2025 Aviation & Airport Leadership Insights

airport

Mar 07, 2025

Metropolitan Airport News

This March, Metropolitan Airport News focuses on women in the aviation industry and at our New York metropolitan area airports. We asked each of these featured women questions about their careers, work in their respective areas of the industry, women in leadership, and sustainability, and here, we offer their one-on-one insight in their own words.

Due to space restrictions, we have selected specific questions and answers from each contributor to share in print. You can find the unedited responses to all questions on our website. In sharing their experience and passion for the aviation and airport industry, their work honors the women who have come before them and today carry their legacy into the 21st Century.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) – JFK Millennium Partners (JMP)

Karen Ali was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) in July 2024. A key senior leadership team member, she oversees Terminal 7 operations, managing customer experience, budgeting, capital projects, risk management, and people leadership. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role during the ongoing construction of Terminal 6, working closely with capital development and construction teams to ensure a seamless transition to the new facilities, coordinating efforts in testing, commissioning, and implementation.

>> Read More from Karen Ali

Director Terminal Redevelopment – JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT)

Gina’s aviation career began in 1998 at JFK International Airport with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Starting in a clerical role, she quickly progressed to Assistant Office Engineer, gaining experience in various facility construction projects. In 2000, she moved to a Construction Administrator position at 1 WTC. Following the events of 9/11, she transitioned into the private sector, where she became a Senior ANSI-RAB Quality Management Systems Auditor.

>> Read More from Gina Battagliola

General Manager, Airport Operations – Hawaiian Airlines

Lauren Dascalopoulos is a passionate and dedicated Airline Manager with more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry. She began her career as a customer service agent and has worked her way up through hard work and a deep commitment to her teams and the industry. Today, as the General Manager for Hawaiian Airlines at JFK International Airport, Lauren oversees daily operations, driving excellence in customer service, safety, and efficiency while nurturing a culture of collaboration and high performance.

>> Read More from Lauren Dascalopoulos

Marketing Manager – VRH Construction

Coleen DiGiorgio has dedicated over 35 years to the commercial aviation industry, building a dynamic career that seamlessly bridges airport operations and aviation construction. She began on the front lines at JFK International Airport, serving as a customer service representative for TWA and later American Airlines, where she mastered the complexities of passenger flow management and critical flight scheduling in one of the nation’s busiest hubs.

>> Read More from Coleen DiGiorgio

Regional General Manager, Airport Division – Duty Free Americas

Elida Espinosa’s career trajectory is an excellent example of growth and dedication in the travel retail industry. With over three decades of experience, she has clearly made a strong impact at Duty Free Americas. Her journey from a part-time sales associate to her current leadership role demonstrates a deep understanding of the business’s operational and customer service aspects.

>> Read More from Elida Espinosa

Manager, Customer Care – American Airlines

With more than 15 years in the aviation industry, Vanita is a champion of change who enhances the overall customer experience. Vanita serves as a Manager for Customer Care at American Airlines, located in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8, where she helps to lead the customer care organization toward new heights, ensuring that every passenger’s journey is marked by efficiency and satisfaction. Before her tenure at American, Vanita served as the General Manager for Travelspan, a charter airline & tour operator. Beyond her career, Vanita channels her passion towards humanitarian endeavors and traveling the world.

>> Read More from Vanita Jagnarain

Sr. Director of Program Services – Travelers Aid International

For more than twenty years, Jane Mrosko has dedicated herself to the mission of Travelers Aid International, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the travel experience for passengers. Through a network of airport programs and social service agencies, Travelers Aid provides a vital safety net for travelers in transit or distress. Since 2001, Jane has served as the Program Manager at JFK, leading a team of over 100 volunteers and staff to ensure the smooth operation of daily services.

>> Read More from Jane Mrosko

Deputy Program Director – Delta Air Lines

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.

>> Read More from Sarah Palmer

Regional Operations Manager – Fraport USA

In her current role at Fraport USA, Shetl Petro oversees leasing, contract compliance, and business intelligence functions for John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 5 and Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B, ensuring that all airport operations, commercial agreements, and performance metrics align with organizational goals and contribute to the growth of the business.

