Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s (DFW) TSA Managers Robert Nunnery and Carmen Ladson and the TSA Mission Resilience team were awarded 2022 Federal Executive Board Awards (FEB) recognizing work excellence among their Dallas/Fort Worth federal colleagues.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Robert Nunnery
As one of the original 300 TSA employees, TSA Manager Robert Nunnery has done it all. His contributions, for which he was recognized with a lifetime achievement award, transcend decades and include an impressive body of work from pioneering insider threat mitigation techniques and the safety program, to standing up the Integrated Operations Center and innovative work with the reverse Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC is an annual federal campaign where civilian employees pledge financial and volunteer support to eligible non-profit organizations. The unprecedented reverse program brought services to employees who were unpaid during the 35-day partial government shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019.
“Robert is King Midas of projects — everything he touches turns to gold,” boasted DFW TSA Federal Security Director Kriste Jordan-Smith. “It’s not what he does, but how he does it. His cross-functional working groups tap enthusiasm, unleash volunteer spirit and deliver more results than anyone could have ever thought possible. DFW, TSA and the aviation sector are stronger thanks to his unique and lasting contributions.”
Employee of the Year Award – Carmen Ladson
A 20-year TSA veteran and revered role model, TSA Manager Carmen Ladson has distinguished herself at TSA and within her local community as a compassionate leader. She was honored with the FEB Employee of the Year Award for the engaging way she manages DFW Terminals A and B and for her civic work mentoring aspiring professionals from underserved communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Described as approachable and fair, she displays integrity, professionalism and teamwork.
“Carmen epitomizes the TSA Administrator’s leadership principle of care for our people,” said Jordan-Smith. “Her heart of gold, world-class problem-solving, proactive planning and commitment to aviation security have elevated the way we do business.”
Special Projects Mission Resilience Award – DFW TSA Mission Resilience team
During three years of collaborative planning, DFW Airport, American Airlines, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Aviation Administration and TSA partnered and developed a best-in-class Integration Operations Center (IOC) housing 911 operations, public safety, emergency operations and airport operations staffed by multiple federal agencies and industry partners.
“TSA/DFW has been a trusted and valued partner in DFW’s Integrated Operations Center strategic initiative well in advance of the doors opening in 2021,” explained DFW Executive Vice President of Operations Chris McLaughlin on the successful collaboration.
As part of the evolution of the IOC, TSA DFW consolidated three functions – the TSA DFW coordination center, emergency preparedness and contingency communications. DFW conducted two successful continuity of operations exercises, validating the concept of virtually transferring Coordination Center operations while affected airports either preparing a local response or evacuation.
“That need came in the wake of Hurricane Ida,” said McLaughlin. “From DFW’s IOC, the TSA/DFW coordination center team stepped in and seamlessly provided critical support to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for the better part of six weeks while simultaneously providing their usual sterling support to DFW. We’re proud of our federal partner’s accomplishment and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what we can accomplish together as an integrated team.”
“TSA aims high to protect the skies, and these individuals rose to the top,” said a proud Jordan-Smith. “I could not be more delighted with their contributions and the lasting impact their work has on us all.”
By Karen Robicheaux, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs