business and community leaders from across the airports’ service region. As part of the internal outreach, I plan on attending staff meetings around the organization over the coming weeks to continue introducing myself to those among you who I have not yet had a chance to meet. Additionally, we are working an organization-wide engagement survey that will give you the opportunity to anonymously provide your feedback in some key performance areas. I’ll share more information about the survey when it becomes available. In the meantime, please know that my interactions so far have been very productive, and I can’t wait to begin sharing what I have learned with you in the future.  

I have been especially impressed during my recent visits to PNE. I’m sure you know that PNE is the fourth busiest airport in Pennsylvania, but it much more than a general aviation airport. PNE’s tenants are making a difference in the aviation industry.   

Tailwinds Flight Education, which was founded by Howard Cooper in 2018, trains students to become private or commercial pilots and flight instructors, opening the door to a variety of careers. Tailwinds is also committed to introducing young people to aviation by giving them access to opportunities they might not have. In 2019, Howard helped develop a program with Frankford High School’s Frankford Aviation Academy to get students out of the classroom and into airplanes at PNE.  Programs like this are vital to helping the aviation industry address the pilot shortage.    

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s (AIM) Philadelphia campus has been located at PNE since 2002.  The school offers Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) and Aviation Maintenance Technician Avionics (AMTA) programs, as well as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Certification online course and Unmanned Aircraft Systems course at its Philadelphia facility. By being in northeast Philadelphia, AIM is opening careers in the aviation industry to a diverse population who might have never considered the field.  

Leonardo Helicopters is a longstanding PNE tenant—40 years. The company employs almost 900 at the PNE facility, including a substantial number of veterans.  The work being completed at Leonardo supports emergency response, search and rescue and government agencies. In 2020, was awarded the contract for the US Navy’s TH-73A training helicopters.  When the contract is complete in 2024, Leonardo will have built 130 of the helicopters at its PNE location.  

The activity taking place at PNE makes the airport an important contributor to our region’s economy. Thank you to PNE Airport Operations Manager John Brewer and his team for the work they do every day for the airport and for the organizations that operate there.  These relationships are important for the Department of Aviation, our region and our industry.   

-Atif 

HR Updates

HR Move to IP2

NOTICE: the HR office is moving to IP2 – 3^rd floor the week of March 20.  We will have satellite offices in Terminal D for use, as needed.  More information will be sent to employees soon.  Questions related to visiting our new offices or the satellite offices can be forwarded to [email protected] or 215-863-EZHR (3947).

COVID-19 Resources 

Updated COVID-19 protocols for City Employees and employee screening policy. 

Support your work safety by emailing [email protected]  to receive two Covid-19 tests from HR/Safety. 

OnePhilly Leave Options  

Effective January 1 through March 31, employees will be able to access the options listed below in the OnePhilly System under the COP HR Employee Self Service icon. 

1. Donate Comp Time to DC 47 Catastrophic Leave Bank 
2. Catastrophic Leave Donation to Union Bank 
3. Union Employee Sick to Vacation 
4. Union Employee Vacation Sellback 
5. *Specific Emp to Emp Leave Donation (Catastrophic Leave)*  

* You must know the payroll number of the employee you want to receive the donation AND that employee must have exhausted all their available leave. 

 

Questions may be forwarded to [email protected]. 

Upcoming City Resource Group Meetings 

Email [email protected] for information on how to join! 

ABOUT CRGs & AEGs: Employee Resource groups are designed ultimately make the City of Philadelphia and Airport, respectively, more inclusive places to work. Focus areas include:

• Networking 
• Talent Development
• Enhancing Diversity
• Inclusion Strategies and Initiatives 

If you are interested in participating or leading an Arport Empowerment Group at PHL/PNE, email your idea(s) to [email protected]. You must have five people and a leader to implement. 

Training Calendar 

Penn Medicine | Wellness Series

NEW "Stopping Stress Eating"

Stop Stress Eating! Do you find yourself craving certain types of food? Does your hunger seem to come on quickly? Or you’re eating even when you’re not hungry? Take control of your stress eating behaviors with simple, practical strategies that you can start using NOW!

Join us as we host Carol Rickard, LCSW from Penn Behavioral Health on Thursday, March 9, from noon-1 pm.

No registration is required. Simply accept the DOA calendar invite when you receive it and you're all set!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87859132265?pwd=NFFSSlNmRlhjc2M0bmFienVGczhFUT09

OR

Dial by your location: 1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 878 5913 2265

Passcode: 284997

PHL WELL will host BROWN BAG workshops open to all employees throughout the 2023 Biggest Loser challenge!  

No registration is required. Simply accept the DOA calendar invite when you receive it and you're all set! 

Zoom login Information will be included within the invites coming for the below Brown Bag Workshops.

TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE UPDATES DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE, EMAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR EMAIL AND/OR CELL PHONE NUMBER. 

