PHL Impression Makers: Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Shift Coordinator Catherine “Cathy” O’Connell
Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) Shift Coordinator Catherine “Cathy” O’Connell recently received the “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.
As a shift coordinator, O’Connell’s job duties and responsibilities include assisting PPA cashiers, supervisors, and PHL passengers. She works the 4 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. shift Wednesday through Sunday and has been with PPA for seven years, and enjoys the opportunities available at the organization.
O’Connell usually starts her day with a cup of tea and has a positive mindset: “Today is going to be a good day!”.
“I enjoy working at the airport and interacting with passengers,” said O’Connell. “I get the chance to talk to many different people and learn about the places they are departing and arriving from.”
In his nomination of O’Connell, passenger Rori Dajao stated, “Cathy is an amazingly helpful employee. I was stuck in a traffic jam on the departure side of the airport. In 30 minutes, I moved from Terminal A to Terminal E. I called PPA and got connected with Cathy, who was immediately sympathetic to my plight and was able to direct me to a tunnel between Terminals E and F, which allowed me to park in economy, not in short-term parking, like I was resigning myself to do. She restored my faith in humanity and allowed me to make my flight to Houston!”
Over the years, O’Connell has perfected her communication, networking, and multi-tasking skills. She enjoys assisting her coworkers, managers, and passengers. Her colleagues describe her as easygoing, kind, and hardworking.
“Making the work environment a better workplace is my goal,” said O’Connell. “Teamwork is important. My coworker on my shift is my work family, and we often help each other.”
O’Connell’s fundamental principle is to “make a difference in someone’s life.”
She has many positive memories with passengers and feels satisfied when she leaves an impression. “I like leaving an impact on passengers since, most of the time, we are the first and the last contact they have,” said O’Connell.
“Working for my employer is easy,” said O’Connell. “I come to work, do my job, and hope to make a difference. If it wasn’t for the passengers parking at PHL, I would not be here. I am here to let them know PHL is a great place to park and work!”
Written By: PHL Newsroom
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.