>> Read More from Shetl Petro

President – Corporate Loss Prevention Associates, Inc.

Vidya Ramsammy began her career in the finance department with Corporate Loss Prevention Associates (CLPA) in 2003 and, during that time, has developed the knowledge and experience to become one of the foremost experts in the aviation industry. As the current president of CPLA, she has proven herself in many advanced training programs, including the TSA, Department of Homeland Security, and Explosive Trace Detection, and she is a New York State certified security officer trainer. Vidya’s experience has allowed her to develop and implement security policies, manage security personnel, and conduct risk assessments.

>> Read More from Vidya Ramsammy

Chief Financial Officer – LaGuardia Gateway Partners

As the Chief Financial Officer, Mercedes Rendon oversees all of the company’s corporate finance and manages stakeholder obligations connected to the terminal redevelopment and management. Prior to her role as CFO, Mercedes was LGP’s Controller, with responsibility for the company’s accounting operations and financial planning and reporting. A skilled finance executive, Mercedes has more than 25 years experience, including her role as SVP, Financial Controller of SmartStream Technologies. Mercedes is a graduate of Baruch College.

>> Read More from Mercedes Rendon

President & CEO – The ARK Import Export Center, LLC

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.

>> Read More from Elizabeth A. Schuette

Chief Operating Officer – M & R Concessions LLC

Monisha Singla embarked on her journey as the founder of M & R Concessions in 2013. During her formative years, Monisha honed her skills by contributing her time and talents to her father’s restaurants, savoring the flavors of the food service industry. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her down a different avenue, where she pursued a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science from New York University. Monisha established her own successful enterprise in the fast-paced IT consulting world. Yet, deep within her entrepreneurial spirit, Monisha wanted to return to the airport environment.

>> Read More from Monisha Singla

Vice President of Operations – The New Terminal One at JFK

Marisa Von Wieding is Vice President of Operations at The New Terminal One at JFK, the developer and operator of a new all-international terminal in New York. She oversees the operations and customer experience at the terminal, which will transform the international travel experience to and from New York. Prior to joining The New Terminal One, Marisa led operations and guest experience at the successful redevelopment of LaGuardia Terminal B.

