Houston Airports held its third annual Houston Friendly Rewards & Recognition Awards on Friday, Oct. 7. The event was attended by more than 400 employees of Houston Airports, the Transportation Security Agency, Customs and Border Protection, Houston Police, concessions companies and parking agencies who help to enhance the passenger experience at Houston Airports.

“Customer Service is our top priority at Houston Airports, and that does not happen without committed and dedicated employees who embrace that vision,” said Saba Abashawl Chief External Affairs Officer. “It is important to recognize those extraordinary employees who go above and beyond to enhance the travel experience for our passengers. Their willingness to not just meet, but exceed customers’ needs and expectations help us provide a positive and memorable experience every time they come to our airports. The winners as well as the nominees should be proud of their achievements and serve as an example to everyone at Houston Airports.”

The event’s theme focused around football and team work to get employees energized to welcome the anticipated one million visitors expected to travel to Houston for Super Bowl 51. Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band provided mesmerized the crowd with their heavy beat, precisions dills and intricate dance routines. Radio and television personality and former Houston Texan Chester Pitts served as host for the event.

Photos from the event are available here. The list of winners for the Third Annual Houston Friendly awards are as follows:

Mystery Shop Employee of the Year Award

This award recognizes the employee who has been acknowledged throughout the year for scoring the highest on the monthly mystery shop surveys. In Addition, they positively impact the Houston Airports overall image by exceeding customer expectations.

Winner, Food and Beverage: Sara Rodriquez with Pappas at Hobby

Winner, Retail: Gloria Jenkins with Paradies at IAH

Commitment to Excellence Award

This award recognizes the employee receiving the most complementary letters and comment cards during a determined timeframe. The recipient routinely has a positive impact on the customer and is passionate about giving a high-level of service.

Winner: Keylonda Brown with New South Parking

Unsung Hero/Heroine Award

This award recognizes the employee whose principal role does not involve direct, face-to-face customer contact.  However, the service act performed positively enhances the Airport’s overall image by exceeding customer expectations.

Winner: Robin Duhs with the USO

Heroic  Service Award

This award recognizes an employee whose principal role involves direct, face-to face customer contact and who helped to save a life, assisted an ill passenger or made a significant impact at the Airport.  This employee positively enhances the Airport’s overall image by exceeding customer expectations.

Winner: TSA Security Officers Katina Givens and Lisa O’Mealey-Ober

Reunited Award

This award recognizes an employee who went out of their way to reunite a customer with a lost item or person. This act is not part of the employee’s normal job description.

Winner: Marc Cloud with World Duty Free Group

Spotlight  Award

This award recognizes an employee who provided outstanding customer service based on the unique challenges that were overcome, resulting in a “Wow Factor” for the customer.

Winner: Nelly Daniel, Houston Airports Volunteer