2024 Award Winners

Digital Transformation Excellence Award
Bentley Systems

The Digital Transformation Excellence Award celebrates individuals or teams who have pivotally leveraged cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize and enhance various aspects of airport operations or project delivery. Recipients of the Digital Transformation Excellence Award at DFW Airport are at the forefront of ushering in a new era of technological advancement, contributing to the Airport's reputation as an industry leader in digital innovation.

This year's award goes to Bentley Systems, whose unparalleled support and access to innovative tools, coupled with their advanced 4D platform, enabled DFW Airport to execute its inaugural 4D construction project with great success. Bentley Systems helped establish a comprehensive campus-wide 4D program, which provides a holistic view of all anticipated design and construction activities at the airport over the next decade.

These visionary initiatives have been instrumental in shaping the current endeavors of DFW's Infrastructure and Development Division and defining the future of the digital oversight program. The example set by Bentley Systems inspires us all to continue driving innovation and excellence in the field of airport operations and project management.

Innovation Excellence Award
Terminal Exit Lane Pilot Program

The Innovation Excellence Award at DFW Airport honors individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, ingenuity, and forward-thinking in their contributions to DFW Airport. Recipients of the Innovation Excellence Award exemplify a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and positioning DFW Airport as a trailblazer in the aviation industry's pursuit of innovation.

This year's Innovation Excellence Award recognizes the Terminal Exit Lane Pilot Program. This provides technology-based monitoring and access control of Terminal exit doors, which increases airport operational efficiency, enhances the exit experience of passengers and employees, and increases situational awareness of airport security staff, while eliminating dependence on staffed exits.

Commercial Developer Excellence Award
Seefried Industrial Properties

The Commercial Developer Excellence Award is a distinguished recognition celebrating outstanding achievement in commercial development within the Airport's expansive infrastructure. Recipients of the Commercial Developer Excellence Award contribute significantly to DFW's reputation, showcasing excellence in the design and implementation of commercial development properties.

We would like to recognize Seefried Industrial Properties as this year's Commercial Developer Excellence Award recipient. Seefried successfully developed a two-building logistics facility at the southwest corner of West Airfield and Glade Rd. This property comprises approximately 356,000 sq ft of distribution/warehouse space on 30 acres of leased land. Construction was completed in mid-2020 for occupancy by several aviation-oriented and transportation-related tenants. The Seefried development team created an efficient and easily accessible building layout on a site with geometric and infrastructure constraints.

Quality Excellence Award
CJ Robison

The Quality Excellence Award is a distinguished honor that recognizes exceptional achievements in ensuring the highest quality, innovation, and efficiency standards in airport infrastructure development at DFW Airport. Nominees for this award exhibit a commitment to excellence through meticulous attention to detail, adherence to industry best practices, effective project management, and the successful delivery of projects within established timelines and budgets.

This year's Quality Excellence Award goes to CJ Robison for his leadership on the Airfield Ramp Efficiencies Projects. Since joining the PM/CM team, CJ has taken time and effort to ensure quality is upheld on his projects. He has daily meetings with contractors addressing issues and communicates resolutions to issues with Quality Assurance and Code staff. His professionalism and experience have brought resolutions to complicated issues by engaging contractor, Engineer of Record, Quality Assurance Team, and Code to minimize schedule delays.

Operational Excellence Award
Tom Lyon

The Operational Excellence Award honors individuals or teams with outstanding dedication and proficiency in optimizing DFW Airport operations. Recipients of the Operational Excellence Award exemplify a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in airport operations, contributing significantly to the overall success and reputation of DFW Airport as a leading aviation hub.

We would like to recognize Tom Lyon as the distinguished recipient of the Operational Excellence Award for his outstanding efforts in addressing emergency needs on the airfield at DFW Airport. Tom's exemplary leadership, dedication, expertise, and swift response to emergencies have ensured the smooth functioning of critical operations and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety and efficiency standards.

Customer Experience Excellence Award
Jared Payne & Alana Hosey

The Customer Experience Excellence Award acknowledges individuals or teams that have consistently exceeded in delivering exceptional service and satisfaction to travelers. Recipients of the Customer Experience Excellence Award exemplify the Airport's dedication to providing a welcoming and seamless journey, contributing significantly to DFW's reputation as a leader in prioritizing customer satisfaction within the aviation industry.

We would like to recognize Merchant Aviation, specifically two individuals with the Customer Experience Excellence Award.

First, Jared Payne for his efforts on the recent CBP Arrivals Hall Carpet Replacement Project.

Being a new contractor for DFW, Jared was able to step into the project and very quickly make a positive impact. His ability to be a quick study was critical to the success of the project as it was on an accelerated schedule to meet a tight deadline. Jared kept the voice of the customer first throughout the planning and execution of the contract and is an excellent advocate of #OneDFW. He is constantly going above and beyond for the customer by putting in the extra time and effort to ensure that the projects he oversees are on track. In the end, our customers reap the rewards by having a better overall experience at DFW Airport when arriving internationally since Customs is a first entry point for this customer segment.

Next, Alana Hosey for her efforts on the Holistic Airside Restroom Program (HARP).

Since Alana has joined our project team, she has been instrumental in pushing forward all the restroom projects to best meet our deadlines. Specifically, Alana worked diligently to assist in the completion of the HARP Group 3 Business Case, CIP approval, and MII approval in an accelerated timeframe, all while being new to her role and the project. Alana’s keen insights has been beneficial to making decisions in effort to finalize the DFW Restroom Design Guidelines. Throughout the project, she kept the customer needs top of mind in design and development.  Her willingness to put in the extra time and effort for all projects she is involved with is a true example of the #OneDFW spirit.

