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 directing project-wide operations, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, leading multi-billion-dollar construction budgets, negotiating contracts, controlling expenses, and boosting efficiency and productivity from the start of the project through certificate of occupancy and closeout.
Previous construction projects she worked on include Moynihan Station, various projects at New York University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, multiple New York City Ferry landings, and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and previously worked for Skanska USA Building and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
Sarah has been married for 9 years to her husband Ricky and has a 7-year-old named Keegan and a 5-year-old named Mckenna.
How did you get your start working at the airports or in aviation?
Sarah Palmer: As a native New Yorker, I had always been interested in working on projects that helped shape New York. I knew I wanted the projects I worked on to have meaning, so I initially found myself working on healthcare or higher education projects. I always felt a sense of pride knowing that these projects would help the lives of many people for many years to come. When I was asked to join Delta in 2020, I found a new opportunity to continue to help my community and beyond. I knew that building facilities that could help people connect with the world was something that I could truly feel proud of.
Was aviation your first choice for your career?
Sarah Palmer: I never really saw myself in aviation when considering my career path. I went to college for Civil Engineering, and I knew that I wanted to go into the Construction Management field, but I always thought that meant I would be building skyscrapers in a city. Being able to foster the skillset that I have learned throughout my years in construction to build facilities that help connect people around the world is extremely rewarding, and I am proud that my career choices have led me here.
Did you have a mentor at the beginning of your career? Can you tell us about them and how they impacted your career?
Sarah Palmer: I have been fortunate to have a few mentors throughout my career. Having someone who looks out for your best interest and can help you think outside the box is the main reason I am where I am today. I still have mentors I trust to bounce off ideas, and I believe it is vital to keep those relationships alive while also looking at the future for opportunities you may not have known existed. When I was with my past company, we started a women’s network. One of the programs we sponsored was a mentorship program where we had mentees and mentors submit their bios with what each was looking for from the program. We paired them together for a few months to help foster mentor relationships. Formally or informally, it is very important to find people who you can trust to guide you in your career.
What is the most memorable moment during your career in aviation or at the airports?
Sarah Palmer: All of the large project openings have been extremely memorable. From LaGuardia Terminal C to the new Delta One Lounge at John F Kennedy Airport, each has significantly impacted the community, and I am proud to be a part of these programs. I worked on the LaGuardia Terminal C redevelopment for the first year and a half of my career at Delta, which is now recognized as a World Class Airport. At JFK, we opened the first Delta One Lounge, which is not only the largest lounge in Delta’s portfolio but was rated the Best U.S. Airline Lounge by Forbes magazine in their 2024 Travel Guide’s Inaugural Luxury Air Travel Awards.
How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?
Sarah Palmer: All diversity in the workplace leads to the ability to foster new ideas and innovation. Women in leadership roles are bringing their diverse skills, experiences, and alternate perspectives to the aviation industry, which is helping shape not only the workplace but the ability for travel to be accessible to all. Our work to build facilities that are conducive to all people is paramount.
Delta Air Lines
JFK Airport, Building 22A
Jamaica, NY 11430
www.delta.com
