SSP America

Congratulations to Senior Director of Learning & Development Julia Payne, MHRM., a 2025 PASSION Award winner! Julia embodies what it means to live our global values of team, curiosity, passion, and ownership, turning challenges into opportunities and pioneering new ways for our teams to learn, lead, and grow. This year, she led the design and launch of training programs that have reshaped how our teams operate across the US and Canada. Julia also launched Grab & Grow, SSP America’s first-ever leadership podcast, and co-created a new performance coaching model that’s helping our leaders embrace a coaching culture. Julia’s colleagues say she doesn’t just build programs, she builds capability, confidence, and connection. Her innovative mindset, commitment to inclusion, and passion for people make her an extraordinary example of our values in action. Thank you, Julia, for being an example for the entire SSP America team!

🥒 It’s National Pickle Day! 🥒 We have a dill-icious announcement we’d like to share with you…but you’ll have to wait until next week! 👀 Stay tuned, something bold and briny is on the way. 💚 #NationalPickleDay #SSPAmerica

Congratulations to Manager of Operations Jonathan White, a 2025 PASSION Award winner! At Spokane International Airport, Jonathan leads by example every day. His selfless approach and unwavering integrity set the tone for his entire team, inspiring those around him to bring their best to work. By consistently supporting his team, Jonathan fosters an environment where people feel valued, respected, and encouraged to share their ideas. His commitment to doing the right thing—prioritizing our global values of team, ownership, curiosity, and passion—builds trust and strengthens relationships across every level of the operation. Jonathan’s leadership creates a culture of care, collaboration, and excellence that benefits both his team and SSP America’s guests. His colleagues say it best: it’s an absolute pleasure working side by side with him.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Joint Venture Partner Leadership Award: 🏆Shonda Scott, founder and chief executive officer of 360 Total Concept Management Consulting 🏆Erin Clarke Humphreys, founder and chief executive officer of Erin Clarke + Co At Oakland International Airport - OAK, Shonda has worked tirelessly to elevate important conversations around airport growth, recovery, and community impact. SSP America Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Heather Barry shared, “Shonda’s leadership reflects the very best of partnership: informed, passionate, and deeply rooted in community impact.” Her advocacy and dedication have helped shape policies that support long-term success for our business and our people. At Indianapolis International Airport, Erin leads through steady collaboration and professionalism. Heather noted, “Erin’s leadership and consistent engagement have strengthened our presence and reputation within one of the country’s best-run airports.” Her partnership and insight continue to build trust and drive shared success. We are proud to celebrate Shonda and Erin for their exceptional leadership and for embodying the SSP America values of team, curiosity, ownership, and passion. Thank you, Shonda and Erin!

Today, as we celebrate Veterans Day in the US 🇺🇸 and Remembrance Day in Canada 🇨🇦, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the nations’ veterans including those on the SSP America team. We’re proud to work with and serve those who’ve shown true courage and commitment. Their example reminds us what service and teamwork are all about. To all veterans, we thank you. #VeteransDay #RemembranceDay

Congratulations to Server Jessica Roman, a 2025 PASSION Award winner! Jessica is the heart of Brooklyn Diner at LaGuardia Airport (LGA)! She treats every guest like family and always delivers service with a smile. Her leadership shines through in the way she guides her teammates, takes ownership, and brings a passionate, team-first attitude to every shift. Jessica’s dedication shines brightest when challenges arise. During a recent shift when the restaurant was understaffed, she jumped in to cover multiple roles while keeping her energy high and her attitude upbeat. Her commitment to hospitality and her ability to create a welcoming environment never go unnoticed. Jessica’s colleagues and guests alike recognize her as someone full of passion: hardworking, hospitable, and unfailingly positive. We’re proud to celebrate her outstanding service and the joy she brings to Brooklyn Diner every day.

Congratulations to the three 2025 PASSION Cup-winning airports! 🏆 Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport - ROC, led by Director of Operations David Smith 🏆 Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, led by Director of Operations Denise Stratton 🏆 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 7, led by Director of Operations Fred Wolken Each of these airport teams demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and passion throughout the year. We’re so proud of their commitment to excellence and grateful for the leadership that makes their success possible. We can’t wait to celebrate with these teams when the PASSION Cup visits each airport in 2026!

Congratulations to our incredible 2025 PASSION Award winners! Your dedication to our global values of team, ownership, curiosity, and passion inspires us every day. We’re so grateful for everything you do to make SSP America exceptional. 🏆 Joint Venture Partner Award: Erin Clarke + Co Founder & CEO Erin Clarke Humphreys, 360 Total Concept Management Consulting Founder & CEO Shonda Scott 🏆 Trailblazer Award: Becca Newman and Bethanie Bean 🏆 Best in Class EBITDA: Dallas Love Field Airport, Winnipeg Airports Authority | Administration aéroportuaire de Winnipeg, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 7 🏆 Best in Class COGs: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Calgary Airports, San Francisco International Airport 🏆Best in Class Like-for-Like Sales: Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport - ROC, Kelowna International Airport - YLW, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 7 🏆Best in Class Health and Safety: Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport - ROC, Salt Lake City International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 7 🏆 Best in Class Retention Score: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Vancouver International Airport 🏆 Top Engagement Score: Miami International Airport 🏆 Most Improved Engagement Score: Oakland International Airport - OAK 🏆Bright Star Award: Natalie Greene, Elaine Hastings, Lieryn Jacobs, Jennifer Juul, MBA, PMP, Justin Kelly, Bernadette Maramba, Julia Payne, MHRM. 🏆Impact Award: Leroy Manthe 🏆PASSION Award: Julia Payne, Jonathan White, Jessica Roman 🏆PASSION Cup: Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, under the direction of David Smith; Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, under the direction of Denise Stratton; John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 7, under the direction of Fred Wolken 🏆App Engagement Award: Sonia Boonstra, Scott Welding 🏆 Service from the Heart Business Partner Award: Deb-El Food Products, Quality Retail Services / North Country 🏆 Innovation Every Day Business Partner Award: Diageo US Spirits, TipHaus 🏆 Open to New Ideas Business Partner Award: Novolex, Shift4

We have kicked off the 2025 PASSION Summit, bringing together many SSP leaders, as well as business supplier partners and joint venture partners, to focus on SSP’s global strategy and the steps that will help move it forward across North America. SSP Group Chief Executive Officer Patrick Coveney and SSP America Chief Executive Officer George Mboya delivered cornerstone presentations. Patrick highlighted how delivering world-class hospitality goes hand-in-hand with creating long-lasting success. George reinforced our focus on team engagement, operational excellence, innovation, and growth. Together, they outlined practical ways our teams can translate strategy into action: strengthening performance, unlocking opportunity, and driving sustainable success across our markets.

It’s National Sandwich Day, and we’re on a roll (literally). From takeoff to touchdown, we’re stacking up the best bites between two slices across North America’s airports. ✈️ Because great journeys deserve great 🥪 sandwiches 🥪 like these at George Bush Intercontinental Airport - IAH’s The Annie, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 4’s Eastward Long Island Kitchen, and Vancouver International Airport’s Dirty Apron. #NationalSandwichDay