Staff Promotions

Congratulations to the following staff members who were promoted in February:

Brian Nalzdin, Airport Assistant Operations Officer

Dennis McGovern, Staff Engineer 1

John Hummel, Electrician 1

Joshua Jordan, Semiskilled Laborer

Virgil Robinson, Airport Assistant Operations Officer

New Hires

Welcome to our newest staff members:

Cindy Jimenez-Abreu, Bilingual Receptionist

Emily Luzon, Bilingual Receptionist

Darlene Castillo, Account Clerk

Divya Maria Jacob, Departmental Payroll Clerk 

Jamella Mitchell, Account Clerk

Krystal Ballard, Departmental Procurement Specialist

Michael Dawes, Semiskilled Laborer

Patty Orji, Financial Technician

Robert Mackey, Semiskilled Laborer

Cyber Security Update

Number Matching Multi-Factor Authentication 

PHL recently moved to the use of “Number Matching” for Multi-Factor Authentication, rather than the “Push Notification” method that sends an Approve/Deny request to users. 

This change will greatly reduce the risk of hackers gaining unauthorized access by sending Approve/Deny prompts to a user until they accidentally hit Approve. 

March Tip: Avoiding Malicious Software 

Malware, short for malicious software, comes in many forms. Some variants steal data or corrupt systems, while others cause physical damage to machines or factories. In all cases, malware can cause great harm. Avoid malicious infections with the following tips and tricks. 

Learn to Identify Phishing 

Common warning signs of phishing include bad grammar, a sense of urgency, threatening language, and unexpected links or attachments. Always hover over links to reveal their true destination. If you have any suspicions whatsoever, don’t click! Remember to report phishing attacks immediately. 

Beware of USB Flash Drives 

If you find a random USB flash drive or USB charging cable, don’t plug it in. Instead, report it to the proper personnel immediately. When traveling or working remotely, avoid public charging stations, and only use the USB devices that belong to you. 

Stay Updated 

Keep your personal computers and devices up to date with the latest software versions. Consider enabling automatic updates so you never miss an important security patch. At work, always follow system update guidelines, and never install any software or applications that haven’t been explicitly approved. 

Routinely Audit Software on your Personal Devices 

On personal devices, periodically take a few minutes to review what’s installed and remove any programs that aren’t frequently used. This tactic is especially important for mobile devices where it’s common to install applications and then forget about them. 

Be on the Lookout: Disinformation Campaigns 

Our friends at KnowBe4 Security Awareness recently published the following guide for avoiding disinformation. 

Help Us Celebrate International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is March 8. Join the airports as we recognize our women staff members in a photo that will be shared on social media.  All women employees are invited to gather outside of the Quiet Room in the D/E Connector on Thursday, March 2, at 10 am.  A group photo will be taken in that vicinity and posted on the airports’ social media accounts International Women’s Day.

PHL Food and Shops

Be sure to sign up for the latest OrderAtPHL discounts by texting PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996. Look out for special promotions and deals throughout the month, including Cheesesteak Week, March 20-24.

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport 

Department of Aviation Announces M. Denise Bailey as Deputy Director of Aviation, Business Diversity and Accessibility  

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation has announced the appointment of M. Denise Bailey as Deputy Director of Aviation, Business Diversity and Accessibility. 

Ramp Lighting Upgrade Project Underway at PHL  

The Department of Aviation shines a light on airport safety and sustainability with significant ramp lighting upgrades at PHL. 

PHL Welcomed 25.2 Million Passengers in 2022  

PHL welcomed more than 25.2 million passengers during calendar year 2022, an increase of 28.5 percent over 2021. 

PHL Holdroom Refresh Program Underway

PHL holdroom at Gate D1 has been under renovation to incorporate several design enhancements to improve the passenger experience. This project serves as a pilot to inform the future design to improve the guest experience throughout Terminals D and E. 

People at PHL

PHL Caring Support: Prospect Airport Services Wheelchair Assistance Provider Janet Kellingbeck 

Prospect Airport Services’ Wheelchair Assistance Provider Janet Kellingbeck recently received the “Caring Support” award in PHL's Airport Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide exceptional care and services to seniors, families with young children, disabled passengers, and others with special needs.    

PHL Unsung Heroes: Division of Aviation (DOA) Custodial Crew Chief Vernon Lampkin 

Department of Aviation Custodial Crew Chief Vernon Lampkin recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program, which honors employees who work behind the scenes and are not typically recognized for their work. Although they do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly impacts the airport and guest experience.   

PHL Impression Makers: Frontier Airlines Customer Service Agent Nicola Hansberry

Frontier Airlines Customer Service Agent Nicola Hanberry recently received the “Impression Makers” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers

National Engineers Week 2023 Spotlight: Sobi Babu and William Bayne

In honor of National Engineers Week, the Department of Aviation put the spotlight on two engineers on the airports' Capital Development team, Sobi Babu and William Bayne.