Rosemary McGee, PTI Airport Ambassador
At the heart of PTI’s mission to help passengers Fly Easy is a dedicated group of volunteers focused on smoothing each journey through the terminal. Since 1988, the Airport Ambassadors have been delivering customer experience with Southern charm all around PTI.
Under the leadership of Piedmont Triad Airport Authority’s Linda McKenzie for 28 years, the program has grown into a vital part of the airport’s reputation for ease, friendliness, and outstanding service.
“Travelers are always so overwhelmed, it can be nerve-wracking,” says McKenzie. “Our Ambassadors help calm them down and guide them to where they need to go.”
Ambassadors staff four information booths throughout the terminal and rove the airport looking for travelers in need of a helping hand. Whether it’s guiding passengers to TSA checkpoints, helping them find parking or rental cars, giving directions to food and shopping, or ordering wheelchairs for those in need, Ambassadors make sure every passenger’s experience is as smooth as possible.
“Our Ambassadors just love being here and would talk with every passenger if they could,” McKenzie says. “They are dedicated to customer service and love people.”
Ambassadors like Rosemary McGee, who has volunteered for 18 years, bring a wealth of experience and heart to the program. Having worked in international airports before retiring, Rosemary knows that even a quick answer or a helping hand finding a luggage cart or where to pay for parking can make all the difference.
McGee recalls emotional moments she witnesses each year, like seeing military cadets leaving for academy training or soldiers reuniting with their families. “It’s heartwarming. We feel like a small family here — and we’re all 5,000% committed to PTI,” she says.
PTI’s Airport Ambassadors are asked to volunteer just one three-hour shift per week, but many choose to give more because they love the work. Ambassadors enjoy special benefits such as restaurant and gift shop discounts, free drinks while on duty, parking perks, and appreciation events throughout the year.
Roger Cheney has fit the bill for a quarter century. A retired sales VP, Cheney took a career filled with cross-country travel and airport experiences and turned that into an empathetic ear and eye to help countless PTI passengers navigate the details required for air travel.
“Many people coming into the airport have never flown before,” Cheney shared. “It’s most satisfying to really help someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing and to keep them at ease.”
Ambassadors, like Cheney and McGee, also help create a positive atmosphere for first-time visitors to the Triad or annual event regulars. One such major event each April and October is the High Point Furniture Market, which brings in a global audience whose initial impressions of our region start right here at PTI.
“We really help the furniture people,” Cheney beams. “It’s a big thing to them to get our hospitality. It’s familiar to them and much better than other places.”
Roger Cheney, PTI Airport Ambassador
If you love offering help, local knowledge, and a welcoming smile to travelers from around the world and want to be part of a team that truly makes a difference, the PTI Airport Ambassador Program invites you to join us — and help every traveler Fly Easy.
For more information and to volunteer, visit: Airport Ambassador Program
