuals alike. 

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

LeSher Harvey: One of the most unforgettable moments in my aviation career occurred when our colleagues at Terminal 1 faced an unexpected service disruption last year and needed assistance from the other terminals. Despite being relatively new to the job, witnessing our JMP team spring into action amidst the chaos left a lasting impression on me. It was a testament to our team’s cohesion and professionalism as we worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for concerned passengers. 

Experiencing first-hand how our team effectively managed an emergency reaffirmed my belief in being part of an extraordinary team capable of overcoming any challenge. Witnessing the seamless operation that ensued filled me with pride. It underscored the importance of teamwork and preparedness in the aviation industry.

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

LeSher Harvey: I’m biased towards the JFK Terminal 6 project! When I first joined JFK Millennium Partners, the view from my office window was nothing but an empty dirt lot. Seeing the transformation of that space into the bustling construction site today fills me with excitement. As a team we are now preparing for how T6 will operate. Anticipating the final product of Terminal 6, with its state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, is even more exhilarating. It has been thrilling to contribute to the concessions planning process for T6, from helping to organize outreach events in our Queens community to managing inquiries about the commercial Requests for Proposals. Being part of such a monumental project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am deeply grateful for the chance to contribute. I can’t wait to see opening day! 

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

LeSher Harvey: The airport worker shortage is a community challenge, particularly impacting the commercial side. Our concessionaires find it difficult to attain quality talent and onboard new staff quickly. We’ve worked closely with their leadership teams to support them during this time, offering space within the terminal to host job fairs, conduct interviews, and facilitate the recruitment process. 

We’re committed to making Terminal 7 an attractive place to work. Recently, JMP hosted an African Pop Up Market where we sponsored meals for all terminal employees to celebrate Black History Month. It was heartening to witness everyone coming together to enjoy delicious African cuisine and explore the retail market during their breaks. The event created a sense of community and left a lasting impression, proven by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from T7 staff. The success of the Pop Up Market underscores our commitment to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive workplace environment at Terminal 7.