Power Players in Aviation

Tom has over 35 years of experience in the logistics industry, including ten years with Alba Wheels Up in executive operations positions. Mr. Marzano is a licensed customhouse broker and a certified customs specialist (CCS), he is currently president of the JFK Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association and is a board member of the NCBFAA. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University.

Frank Matus has over 20 years of experience establishing strategy/development initiatives for emerging air traffic management concepts and solutions in the global aviation market. As director, Matus leads this emerging part of the Thales Airspace Mobility Solutions business serving as a system-of-systems integrator combining sensor systems with cloud-native technology enabling the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the national airspace system.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is remarkably improved under the leadership of Jason Terreri. The number of scheduled flights has increased dramatically along with the variety of airlines. Jason and his team have worked with my team at Thales to demonstrate “drones-as-a-service” allowing us to showcase how unmanned aircraft can perform testing and calibration of airport guidance and landing systems allowing aircraft the ability to land in reduced visibility conditions. 

Tell us about your best flying experience…
My best flying experience as of late in New York has to be connecting through LaGuardia. The terminal improvements were much needed. Although flying into and out the most complex airspace in the world, experiencing an improved passenger experience in New York was great. 

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
I have been traveling the US and the world for more than 23 years so it’s hard to pinpoint my favorite travel adventure. I have been fortunate to take over 35 trips to Australia and countless more to Asia and Europe. Hawaii has become my new favorite destination for leisure travel and Grand Forks and Fargo North Dakota have been great places to visit, and now live in, as well!

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
The go to items are my cell phone, cell phone charger, passport and credit cards!  Without those items, it’s impossible to travel. But with them, I can buy anything that I may have forgotten to pack.

William McGuire is president and CEO of Global Elite Group, a company he founded in 2002. The company, under his guidance, has experienced great success by providing a wide range of aviation security solutions to airlines, airports, and terminals across the world. Mr. McGuire brings decades of experience in emergency management, executive protection, and special operations to serve client goals. He has also served on many industry boards providing his leadership and guidance and is the recipient of numerous industry awards

Suzette Noble is chief operating officer for LaGuardia Gateway Partners, manager and developer of LaGuardia’s new Terminal B.  Noble leads the delivery of an exceptional and seamless guest experience at Terminal B, maximizing commercial revenue and implementing processes for the organization. Ms. Noble is an experienced leader with more than 20 years experience developing and operating transformational guest experiences at companies such as Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, Krispy Kreme, and Great Wolf Lodge. 

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
It is the new LaGuardia Terminal B! I have traveled through LGA many times over many years due to the convenience to New York City and each time I would anticipate an underwhelming experience. Yet now, it is truly a destination, the design and the ambiance created by an exceptional staff and the curated art and experiential program to calm and delight travelers. The improvements are inspiring. 

Tell us about your best flying experience…
I have had so many great flying experiences, one of my favorites is when the flight crew takes an extra moment to have a personable engagement, like introducing themselves, welcoming their passengers, and finding connected moments to celebrate special moments like anniversaries, birthdays, and military services. On my last JetBlue flight, prior to departure the captain stepped out of the cockpit to introduce himself and share the flight itinerary details.  It instilled confidence and warmth.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
My family’s favorite travel adventure was to Africa, seeing the amazement of new discoveries in the eyes of my three sons was priceless. Our favorite adventures were experiencing new and different countries, history, customs and cultures. Still today, our sons talk about walking through Nelson Mandela’s home and learning about his journey.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
A comfy pair of sneakers and a portable phone battery.  My grandfather always said, wear comfortable shoes, so your feet can carry you to new adventures. The other “must have” item is a back-up battery, so my phone never dies and I can capture every memorable moment.

Vincenzo is an airport focused senior project management professional for Unity Electric, a leading electrical specialty contractor. With over 15 years of experience, he has helped manage several signature NYC construction projects, including portions of the World Trade Center redevelopment. Born and raised in NYC, Vincenzo is a lifelong aviation enthusiast and enjoys being a hobbyist aviation & aerial photographer. His photos have been published in various publications worldwide and has a respected following in the aviation community. Vincenzo is the secretary of the JFK Rotary and an active member of the JFK Airport Chamber of Commerce and KAAMCO.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
The renaissance of LaGuardia Airport has to be the most exciting improvement in recent years for the New York City airport community. In the span of less than a decade, LGA is virtually a completely new airport from the ground up. As a member of the JFK community, I am enthusiastic about the ongoing redevelopment of JFK, creating thousands of jobs for the construction industry, rebuilding an iconic airport to welcome the world to NYC.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
I have traveled extensively over the years, particularly in the last 5 years due to my hobby as an aviation photographer. My most memorable flying experience in recent memory was a pre-Covid trip in first class on Cathay Pacific Airways from JFK to Vancouver. Cathay was allowed 5th Freedom Rights to fly this transcontinental route and it was such a wonderful experience to be on this flight before it ended in 2020.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
My favorite adventure to date was doing a memorable aerial photography photo shoot over the aircraft boneyards in the California desert back in late 2020. Many aircraft were being stored at the boneyards during Covid and it was very moving for me to document a sad, but quite historic period in aviation. 

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
My camera gear of course! Besides that, I’ve learnt to pack as much as 5 days’ worth of clothes into a carry-on bag to avoid the extra time of checking a bag. My secret? Rolling up my clothes to create extra room!

