Here’s a list of all of our authors.
Metropolitan Airport News Editorial Contributors
Edward J. Garcia
Ed Garcia is a Navy Veteran with more than 37 year experience with TWA and American Airlines at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). During his career at JFK, Mr. Garcia held positions in sales, service, management and marketing. Mr. Garcia most recently has been the director of sales for a local newspaper. Mr. Garcia has a bachelor’s degree from St. Francis College. Mr. Garcia spent 10-years as the sales director for the Airport Press.2 Articles
Benno Baksteen
The author Benno Baksteen, has forty years operational aviation experience and has spent his whole working life in what became known as a safety culture. He started his flight training in 1966 at the Government Flight Academy in Eelde and after his military service with the Royal Dutch Naval Air Force he joined KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 1970 as First Officer on the DC-9. He got his first Captaincy in 1982 and in 2006 he retired as Captain on the Boeing 777 after being a B747 Captain from 1988 until 2003.1 Articles
Lisa Hellerstedt
Communications Coordinator at Delta Air Lines1 Articles
Henk J. Guitjens
Henk J. Guitjens has more than 40 years sales, marketing and management experience in the international airline & airport industry. Mr. Guitjens is currently the Director of Aviation Development for Global Elite Group, Inc. and Avinor Oslo Airport. He has held senior positions with JFKIAT, World Airways and Martinair Holland. Mr. Guitjens was a past President for JFK Chamber of Commerce. He is an Advisory Board member of Vaughn College and York College and a Director of the Netherland-America Foundation. He graduated from the University of Tilburg and is fluent in Dutch, English, French, and German and conversant in Italian and Spanish. He resides in Amityville, NY with his wife Adriana.1 Articles
Kristina Brown
Kristina Brown is a 2010 graduate of Misericordia University where she achieved her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Communications. She currently serves as E-Business Ninja at Road Scholar Transport, a local trucking company headquartered in Dunmore, PA, for the past 10 years.1 Articles
Lia Ocampo
Born and raised in the Philippines, Lia worked for the U.S. Government for 22 years. She came to New York City in 2012 as an immigrant. In 2014, Lia achieved her dream of becoming a flight attendant. Her flying stint allows her to meet amazing people, create beautiful memories and inspire her to do the things she loves: writing and photography. She became a first-time author in 2020 with What We Know for Sure: Inspirational Stories of Filipino Special Immigrants in America. Lia is a mentor and resource speaker for immigrants. She splits her time between Florida and New York while pursuing her writing, love of travel, and passion for helping others.1 Articles
Dr. Stephanie Austin
Dr. Stephanie Austin received her Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Veterinary Technology from the University of Queensland, Australia, and then attended Murdoch University where she received her Bachelors of Veterinary Biology and Masters of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Following an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group, she now works at AirHeart Pet Hospital, a general and urgent care veterinary hospital located inside The ARK at JFK. Dr. Austin’s special interests include emergency and critical care, anesthesiology and neurology as well as equine medicine.1 Articles