Section 8: Organization

Section 8:

Organization

Organization

At times such as a global pandemic, it’s more apparent than ever before that what makes the Rhode Island Airport Corporation run so well are the people who work there, tirelessly and often without fanfare, working to keep our state’s aviation infrastructure functioning. The more the Rhode Island Airport Corporation can do to help our team invest in themselves, the better for all.

Corporate Wellness and Reinvestment in our Team

Among the Rhode Island Airport Corporation’s (RIAC) safety and wellness initiatives offered is a health rewards program in which employees can “walk off” the cost of an Apple watch or other fitness devices as an incentive to adopt healthy habits. RIAC has also reinstated one of its more popular famous “perks” – an onsite gym including a treadmill, elliptical, weights, and other fitness equipment. At RIAC, the safety of employees is taken just as seriously as the public that is served. Throughout the pandemic, RIAC proactively implemented employee safety initiatives, such as providing ample hand sanitizer and face coverings while taking steps to ensure compliance with social distancing and room capacity requirements. Above all, RIAC is proud to be committed to the promotion of employee excellence, equal opportunity, teamwork, and the highest levels of professional conduct, all while recognizing that a positive work environment will facilitate RIAC’s ability to achieve its mission.

Six Sigma Training

It has been said before that an airport is very much like running a city. At RIAC, that requires a senior management team that is running well on all cylinders. One way that RIAC effectively seeks to reinvest in itself is through professional development initiatives that can both help employees become experts in their chosen fields, as well as function better as a problemsolving team. Working in partnership with the Bryant University’s Professional Development Program, RIAC instituted the council for Six Sigma certifications’ Six Sigma yellow belt training program to provide the senior management team with a thorough understanding of enhanced problem-solving skills. Often considered a mark of quality excellence in many industries, Six Sigma training seeks to help employees advance their careers as well as help their organization through a mastery of quality habits and skills.

Service Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, RIAC held a business luncheon and Employee Service Awards function. Members of the RIAC Management Team took the opportunity to honor long-term employees’ commitment towards the corporation. The ceremony commenced with a “State of the Airport” update from RIAC President and CEO, Iftikhar Ahmad, providing the team with an overview of the team’s accomplishments, and thanking all team

members for their hard work and dedication that contributed to RIAC’s achievements. RIAC staff then enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch with various desserts, and a hot chocolate bar while complimentary chair massages were also available to the staff. Employee Service Awards were presented to twenty-eight employees for their years of dedicated service to RIAC. Employees were honored for their years of service ranging from five to thirty-five years, with each employee receiving a certificate and a gift card as a “Thank You” from the organization.

From top left to bottom right: Rhode Island Airport Corporation’s Fire Rescue team stands by ready and ensures the safety of all of those who utilize the airport; President & CEO, Iftikhar Ahmad presents Kathy McCormick with a Certificate of Achievement for her ongoing commitment and 25th year of service at RIAC; Amber Perez, Police Patrol Officer, works diligently to keep our airport safe and secure; The RIAC Police team completed their 2020 “No Shave November” to support the Rhode Island Food Bank raising $1,000; RIAC participated in the #1 Patriots fan contest; RIAC employees convene together in the conference room on the 3rd floor; RIAC celebrates “Go Red” Event for the American Heart Association; and RIAC instituted the Six Sigma yellow belt training program to provide the senior management team with a mastery of quality habits and skills. 61

2021 Affirmative Action Plan

RIAC completed its 2021 Affirmative Action Plan which included two new committees and indicated that we tripled minority hiring since 2018.

Diversity and Inclusion

Over the past five years, RIAC has been successful in increasing the diversity of its workforce as indicated by the charts on the following page. Inclusion and diversity are strategic business imperatives that are part of who we are as an organization and how we do business, allowing us to leverage the diversity of our staff to achieve RIAC’s mission, vision and goals. Diversity of thought and backgrounds drives innovation and better ways of doing things. Our culture of diversity and inclusion also shapes our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to our clients.