Hartsfield-Jackson honors top-notch customer service
By Roishina C. Henderson

Hartsfield-Jackson honored its “shining stars” at the 14th annual Customer Service Employee Recognition Program awards luncheon on October 8.

Held at the Georgia International Convention Center, the event was open to all Airport employees and highlighted those who have gone beyond the call of duty. Awards were given in the categories of Unsung Hero/Heroine, Heroic Service, Ambassador, City of Atlanta (employee) and Superstar.

Walter Fernandez of the Atlanta Taxi Cab Bureau took home the Superstar Award, the highest honor, and received $4,000 in gift cards. Fernandez, one of six nominees, was recognized for tracking down a passenger to return expensive jewelry and other items that she left in his cab.

Joe Lee of the Department of Aviation Landside Operations received the City of Atlanta Award. He helped a passenger with Parkinson’s disease who needed a place to rest after a flight delay. Lee used his own money to pay for the passenger’s hotel room, food and other necessities. He was given $1,000 in gift cards with the award.

Fernandez and Lee also were among the six recipients of the 2009 International Customer Service Association’s (ICSA) Customer Service Professionals of the Year award. The award acknowledges those who provide ongoing, high levels of service and customer satisfaction. Each honoree received membership with the ICSA, an American Express gift card, a plaque and induction into the ICSA Hall of Fame.