Safety Excellence Award
TEXO

The Safety Excellence Award at DFW Airport is a tribute to individuals or teams who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety and security within the airport community. Recipients of the Safety Excellence Award exemplify DFW Airport's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety, ensuring a secure environment for all stakeholders, and upholding the Airport's reputation as a leader in aviation safety.

In recognition of their efforts, we are pleased to announce TEXO as this year's Safety Excellence Award recipient. TEXO assists DFW’s Risk Department with monthly safety training, onsite inspections, participation in the safety forum, and their involvement with the construction contractors in the area.

Contractor of the Year Award
Skye Building Services

The Contractor of the Year Award at DFW Airport recognizes a construction or service contractor who has demonstrated exceptional performance, reliability, and excellence in executing projects throughout the year. Recipients of the Contractor of the Year Award exemplify a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and professionalism, vital in advancing DFW Airport's infrastructure and contributing to its success as a world-class aviation facility.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that Skye Building Services is the recipient of this prestigious award. Skye Building Services has continuously exceeded our expectations by consistently performing to the highest standards. Their unwavering dedication to partnership and collaboration with DFW and stakeholders has resulted in construction that is completed with minimal operational impacts, with quality, and on schedule.

They have demonstrated their commitment to excellence by providing thoughtful solutions to any challenges that have arisen. Their exemplary performance is not only recognized by DCC but also by our sister departments and airline partners. Skye Building Services truly sets the standard for excellence in the construction and service industry, and we are honored to recognize them as the Contractor of the Year. Congratulations, Skye Building Services!

Designer of the Year Award
Muller & Muller

The Designer of the Year Award at DFW Airport recognizes architects, engineers, and design professionals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, functionality, and sustainability in shaping the airport's physical environment. The award recipients are known for their commitment to excellence, efficiency, and environmental consciousness in airport design. Their work plays a vital role in shaping the airport's identity and ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing travel environment for millions of passengers and DFW employees.

Today, we are proud to announce Muller & Muller as the Designer of the Year.

Over the past year, Muller & Muller has made significant contributions to our organization's Customer Experience mindset. They have shown an unwavering commitment to customer-focused concept designs, particularly in developing our information nodes for the future, which DFW Airport will use in all upcoming construction and renovation projects. Their innovative and thoughtful approach to design has not only met but also exceeded the requirements for providing information to our customers. Muller & Muller's dedication to understanding and anticipating the needs of our customers has been instrumental in shaping these future projects and ensuring they fit in with the existing space aesthetics. As a result, they are a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.

Project of the Year Award
Terminal Exit Lane Pilot Project

The Project of the Year Award is a distinguished accolade that recognizes a standout initiative demonstrating innovation, efficiency, and overall excellence in execution. It honors a project that has significantly impacted the Airport's infrastructure, operations, or services and demonstrates exceptional project management, collaboration, and successful implementation. This award contributes to the continual growth and advancement of DFW Airport as a leading aviation hub.

This year, we are proud to recognize the Terminal Exit Lane Pilot Project as the Project of the Year. The pilot project addressed the need for continuous monitoring of exit lanes, which sometimes closed unpredictably due to staffing issues. The unexpected closure of exit lanes increased the time customers and employees took to exit the airport.

To replace the existing terminal exits with an automated system, the pilot program needed to move quickly. DCC Project Manager, Jeff Windsor & DCC Construction Manager Jose Madera-Ortiz, successfully managed extensive contractor and stakeholder coordination to enable construction, exit system delivery and assembly, access control integration, and functional testing. Additionally, Muller and Muller provided the completed design in just 90 days, and Skye Building Services reached substantial completion only 75 days after NTP.

Congratulations to the entire team for their ability to partner and execute efficiently to the highest quality and customer experience standards.

Excellence in Action Award
Keesha Davis and Lionel Santiago, Alstom

Next, we have the Excellence in Action Award. This award recognizes efforts that go above and beyond and spotlights dedication and exemplary performance.

The Excellence in Action Award proudly acknowledges the exceptional efforts of Keesha Davis and Lionel Santiago with Alstom.

Keesha and Lionel's unwavering commitment to addressing challenges head-on and their tireless efforts to ensure the continuous functionality of our systems during such critical times are truly commendable. During the January 2024 winter weather event, their round-the-clock presence onsite for over 24 hours, coupled with their prompt reporting and effective communication with executive leadership, exemplify the excellence we celebrate with this award.

Keesha and Lionel embody the spirit of dedication and going above and beyond to maintain consistent service for our passengers and communication with DFW leadership.

Design, Code, and Construction VP's Award
Sharon McCloskey

Our final award is the Design, Code, and Construction Vice President's Award. This award recognizes an individual who understands the importance of collaboration. This individual plays a crucial role in ensuring that the designer and the contractor work together to achieve the fullest potential of DFW's investment. It recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in their role as a partner, keeping the airport's mission and vision at the forefront of their work. This individual is dedicated to selecting the best consultants and contractors, providing valuable input on design criteria, and advocating for customer needs during the construction process.

I am thrilled to announce that this year's recipient of the DCC VP award is Sharon McCloskey, the VP of Customer Experience. Sharon is an inspiration to us all with her unwavering commitment to putting the customer first in everything we do. Her relentless efforts to improve the customer experience have not gone unnoticed and are truly deserving of this recognition. Thank you, Sharon, for your invaluable contributions to DFW International Airport, and for being a shining example of what it means to be a true partner.

Congratulations to all 2024 Award of Excellence recipients. You continue to be an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to being OneDFW.