At Atlantic Aviation, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. Each year, we honor one outstanding team member whose kindness, work ethic, and commitment to service go above and beyond. This year, we’re proud to recognize Judith “Judy” Gildea, our Customer Service Manager at Atlantic Aviation Oxford (OXC), as our 2023 Employee of the Year.

For those who know Judy, it’s no surprise. Her warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care for customers and colleagues alike have made her a beloved presence on the ramp and in the terminal. But it was a quiet act of kindness that truly set her apart—and caught the attention of our entire organization.

Last year, during a time of financial difficulty for one of our own employees, Judy stepped in quietly and filled two backpacks with school supplies for their children—no fanfare, just a heartfelt gesture to support a teammate’s family. The impact of her generosity was felt deeply and shared by the employee’s spouse in a letter to our internal Culture Committee:

“This economy has been a constant struggle to pay our bills, and the cost of school supplies was something we had both lost sleep over. Judy’s act of kindness erased our worries in an instant.”

Judy’s story and spirit captured the hearts of our team and earned her top recognition among dozens of employees nominated across the country.

When it came time to celebrate Judy, the OXC team didn’t hold back. What started as a normal day quickly turned into a surprise celebration, complete with decorations, flowers, and a heartfelt crowd—including her coworkers, customers, tenants, and even her family. With the help of her colleague Yevgen, Judy was whisked away for a scenic ride around the field while her team transformed the space into a festive party.

The celebration was made even more special by the presence of the Bardwell family—the very family she had helped—who personally presented Judy with a bouquet in thanks.

“It was important to us that Judy’s day was as special as she is,” said Kerrie Crins-Driscoll, our Customer Experience Manager. “Her kindness touches so many, and we wanted to show just how much that means to all of us—customers included.”

Judy’s moment came with a heartfelt announcement from company leaders and a wave of cheers. She was visibly moved and, for a rare moment, speechless.

This celebration is a reminder that the people behind the Atlantic name make all the difference. Judy’s story is just one example of the many ways our team brings humanity and heart to everything we do.

Congratulations, Judy—and thank you for making Atlantic Aviation a better place for everyone who walks through our doors.