Houston Friendly 2019 Award Winners
Houston Airports held its sixth annual Houston Friendly Rewards & Recognition Awards earlier this month. 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. Photos from the event are available here.
“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 was coined “Winter Wonderland” by Director of Airport Initiatives and Volunteer Services Caroline Schneider.
United Airlines Vice President of Airport Operations Rodney Cox served as the guest speaker and energized the attendees on the importance of providing exemplary customer service and exceeding expectations.
Winners of the Sixth Annual Houston Friendly Awards are as follows:
Mystery Shop Employee of the Year Award for Food and Beverage and Retail
This award recognizes the employees who have been recognized throughout the year for scoring the highest on the monthly mystery shops survey.
Winner Food and Beverage: Ariel Tellez, Four Families
Winner Retail : Sergio Ramirez, Paradies Lagardere
Unsung Hero/Heroine Award
This award recognizes the employee who assisted a customer in a positive manner during their travel. This individual's job function does not assist the customer in this fashion. The service act performed positively enhances the Airport’s overall image by exceeding customer expectations.
Winner: Myshauna Kennedy, HMS Host
Heroic Service Award
This award recognizes an employee who helped to save a life or assisted with a medical emergency which made a positive impact at the Airport. This employee positively enhances the airport's overall image by exceeding customer expectations.
Winner: Charles Jennings, Houston Airports
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: Jennifer Cafferatta, Houston Airports
Commitment to Excellence
The Commitment to Excellence award recognizes the employee receiving the most complimentary letters and comment cards during a specific time frame. The recipient routinely has a positive impact on the customer and is passionate about giving a high-level of service.
Winner 1st Place: Keylonda Brown, New South Parking
Winner 2nd Place: James Dirk, SSP America
Winner 3rd Place: Dorothy Thomas, SSP America