Andrew Parton is the president of Long Island’s largest Air & Space Museum, managing a team of 40 employees and 200 volunteers. With expertise in marketing, business development, and government relations, he has implemented new revenue streams and fundraising programs that have ensured the museum’s continued growth. The museum houses 75 planes and spacecraft, a Giant Screen Dome Theater Planetarium, serving over 350,000 visitors annually.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
The recently completed Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport represents a significant enhancement to New York’s airport infrastructure. Like numerous other travelers, I experienced numerous challenges with the outdated terminal in the past, and its successful transformation into a modern facility serves as a testament to what is achievable in New York. My heartfelt congratulations to all those who contributed to its success.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
After witnessing a spectacular Space Shuttle launch during a flight from Tampa to New York, I was inspired to pursue a career at the Cradle. The pilot’s announcement prompted a spontaneous shift in weight towards the right side of the plane, but fortunately, it did not pose any safety risks. This unforgettable experience became a catalyst for my professional journey, leading me to pursue my passion in the field of space exploration.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
I took my family to Ireland for the first time when my children were aged 15 and 10. The 10-day trip proved unforgettable, providing the opportunity to visit numerous relatives and create a lasting bond with my children before they became too self-conscious to travel with their parents. The relationship they formed with their Irish cousins would have made my mother from County Cavern incredibly proud.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
When preparing for travel, it’s crucial to pack a few essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Among my top priorities are a reliable cell phone and a charger to keep it powered up throughout the journey. Additionally, packing some good books helps provide entertainment and relaxation during downtime.

Anthony Pastore is a senior vice president with AECOM Tishman, currently serving as project director for the New Terminal One at JFK with responsibilities that include project oversight with an emphasis on design management including construction management, procurement, cost management, budget and cost control for multiple programs. Anthony also serves as an adjunct instructor, faculty and committee member for Fordham University REI assisting with course work and curriculum development.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
That would have to be the work we are performing for the redevelopment of the new terminal one at JFK. I have been involved with the project from inception navigating the challenges to get the project off the ground. It’s both exciting and rewarding to see the project underway while assisting in the project development and benefits it has on the community.

Tell us about your best flying experience…
My best flying experience would have to be my honeymoon flying to Greece. Along with the excitement of being newlyweds it was also my first time leaving the country.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
Visiting the Florida Keys, especially Islamorada, where I go almost every year with a group of friends to go back country and off shore fishing.

Kathleen started in hospitality in 1989 and almost every year she has won an award.  She developed partnerships with the airlines for both LGA and JFK and maintains these partnerships today. She has been a Kiwanian and Rotarian partnering with the community and the military.  Recently, she was awarded the 2021 Adrian Award-HSMAI Hospitality Recovery Heroes Award for working toward recovery for the local and front-line during Covid, helping hospitals, government, first responders, universities, and the community.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
LaGuardia

Tell us about your best flying experience…
Flying to Europe the flights are comfortable and the airlines provide great service.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
Traveling with my family through Italy and then boarding a cruise to explore so many wonderful places like Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece. Just spectacular! Traveling in Europe, and immersing myself in each culture is definitely my happy place.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
In my carry-on: bathing suit, coverup, sunscreen, one outfit, phone charger, camera, a snack, and makeup, in case my luggage gets lost.

Scott Rechler is the CEO and chairman of RXR, an innovative investor, developer and place-maker committed to applying a customer and community-centered approach to building properties, services, and products that create enduring value for all stakeholders. With an aggregate gross asset value of $22.4 billion, including a multi-family residential portfolio of approximately 8,000 units under operation or development, RXR seeks to build and create stronger communities within its buildings and within the areas in which it operates.

Amit Rikhy is CEO of CAG Holdings, Carlyle’s dedicated platform for airport investing. CAG is built to develop and invest in projects that benefit the community and customers and deliver commercial outcomes for all stakeholders. His experience in this industry spans the globe, including the $9.5 billion New T1 at JFK. He is also interim chief revenue officer for NTO, responsible for airline and commercial development, travel experience, overseeing art and branding, and championing ESG initiatives.

What is your favorite New York airport improvement over the past few years?
Once the world-class JFK New Terminal One is built, it will undoubtedly be my favorite improvement — it will transform customer experience, not only in NY, but across the US. The new terminals at LGA have been fantastic improvements, making travel more enjoyable. I look forward to arriving and departing from these terminals — it’s always a treat to be in a space that’s newer than my shoes!

Tell us about your best flying experience…
The new United Polaris business class is always pleasant. However, my favorite experience was on Singapore Air’s Singapore to JFK flight. The service was impeccable, the food was delightful, and the seats were incredibly comfortable. Most importantly, the flight was super efficient, allowing me to work, eat, and sleep without interruption. Not only was it the world’s longest flight, but the service was so good, I almost didn’t want to get off the plane!

What has been your favorite travel adventure?
Flying around the world in one week was my favorite adventure. Despite food poisoning, my team’s speedy assistance helped me keep going. I now carry OTC medicines on my travels. It took me from the US East Coast to East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America, with one-day stopovers in seven cities to visit airlines at their headquarters for New Terminal One at JFK.

What are the most important items that you pack for a trip?
When it comes to packing, I make sure to prioritize comfort and productivity. I always make sure to pack comfortable sweats and shoes that I can sleep and walk around in, my trusty iPad, noise-canceling headphones, plenty of water to keep me hydrated and a good lip balm. These essentials help me beat jet lag, stay productive on long flights and arrive ready to go to my next meeting.