With great pleasure, we are thrilled to announce that Latarsha Watson, General Manager of the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) contract, has been named General Manager of the Year for the Northeast Region by Senior Vice President – Northeast Region Paul O’Brien. This recognition shines a light on Latarsha’s outstanding leadership, dedication to her team, and innovation to approach managing operations efficiently.
A Journey of Growth and Leadership
Latarsha joined the acquired company in 2016 as an accountant in the finance department. Her strong drive for growth and her desire for new challenges led her to transition into management. In 2019, Latarsha took on the role of General Manager for PHL airport, overseeing the aviation contract. Today, she manages two vital shuttle contracts: American Airlines and the Philadelphia International Airport, demonstrating an exceptional ability to manage complex operations both landside and airside.
Tackling Challenges with Innovation
Managing operations in the airfield presents unique challenges, particularly with an ageing fleet of buses that require additional maintenance and adherence to specialized safety rules for driving within an airport’s apron. However, under Latarsha’s leadership, these challenges have been met with innovative solutions, ensuring seamless service and safety. One of her most notable achievements has been improving efficiency in payroll budgeting. By streamlining driver and dispatcher schedules and implementing an overtime request process, she successfully reduced unnecessary spending on payroll costs. Additionally, she introduced a tracking system to monitor pick-up times, ensuring no gaps in service-an initiative that has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Leadership Through Collaboration and Teamwork
Latarsha consistently emphasizes that she has the best team in the company, praising their collaborative spirit and dedication to getting the job done well. Her leadership style fosters a culture of teamwork and support, which has directly contributed to the success of her operations. When asked what keeps her motivated to keep pushing forward, she stated, “It’s teamwork. My team is awesome. I think I have the best team ever. When we work together, we get it done, it doesn’t matter what it is.”
Latarsha’s team currently serves an average of 9,000-10,000 daily riders, totaling approximately 280,000 riders every month. She oversees operations at four lots with a combined workforce of approximately 120 employees, ensuring each team member plays a vital role in delivering excellent customer service. These managed lots include the Employee Lot Shuttle that transports approximately 7,000 daily riders, the Economy Lot Shuttle that transports approximately 2,000 daily riders and the Cargo City and American Airline Shuttles that transport approximately 900 daily riders combined.
Commitment to Safety and Community
Latarsha leads by example in safety management and community involvement. She has cultivated a strong partnership with the Philadelphia International Airport, collaborating on local events to boost community engagement. Her team actively participates in local initiatives like the Angel Tree Program, where Transdev employees fulfill Christmas wishes for local children, making the holidays brighter for countless families. Latarsha and her team also volunteer for local community events throughout the year like feeding the homeless.
Under her leadership, Transdev employees have been recognized as Mobility Change Makers (MCMs) by both the airport and , earning notoriety and visibility for their exceptional service. Customers have even called the airport to commend Transdev employees for their outstanding customer service-a clear reflection of the positive culture Latarsha has built.
Raymond Blethen, Vice President of the Northeast Region, commends Latarsha’s engagement with her employees, her client, and the community, stating, “Latarsha is extremely involved in community, employee, and safety engagement and is great at including our client with shared micro events and activities for the community. Her dedication to engagement has allowed Transdev’s presence to come to the forefront at the Philadelphia airport, where the client also participates in recognizing members from her team as the airport’s own Mobility Change Makers, something that has not quite been done before in the region. It is great to see members from her team posted on billboards and screens throughout the airport, giving them the exposure they deserve.”
A Leader to Look Up To
Latarsha Watson’s dedication to her team, client, and community makes her an exemplary leader. Her ability to balance operational efficiency, employee motivation, and customer service satisfaction has set a high standard for others to follow.
Transdev is proud to congratulate Latarsha Watson on this well-deserved recognition as General Manager of the Year for the Northeast Region! Thank you, Latarsha, for your leadership and for making Transdev a valued partner with the Philadelphia airport community.
