Shawna Churchill
Dollar Rent a Car

Nominated by a PDX traveler

“I rent cars at PDX almost every weekend and go back to Dollar because their employees go above and beyond, especially Shawna. She remembers me and always greets me by name with a beaming smile. One time I mentioned I had a head cold and without hesitation she grabbed me a cup of tea – her customer service is second to none!"

Francisco Evanado Jr. II
Port of Portland

Nominated by a Port of Portland employee and Noah Juarez, Port of Portland

Nomination 1: "Francisco assisted a family who was looking for a missing family member. He landed at PDX but never exited the concourse, and only spoke Chuukese. The airlines and police assisted as they could, but neither was able to locate the missing man.

After an hour, Francisco located the missing individual. Unfortunately, his waiting family couldn't be found and there was no way to contact them. For three hours, Francisco rallied translators, used Facebook messenger and contacted a cousin in Idaho until he eventually found the family members.

While this was not technically his (or anyone's) job, it was nonetheless a job that needed to be done. I'm grateful Francisco was on duty that afternoon – no doubt the family is as well."

Nomination 2: "Recently Francisco responded to a distraught person who drove her camper into the parking garage. It turned out to be too low for her vehicle and she got stuck. Francisco reached out for assistance from SP+ Parking and Port personnel to help free the vehicle. He also used his people skills to calm down the frustrated driver while continuing to work on a solution. After a lot of teamwork, critical thinking and extra special effort from Francisco, the vehicle was freed and exited safely from the garage."

Jesse Fenton
SP Plus Corporation

Nominated by two different PDX travelers

Nomination 1: "My flight was late arriving at PDX, and I needed to make it out to my car in the blue economy lot. Unfortunately, I wrote the lane number down incorrectly.

The shuttle driver tried to help me find my car, but when it wasn’t in the lane, he suggested I ask Jesse, the night watch driver. Jesse called the office and found a recorded lane that matched my license plate. It was very late and dark by this time, and he stayed with me until I found and started my car.

Thank you for offering this helpful service and hiring wonderful employees like Jesse. I am so grateful."

Nomination 2: "Last night, Jesse came to our rescue and jump started our Prius. It was nearly midnight, and we were exhausted – and then distraught – to discover a dead battery. Within 15 minutes of our request for help, Jesse arrived in his truck with a great attitude and a pair of jumper cables. He knew exactly how to jump start a Prius and guided us through the process to ensure the battery would fully charge.

I don't know what he gets paid working the graveyard shift, but last night it was not enough to compensate him for his help! Thank you, Jesse, and thank you, PDX parking!"

Kenyan McCray
TSA

Nominated by a Port of Portland employee

"Kenyan came to our rescue during a recent staffing challenge in Lost and Found. We needed help and he stepped up in a big way! His friendly personality and willingness to assist – for a month – with drop box pickup and delivery was simply remarkable. Internal customer service helps build a stronger PDX family. From the entire Lost and Found team: Thank you, Kenyan!"

Arthur Robinson
Bags, Inc.

Nominated by Rachel Melrose, Assistant Manager, Elephants Deli

"Arthur was working inside at PDX when he noticed that outside the airport, a passenger had fallen out of their car and into the roadway. Arthur jumped into action without a second thought, assisted the passenger into a chair and then stayed with them and their family until they got to their gate.

The traveling family was very distraught, but Arthur maintained composure to help alleviate their stress and make sure they stayed safe during their time at PDX.

Arthur continuously goes above and beyond helping passengers and is a shining example of extraordinary customer service here at PDX!"

Mitchell Ryan
Paradies Lagardère

Nominated by Paradies management

"Mitchell recently started in our warehouse. He was quiet at first but has now become one of the most influential and fun personalities in a place that needed a morale boost. He leads by example and shows leadership with his work ethic. He is always on task and when he's done with his assignment, he helps others or asks management for something more to do.

Mitchell's positive attitude reflects on everyone around him and improves the atmosphere at work – he has shown his co-workers that it's just part of the job. I often catch him sweeping the warehouse and hallway after a long day's work so when the morning crew arrives, it's ready to go and looks good. His can-do attitude is a great addition to our team."

Lindsay Traver
SSP America

Nominated by a PDX traveler and Mathias Zippert, Director of Airport Operations, SSP America

Lindsay has been at SSP America for more than 10 years, and she always goes above and beyond. We couldn't be prouder of the work she does every day; she is one of the pillars our SSP family stands on.

This acknowledgment comes from a guest that sent her a handwritten card to thank her personally:

"Waiting for a plane has rarely been such a treat as it was being at Hopworks last Wednesday and watching all of your people doing such an enthusiastic job. The beer was good, and the pretzel was astounding – fresh and hot is quite a different experience than a bag on a plane.

I was there a few months ago and was delighted to see many of the same people again – retention of good people is so important these days. Thanks again for good food, good beer and good company."

Ken Tucker
Alaska Airlines

Nominated by Michael Higgins, CSA, Alaska Airlines

"A person, grieving a loss of a family member, was attempting to get a ticket home, but was short on funds. Eventually, the man arrived at our counter and Ken waited on him.

He told Ken about his loss and that he had no money for a ticket. He was grieving and desperate to get to his family and was asking for help. Ken explored options for the man. When it became obvious that there were none, Ken – out of his own Alaska Airlines' mileage bank – purchased a ticket for the man so he could get back home.

This is the character of our Ken. If there ever was a kinder soul, I don't know who it could be. I truly believe that this brand of generosity and caring should be recognized on a grand scale. Thank you for being you, Ken. It's an honor to get to work with you."

Stacy Arelliano, Annie Logan, Bill Ingemanson
OEG

Nominated by Jennifer Connolly, Safety Representative, OEG

"As a group of OEG employees were leaving for the day, they encountered a person experiencing a medical emergency in the south tunnel. The traveler collapsed on the moving walkway.

Bill Ingemanson sprang into action to help. There were many travelers around, so he managed the area, stayed calm and followed proper first aid training. Together with Annie Logan and Stacy Arelliano, they shut off the mobile walkway, called the Communications Center, checked vitals and kept the companions of the fallen individual calm until emergency medical services showed up and took over."

Garrett Bancroft, Dylan Congrove, Matt Dull,
Justin Heidmann, Matthew Pixley, Preston Scott
Portland Airport Fire and Rescue 

Nominated by George, a PDX traveler

"I had the unfortunate experience of collapsing from a heart attack while at PDX. I called 9-1-1 and members of your PDX emergency response team came to my aid immediately.

Their care, kindness and preparedness undoubtedly saved my life. I write this to ask you to share my deepest appreciation for their efforts and note the great team you have. If it had to happen, it happened at the right time with the right people there to help me. You can be proud of the services you offer to this community. A heartfelt thank you to all."