Airport Business - 28

UNDER

JUAN F. MARTINEZ

Aviation Safety Management Systems Director, Chicago Department of Aviation

W

hen Juan F. Martinez was growing up in
San Juan, Puerto Rico, his dad would
take him to a local airfield every weekend where
they would watch planes fly away.
He took the love of aviation to
college, where he began working on
his private pilot license to become
a professional pilot. However, he
realized he could make more of
an impact on the aviation industry
working down on the ground than
he would flying solo.
"It never stops and it's so
challenging. Every day is a different
day and you just don't know what you're getting,"
he said. "Even with the scheduled meetings, you
never know what's going to happen because
there's always some factor that influences your
decision making skills, your critical thinking
abilities, your projects throughout the timeline
and the punch list that you need to meet."
Martinez worked for the Puerto Rico
Department of Consumer Affairs, the Puerto
Rico Ports Authority and Aerostar Airport
Holdings as the SMS coordinator for the Luis

Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
Martinez lead the effort for SJU, which was
aside from the FAA pilot studies as a voluntary
effort to develop all phases of an SMS manual
and implementation.
He was responsible for the development
and phased implementation of the airport
SMS program. He developed a safe and just
culture; developed the confidential and hazard
report; created the airport safety committee;
started the first FOD walk; built SMS program
development and implementation, gap analysis
and risk assessments; while working with the
entire airport community.
Martinez then joined the city of Chicago
O'Hare (ORD) team as the SMS director
continuing the implementation process inclusive
of the development of a fully functional SMS
database. Martinez is engaged on a daily basis
to make safety improvements for ORD.
He is part of the Airport Council
International (ACI) SMS task force and is a
member of the planning team for the annual
SMS workshop conferences inclusive of
conference activity planning and speaking

in support of SMS and helping to make
improvements in the industry.
His experience currently helps those airports
who want to also be early implementers and
those who eventually may need to be compliant
with future rule making. His involvement has
and will help airports of all size and complexities
improve their safety processes to make the entire
aviation system safer.
Alma Mater: Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Fun fact about myself: I enjoying traveling and have
visited most of the Caribbean, North and Central
America and Europe
Favorite aircraft: B747-8
Are you a pilot?: Yes, Private Pilot
Someone I look up to in the industry: Ed Bastian
My favorite thing about aviation is: It never sleeps/
stops
If I could change one thing about the aviation
industry: U.S. Airports infrastructure and PFC's

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MEREDITH GENOCHIO Chief Operating Officer, Tastes on the Fly

M

eredith Genochio joined Tastes on the
Fly in 2001 and has since moved her way
through the ranks to chief operating officer.
Genochio never realized she could make
a vocation in aviation until she received her
first restaurant job in an airport.
She has always been mesmerized
by the travel industry.
"Airports were a magical place
to me as a kid to visit and see all
the people, wondering where they
were going, who they were and
realizing you could get anywhere
in the world." Genochio said.
At Tastes on the Fly, Genochio drives the
importance of business behind hospitality. She
creates new innovative ways to help improve
the mortality of the airport with local brands
that best represent the area.
"I think one thing that we can improve on
right now is the green efforts and sustainability,
as well as more passenger friendly regulations
for air travel including seat comfortability,
minimum leg room, service and communication
training for the TSA," Genochio said.

Tastes on the Fly has won every major
airport concession award including Best Overall
Operator and Best Customer Service under
Genochio's guidance.
"Being on the concessions side of the aviation
industry, I naturally love caring for the traveling
public. I am proud to be part of an organization
that provides exceptional guest experiences by
introducing authentic local and artisan brands
to the airport environment. We strive to be an
oasis for travelers during what is often a stressful
journey." Genochio said.
Genochio launched Tastes on the Fly's
participation in Project Bread's annual Walk
for Hunger, adopt a family programs during
the holidays, coat drives through One Warm
Coat and a summer culinary program for at risk
youth through the YMCA. She has also been
involved in the federal WOTC program which
encourages employers to hire persons who are
disabled, veterans and long-term unemployed.
Genochio loves to provide opportunities
for others while developing new creative skills
to put into her craftsmanship.
"Passengers drive the industry," Genochio

28 \ AIRPORTBUSINESS / NOVEMBER 2019

said. "The best passenger experience comes from
cohesive and mutually beneficial partnerships
between the airport authority and all airport
tenants and departments. I would love to see
greater collaboration between these entities.
They must understand each other's obstacles,
seek mutual resolutions and support one
another."
Alma Mater: I have studied at City College of San
Francisco, UC Berkeley and Harvard
Fun fact about myself: I am a complete Harry Potter
fanatic
Favorite aircraft: Very specifically, The Connie, located
at the TWA hotel JFK. This historic plane has been
converted to a cocktail lounge
Are you a pilot?: No
My favorite thing about aviation is: Aviation puts
the world at your fingertips. Once a significant luxury
requiring extensive time, aviation brings the dream of
travel to life. Whether it is a distant exotic land or a trip
to visit family on the other side of your own country,
aviation has created far greater accessibility to people
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