News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Lois Barker and Phillip Britten
Lois Barker and Phillip Britten are Lauded for Locating Lost Items
Lois Barker (she/her) and Phillip Britten (he/him) with the PDX Volunteer Information Program, were nominated for a customer service award by Liana, a PDX traveler:
"Phillip Britten and Lois Barker helped when I left my cell phone in bathroom on the secure side of the airport. I realized after I got to baggage claim that I was missing my phone. I went to the information booth to ask for assistance and Phillip went the extra mile to try and call someone to look for it.
No one was available, so Lois went to Concourse D to find it for me. It wasn't in the bathroom anymore, but she checked around at various gates to find that someone turned it in there. Both volunteers were compassionate and extremely friendly while I was sure that I had lost my phone. They went the extra mile to help, and I want to give them a huge shout-out for being so great! Thank you, Lois and Phillip, for helping! I appreciate you both so much!”
Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX People website. You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service for next quarter – submit a nomination now.
Nominate a PDX Employee
View of the interior of the new main terminal.
What’s New with PDX Next: Ticket Lobby Work
Ticket Lobby: Demolition work in the construction area behind the wall near the Southwest ticket counters started this week and continues through Friday, Feb. 23. This work is for the new north throat in the main terminal. While you can expect moderate noise during these activities, on Saturday, Feb. 10, through Thursday, Feb. 15, expect louder volumes as crews work on concrete chipping. Noise levels will be monitored.
We also have some date changes to note: Now through Tuesday, Feb. 12, crews will install vertical finish panels above the north temporary wall in the Southwest and American queue areas. On Monday, Feb. 12, through Tuesday, Feb. 20, crews will install vertical finish panels above the American and Delta queue areas. The aisle in front of the ticket counters will close periodically while scissor lifts change locations. Access to some airline kiosks will be blocked while work is performed, but work will not block all kiosks at the same time.
Now through Friday, Feb. 23, crews will install the main ceiling system near the D/E overflow queue in the north ticket lobby. While workers are in front of elevators, one will shut down at a time. There will be no impact to escalators.
On Monday, Feb. 12, through Tuesday, Feb. 20, crews will install ceiling grid in the south ticket lobby's general circulation area along the temporary wall across from the south escalator core. 
Looking for more PDX Next information? We're keeping you in the know on what's new on the PDX People website. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339.
Exterior rendering of the new main terminal at PDX.
Get Ready for ORAT
Supported by a dedicated team of Port of Portland employees, the PDX Operation Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) team is focused on the transition from PDX Next construction to new main terminal operations.
Their work includes creating a detailed transition plan, testing new systems and introducing employees to the space. Basically, this team is dedicated to ensuring everything goes well on Day 1 and beyond!
Over the next few months, you’ll hear more about the work the ORAT team is doing to ensure everything’s ready to go in May 2024. Be on the lookout for interactive activities and events, all aimed at preparing you for the new space.
Interactive Forums – Look for ORAT team members popping up around PDX so you can ask questions, learn what’s happening and win prizes.
Trials – Stay tuned for trial runs that test new and changing processes, systems and spaces.
On-site Familiarization –  Get inside the new main terminal to learn about key landmarks and new locations.
PDX People Open Houses – Enjoy a special sneak peek before we let passengers into the new main terminal.
Curious about details or wondering what’s coming? Ask your question to the ORAT team.
Priscilla Arizaga, Port of Portland social media manager.
Meet the Person Behind the Posts: Priscilla Arizaga, Port of Portland Social Media Manager
Have you noticed a few more memes and a bit of Beyoncé on our social channels? That's the work of Priscilla Arizaga, the new social media manager for the Port of Portland and PDX.
From strategizing and implementing creative campaigns to fostering online connections, Priscilla is focused on elevating our presence and ensuring our digital platforms are a dynamic and interactive space for travelers, employees and partners.
Even better, she wants YOUR help! Priscilla is always interested in your photos and videos of life around PDX. Share them on your socials and tag PDX (Facebook: Portland International Airport; Instagram: @pdxairport).
Can you share a bit about your background and career path?
For over 10 years, I’ve honed my skills as a marketing creative, crafting immersive narratives intertwined with a bold approach. After some time in museum arts education, my career in marketing and creative services was sparked by a chance meeting with an aspiring entrepreneur. I built their social media presence from the ground up, eventually cultivating one of the largest online communities in the baby carrier industry. 
What are your top priorities in your role?
My role goes beyond merely managing social media; it's about crafting an immersive and authentic experience that resonates with our audience while upholding our core values and strategic objectives. Combining experimentation with a solid understanding of best practices, I aim to bring a fresh, smart and friendly perspective to our social media presence.
Another extremely crucial priority is ensuring that our stories are not just told but experienced. I want to capture the essence of the Port of Portland and PDX from a firsthand point of view and integrate photos and videos from our employees. This will provide an authentic and diverse perspective that reflects our vibrant community. To do this, I need the participation of employees at all levels of the business. I want to find ways for employees to share their images and videos more regularly.
Can you share something about yourself that might surprise us?
While I bring a vibrant and “social” energy to my role, there's a quieter side to me that might be surprising. I have a side that loves a quiet afternoon at a museum, a solo movie night, the pages of a book, and the warmth of close-knit relationships forged offline. While I have lived in Portland for almost nine years, I feel like I am still learning and discovering aspects that make our city so special. I welcome any suggestions for how to enjoy Portland.
Kindness 911 bracelet, badge and citation card.

Port Police and Fire Answer the Call from Kindness 911


Port Police and Portland Airport Fire and Rescue are teaming up with Kindness 911, a local nonprofit that helps connect first responders with the people they serve to foster positive relationships. Our PDX “Kindness Cops and Firefighters” will be on the lookout for employees and travelers committing thoughtful acts to award them with “kindness citations.” In addition to the citations, Kindness 911 will make a small donation to local charities in the name of these folks who exemplify kindness, compassion and goodwill.
PDX People posing with the White Lotus dancers.

White Lotus dancers performing by the Market.
PDX in Pictures
Over the weekend, we celebrated Lunar New Year 2024 – the Year of the Dragon – at the airport. The event was organized by the PDX People program in partnership with the Port of Portland Asian Pacific Islander employee resource group.
Sunday's celebration included a traditional lion dance by the White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance group, followed by a procession through the terminal. Red envelopes containing chocolate coins – a Lunar New Year tradition in many countries – were passed out to employees and passengers. Thanks to everyone who helped make the event happen and to all who joined in the fun!
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