Power Players in Aviation

Sidharth Goel is the general manager of Delta Sky Club at JFK. Prior to this role, he was responsible for the food and beverage provisions at various hotels both domestically and internationally. Brands such as Conrad, Hilton, InterContinental, Shangri-La, and the Grand Hyatt at a number of international locations including New York, Dubai, Beijing, New Delhi, and Abu Dhabi. 

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
There’s been a significant improvement not only in the infrastructures at JFK, but overall guest service. Flying is an experience and the focus on the guests’ perspective is pivotal to the significant difference that I’ve experienced over the past 8-years. The focus on minor details, such as cleanliness, the addition of new gates to alleviate traffic, extra seating areas, stronger wifi, just to name a few. 

Tell us about your best flying experience…
My first flight with my then 4-year old son, on an international flight from New York to New Delhi, India. A 14-hour flight! My wife was terrified during the planning stages of our trip, but I was confident and looking forward to our big adventure. I did everything opposite of what my wife said and the trip turned out wonderfully! 

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
My wife is a firm believer in “travel light”, and I believe in the opposite. Everything is important, pack EVERYTHING!

Tom Grech was appointed executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce in July 2015. On November 1, 2017, Tom became president and chief executive officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. From Astoria, NY, Tom is a graduate of the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA with a BS in accounting. He received his MBA in international business from Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY. 

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
At both the LaGuardia Airport Redevelopment and now the JFK Redevelopment projects, Tom and his Staff at the Chamber lead in recruiting and connecting small to medium sized businesses to MWBE programs. The success of these connections has been evident by the large scale projects that many Queens businesses were able to bid on and win. Building future capacity is a major opportunity for all these firms.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
Hard to say; between JetBlue and Delta, but each have great teams in place; both on the ground and in the air. Each brings great experiences to travelers.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
I used to work in the financial printing industry based in NYC. One of the interesting prerequisites was to always have your passport in your desk. I learned why when I was asked to hand-carry and deliver important printed financial documents to London for purposes of having the stock issue trade overseas. Never knowing, catching the last flight out and landing in London with little to no advance warning was always thrilling.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
Always a toothbrush, razor and passport; not in that order.

George serves as Delta Air Lines’ program director for the expansion of JFK’s Terminal 4. He oversees the design, construction and project management efforts required to deliver the Terminal 4 expansion program.George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from NYU Tandon School of Engineering and has over 20 years of experience in airport design and construction working for both Delta and the Port Authority of NY & NJ.  

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
My favorite New York airport improvement is the reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport. I was fortunate to be a part of the project serving as the deputy program director for Delta’s Terminal C. The project was a transformative project that took one of the nation’s worst airports and converted it into a world class airport that is befitting for the world’s best state/city.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
My best flying experience was the Delta shuttle out of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal A. I am a “just in time” traveler so being able to get to the terminal 20 minutes before departure time and still making my flight was an amazing experience!

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
First class flight to France (CDG) from JFK. Paris is one of my top 3 places to visit as it is rich in history and culture. I also love how easy it is to get around the city and the architecture is always pleasing to the eye.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
The two most important items are my golf shoes and swim trunks.

Dayna has been in the air cargo industry for 30 years. She is a partner and co-founder at her company Direct Expedite, LLC. She also volunteers as the president of the JFK Air Cargo Association as well as for the AEMCA (Air and Expedited Motor Carriers Association) where she is the newly elected secretary. Dayna enjoys building relationships in the industry. She believes in hard work, teamwork and has a commitment to learn new things.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
The terminal upgrades. The fresh look of the new facilities and the new technology to make things more modern. The new signage is extremely important as well.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
When I first got into the business, in my second year, I was flown out of state by a company that was interviewing me. As I got older, this was the norm, but at 23, it was exciting to have a company pay for travel expenses, book and schedule a trip for my 23-year-old self. It was so new to me and I didn’t know anyone at the time who that happened to.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
I can’t say that I have one standout travel adventure. I’ve been fortunate to travel in and out of the country both on business and vacation. I’ve been everywhere from Los Angeles to Hawaii, to Greece and Colombia and this summer I’ll be headed to Ireland for the first time. They have all been GREAT EXPERIENCES!

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
Charging cords for all of my electronic devices that keep me “plugged into” business. Aside from that, my toiletry bag which, as for most women, is crucial for any kind of travel. My Ipad for amusement purposes as I use it to decompress on a plane and watch “no-brainer” movies and or TV shows.