>> Read More from Marisa Von Wieding

Airport Improvement

Port Authority, New Terminal One And Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Announce The Selection Of Duty Free Americas As Duty Free Operator At Jfk Airport’S World Class New Terminal OnNearly 20,000 Square Feet of Duty Free Shopping Space to Feature Iconic Global Brands Alongside Distinctive New York City and Queens-Based Artisanal Products Flagship Multi-Level Store Alongside Four Additional Duty Free Locations Across the Terminal to Recreate Experience of New York’s Legendary Shopping Districts Renderings of New Terminal One Here, Renderings of Duty Free Shopping Venues Here The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The New Terminal One, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports today announced that Duty Free Americas (DFA) has been selected as the exclusive duty-free operator for John F. Kennedy International Airport’s New Terminal One, which will open in phases beginning in 2026 with completion in 2030. This privately funded, $9.5 billion all-international terminal will elevate the passenger experience with its duty-free shops that will be inspired by New York City’s skyline and landmarks, while featuring iconic global brands alongside local products. Under the bespoke brand Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas, this first-of-its-kind retail experience, spanning nearly 20,000 square feet, will anchor the terminal’s “World’s Runway” commercial district. The flagship multi-level store will feature bold architecture that mirrors the terminal’s grandeur, alongside four additional duty-free locations throughout the terminal. Inspired by New York City’s iconic skyline and dynamic energy, Skyline Duty Free will set a new standard in airport retail, featuring world-renowned powerhouse brands, made-in-NYC products, and immersive shopping experiences. After moving seamlessly through security, customers will be welcomed by “Love Local,” a striking storefront featuring all NYC- and Queens-based makers and businesses. Customers will then enter the heart of the terminal’s world-class retail experience anchored by the expansive Skyline Duty Free flagship store – a shopping destination that blends Fifth Avenue elegance and Art Deco flair, enhanced with a distinctive, personal touch. In front of the flagship store, an “experiential center,” including virtual reality simulators, fashion, art and brand activations will provide immersive, interactive moments that will capture the imagination of passengers and draw them to the duty-free shops. This interactive center will incorporate cultural, sports and local themes while recreating experiences from New York City neighborhoods through brand and product debuts. This area will be the heart of the Terminal’s retail experience, offering an unmatched selection of duty-free exclusives and a true New York City sense of place. “As an all-international terminal, New Terminal One plays an important role as the region’s front-door to the world,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “A best-in-class terminal will include an unparalleled retail experience that travelers from around the world expect to find when they come to our region.” “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place across all new and renovated terminals is a fundamental tenet of the Port Authority’s transformation of JFK Airport into a world class global gateway,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Global brands alongside locally inspired shops, public art and beautiful architecture that is evocative of New York will make the New Terminal One an appealing part of the passenger journey.” “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Duty Free Americas, unveiling the first of many incredible retail experiences for guests flying out of the New Terminal One,” said New Terminal One CEO Jennifer Aument. “Showcasing unique New York City products and iconic global brands, Skyline Duty Free will offer travelers an unparalleled shopping experience—whether they’re searching for the perfect gift or treat before departing our legendary city or completing their shopping adventure in the city that never sleeps. This investment in enhancing our guest experience reflects the strength of the New Terminal One’s value proposition and reinforces our position as the terminal of choice for international airlines serving JFK Airport.” “Our vision is to set a new standard in the U.S. with our commercial program at JFK’s New Terminal One, and Duty Free Americas is delivering on that ambition with a duty-free program that combines the best international brands with distinctly New York City flavor,” said URW Chief Operating Officer Dominic Lowe. “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine travel retail, and, together with our partners, we are honored to play a role in shaping this transformational experience coming soon to travelers.” “Duty Free Americas is extremely honored to have been selected as the duty-free concessionaire for John F. Kennedy International Airport’s highly anticipated New Terminal One. We extend our sincere gratitude to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, New Terminal One, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for this incredible opportunity,” said Duty Free Americas CEO Jerome Falic. “As JFK’s largest terminal, New Terminal One is set to redefine international travel to and from New York, and we are excited to play a key role in shaping its retail landscape. We are especially proud to introduce Skyline, a distinctive brand flag for the terminal and a new benchmark in the global travel retail industry. Our innovative stores will elevate the shopping experience, providing international travelers with an unmatched selection of premium products in a dynamic and engaging setting. We look forward to building a strong and collaborative partnership with all stakeholders and are committed to ensuring the long-term success of this venture. Together, we will deliver a world-class duty-free destination that enhances JFK’s New Terminal One.” A premium travel retail experience Skyline Duty Free will feature a curated, robust selection of luxury spirits, wines, skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, confectionary, fashion, accessories, gifts and more, including limited-edition and “Only at New Terminal One” products and collaborations. The duty-free collection will feature: The New Terminal One will offer an exclusive cash & carry experience, bringing unparalleled convenience to customers. Gone are the days of duty-free purchases held for collection at the boarding gates, slowing the boarding process and risking customers missing their purchases. At New Terminal One, customers will be able to take advantage of omnichannel retail offers such as online click and collect, lounge deliveries. Commitment to highest quality and expanded business partnerships URW Airports and its partners’ goal is to ensure that the New Terminal One offers passengers the highest quality products while expanding its business partnerships. To further that goal, DFA’s joint venture is comprised of 35 percent Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners including C&E Global Solutions (Albany), JDK19 Group (Queens), BBJ Concessions (Queens), Prevost Consulting Group (Texas), and Parkview Global (Los Angeles). The URW/New