November-December 2022 - 42

Artemio Ricardo A. Hernandez, Ph.D., IAP,
Deputy Executive Manager, Guam International Airport Authority
As a native CHamoru, Artemio Ricardo " Ricky " Aguon
Hernandez, Ph.D., IAP, was raised on the concept of " inAge:
36
Employer: Guam
International Airport
Authority
Hometown:
Mangilao, Guam
Alma mater:
University of Guam;
University of Hawaii
at Manoa; Capella
University
afa'maolek. " The literal translation is " to make " (inafa')
" good " (maolek). Hernandez views serving as the deputy
executive manager for the Guam International Airport
Authority (GIAA) as a daily opportunity to improve the
quality of life for his community and all those who visit it.
" While ensuring safety and security is our utmost priority,
we are also continuously improving customer experience
from curbside to cabin, " said Hernandez, who is Guam's
first and only International Airport Professional (IAP).
" This service to the public would not be as rewarding
without the outstanding staff and management of the
GIAA - professionals who commit to quality service 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Their exceptional efforts make
my job that much easier and infinitely more enjoyable. "
Previously, Hernandez served as the deputy administrator
for Guam Economic Development Authority. He was heavily
involved in the island's medical and health response as
well as economic recovery efforts relative to the COVID-19
pandemic. Through this work, he was appointed to the
Governor's Recovery Panel of Advisors. While continuing
the response and recovery efforts, Hernandez was hired
at Guam International Airport, also known as Antonio B.
Won Pat International Airport (GUM).
As a FAR Part 139 airport, the airport relies on travel from
Japan and Korea as its main source of revenues. " As one
of the remaining international U.S. airports lagging in
recovery due to reliance on these source markets in Asia,
we have had to become creative and flexible in how we
have operated - reducing operating and maintenance
expenses to the lowest level in over a decade, while still
keeping the airport open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
and through creative debt refinancing and restructuring. "
One innovative strategy, restructuring over $140 million
of debt, led to reducing pandemic-impacted years' debt
payments by tens of millions of dollars, allowing for operational
continuity and flexibility while there was continued
uncertainty in air traffic recovery.
One of his personal philosophies is " You should leave
something better than you found it. "
www.AviationPros.com/21278743
Age: 38
Employer: South
Texas International
Airport
Hometown:
Alamo, TX
Jarita " Rita " Hernandez,
Customer Service Specialist, South Texas International Airport
Jarita Hernandez' first time stepping foot in an airplane
was in 2021. Prior to that, she had done everything
she could do to avoid airplanes due to all the terrifying
stories she had heard. To her surprise, that first flight
was nothing like her expectations, and in fact turned
out to be enjoyable. As she went on more and more
flights, she quickly realized that she wanted to be part
of the aviation industry - specifically assisting people
in their travel needs.
" What I enjoy most about what I do is the interaction
and communication I do on a daily basis with pilots,
passengers, government agencies and other companies
that are a key part of airport operations, " said
Hernandez. " It all starts with customer service and
what we can do to improve everyone's experience
at KEBG. "
Hernandez said the impact she wants
to have on the organization she is
part of is bringing in more business
to the airport.
" We are a small airport that many are not aware of. I
want to make it known so that the community is informed
of the services available at the airport, but also the
opportunities that may come along with expansion, "
she said.
An accomplishment she is proud of in her career is
obtaining a promotion in an advancement position
available in the department.
" I had no previous knowledge of the aviation industry
and was able to grasp the nature of the daily activities
needed and exceeded expectations, " said Hernandez.
www.AviationPros.com/21278322
It all starts with customer
service and what we can
do to improve everyone's
experience at KEBG.
42 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
http://www.AviationPros.com/21278743 http://www.AviationPros.com/21278322
November-December 2022

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