Roel Huinink serves as president and CEO of JFKIAT, the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. He leads T4’s dedicated management team and is responsible for developing, communicating and executing strategic and tactical plans for T4. Mr. Huinink has a 15-year history with Royal Schiphol Group where he held various management positions, and he served on the management board of Norwegian based travel retail and high street retailer Airport Retail Group.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
I applaud the PANYNJ for their vision to improve New York airports and transform them into 21st century world-class facilities. We at JFKIAT and Terminal 4 are proud to play a vital role in that transition with our 10-gate expansion and transformative terminal improvements such as the introduction of self-service bag drops, new lounges, revamped F&B and retail programs, new restrooms and our T4 Arts & Culture program that features local artists.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
Every one of our airline partners offers great cabin products and experiences, and they bring passengers through direct destinations to over 120 cities across the world. But my most memorable flight was a completely different experience – a small plane from Guatemala City to Tikal in 1998. It was old, crowded, shaky and somewhat scary at times, but it brought us to the wonderful site of Tikal safely.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
Traveling always brings me different perspectives in life, and offers opportunities to experience new cultures and adventures. I have been very fortunate to travel across the globe to over 70 countries so it is hard to choose a favorite location, but my honeymoon to Sri Lanka and the Maldives was definitely one of the best.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
Never leave home without the SKROSS – adapt to the world – travel adapter.

Keith Jeffries, the vice president of K2 Security Screening Group, has more than 40 years of strategic and operational experience in the transportation security industry. A former TSA executive, Keith specializes in creating partnerships between private and government stakeholders to detect and mitigate threats and enhance security in the aviation, cargo, mass transit, freight rail, and pipeline sectors. His expertise enables him to provide unique insights on capabilities, procedures, and incident management.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C is breathtakingly beautiful from ticket counter to gate. The artwork, panoramic views and natural lighting have an amazing calming effect on passengers. The state-of-the-art security checkpoint, which was installed by K2 Security Screening Group, makes the screening process seamless.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
During a recent trip, I flew from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Delta Airlines.  When the gate agents asked for active military passengers to board, no one came forward. When they made the same announcement for retired military passengers, I was the only person in that category. As I boarded, a Delta employee thanked me for my service and assigned me a first-class seat. I was very humbled.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
In February of 2021, I flew from Los Angeles to Tampa Bay as a member of a public safety team to observe security measures in place for the Super Bowl. Our team was there to plan for the 2022 Super Bowl, being played the next year in LA. It just so happened that my hometown Buccaneers were playing in their home stadium, and I was able to attend the game. It was thrilling. The Bucs won!

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
My phone and running shoes. Technology enables me to stay connected and makes travel more convenient than ever.  My phone keeps me on top of things. Running helps me relax. I can leave my worries on the trail behind me. I never travel without my running shoes.

The CUNY Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes permanent president of York College following an academic year (September 2019 to June 2020) as interim president. Dr. Johnson Eanes draws on more than two decades of experience leading institutional change and innovative higher education initiatives. Under her leadership, York’s hallmark plan, which is anchored in inclusive signature programs and vibrant community and campus spirit, will strengthen and advance York’s path of transformation.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
The renovated John F. Kennedy terminal is my favorite. I enjoy how spacious, open, modern and efficient it is now.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
I once flew to South Africa and it was an amazing experience.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
One of my top favorite traveling adventures has been when traveling to Paris and London on the way to Ethiopia, where I lived for 6 months.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
My most important items are a journal, snacks, scarf, small book on leadership and technological essentials.

Michael has over 25 years of industry experience in airport contracts of parking operations management, valet parking, transportation, and curbside management. Using his expertise, he has successfully managed overhead and capital expenses for the largest airport services contracts; mastered analytical, financial, and strategic reporting; and developed procedures to continually provide the highest level of customer service. Michael is also a subject matter expert for government contracts and RFPs, and mentors managers at our airports.

As CEO and principal of her advisory firm, Lysa provides counsel on airport leadership and development. She is a board director for JFK New Terminal One, board director for Sky Harbour Group, and member of Parsons Corporation Strategic Advisory Board. As former CEO/general manager of LaGuardia Airport, Lysa is recognized for leading the airport during its $9 billion transformative redevelopment program. Lysa is focused on ensuring airport infrastructure exceeds customer expectations and provides a world-class travel experience.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
LaGuardia Airport’s redevelopment is the best improvement of the past decade. The total transformation of the airport set a new standard for domestic airport operations worldwide. Going from worst to first was the result of a dedicated public and private sector partnership. The future looks to the airport transformation underway at JFK. I am thrilled to be part of the New Terminal One which will define world class excellence in international airport operations worldwide.

Frank Liggio is an executive director at Cushman & Wakefield. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Liggio specializes in both leasing and management of industrial and office properties. In his current role Mr Liggio is involved in the leasing and management of over 5,000,000 square feet of commercial properties in and around Queens with specific locations at JFK International Airport in Jamaica, NY.