Terminal One team is creating flexible entry points for ACDBE and local businesses. These dynamic opportunities balance customer preferences and commercial objectives while growing the capacity of local businesses to attain their ultimate success. “When an ACDBE like BBJ partners is in a large-scale project, it is more than just generating revenue—it is about demonstrating our expertise, making a meaningful impact, and contributing to something greater,” said BBJ Concessions owner James Phillips. “It is an investment in the local economy and a commitment to strengthening the South Jamaica community.” “The C&E Global team fully embraces the role that the retail environment plays in JFK‘s world-class offering within the New Terminal One,” said C&E Global Solutions President and CEO Carl Andrews. “URW and Duty Free Americas have shown a true commitment to incorporating realistic and creative roles for ACDBE firms with airport operation experience like ours. We are honored to be an ACDBE partner supporting Duty Free Americas’ vision to bring retail excellence to JFK, the gateway to the world.” In partnership with the Port Authority, the New Terminal One, URW, and other local stakeholders, Duty Free Americas is committed to empowering local vendors and JFK Airport Institute of Concessions graduates, providing a platform for them to sell their products under the “Love Local” brand while offering business education and guidance. Duty Free Americas’ dedicated team of local category managers will source a wide range of products, with an aim to offer unique merchandise that represent diverse segments, from craft distilleries to individual artisans, from emerging to established products, all with continuous rotation throughout the lease term. To further support local businesses, Skyline Duty Free will organize quarterly outreach programs, providing local vendors opportunities to pitch their products including for seasonal markets and “sell for the day” events. About The New Terminal One at JFK The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a world-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States. The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking and be considered one of the finest airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK’s south side. Construction is taking place in phases. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first new gates, is expected to open in 2026. Additional gates will open in subsequent phases until the project is complete in 2030. When complete, the New Terminal One will be the largest terminal at JFK, with 23 gates and more than 300,000 square feet of retail, dining and lounge space over a total footprint of 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and the same size as LaGuardia Airport’s two new terminals combined. The New Terminal One will be a state-of-the-art, international-only terminal. Sustainably designed and future-focused, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world. The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and is committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including a commitment to target participation goals of 20 percent for minority-owned business enterprises, 10 percent for women-owned business enterprises, 10 percent for local business enterprises and 3 percent for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, click here. About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) is an owner, developer and operator of sustainable, high-quality real estate assets in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. The Group operates 72 shopping centers in 12 countries, including 38 which carry the iconic Westfield brand. These centers attract over 900 million visits annually and provide a unique platform for retailers and brands to connect with consumers. URW also has a portfolio of high-quality offices, 10 convention and exhibition venues in Paris, and a $3.25 billion development pipeline of mainly mixed-use assets. Currently, its $56 billion portfolio is 87 percent in retail, 6 percent in offices, 5 percent in convention and exhibition venues, and 2 percent in services (as of Dec. 31, 2023). URW is a committed partner to major cities on urban regeneration projects, through both mixed-use development and the retrofitting of buildings to industry-leading sustainability standards. These commitments are enhanced by the Group’s Better Places plan, which strives to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact on the cities and communities where URW operates. URW’s stapled shares are listed on Euronext Paris (Ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from a BBB+ rating from Standard & Poor’s and from a Baa2 rating from Moody’s. About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports A division of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), for more than 25 years, URW Airports has leveraged its expertise as a premier retail developer and operator to deliver seamless journeys by creating uplifting retail travel experiences that put people at the heart of everything. Partnering with airports and airlines, across some of the world’s busiest airports, including Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), and John F. Kennedy International (JFK), URW Airports has a proven track record of delivering elevated travel experiences that drive commercial revenue above U.S. benchmarks. Learn more atwww.urwairports.com. About Duty Free Americas Duty Free Americas, part of the Falic Group, is the largest duty-free operator in the Americas and ranks among the top 10 globally. The company has 25 years of experience operating duty-free stores in U.S. airports and retailing traditional duty-free merchandise categories. It runs the duty-free concessions at major airports, including Miami, Atlanta, Washington and JFK Terminal 7, as well as border locations along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada crossings. Beyond North America, Duty Free Americas operates duty-free stores throughout Latin America and in Macau, China, and luxury retail boutiques in various international airports worldwide. Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform JFK into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport’s south side broke ground in September 2022. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the airport’s north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in November 2022. All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority’s roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority’s capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full redevelopment of JFK. Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. It is co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of southeast Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County. Since its inception, the council has been working with the Port Authority and its private partners to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE), students and jobseekers. This includes programming to advance the Port Authority’s commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the redevelopment of JFK, including terminal projects, which will be built by union labor under project-labor agreements.

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15 April 2025

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