TSM Alejandra Tamayo (left) at work in Terminal 1 at LAX
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) named Alejandra Tamayo as its 2021 Manager of the Year during the agency’s annual honorary awards celebration, which was held virtually on Thursday. Tamayo works at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and is a Lead Transportation Security Manager (LTSM).
Tamayo began her federal career as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at Miami International Airport in 2007. Since then, she has held positions of increased responsibility in TSA’s screening and training departments.
“LTSM Tamayo is an enthusiastic leader who puts employees first. She invests her time getting to know the workforce and engages them, so they understand they are a valuable member of the TSA LAX team. Her efforts are reflected in the high-level of performance among her team members,” said TSA Federal Security Director at LAX Keith Jeffries. “With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in 2021 and fluctuating departing passenger volumes, Alejandra remained flexible, ensured her employees had a good work-life balance and never lost sight of the security mission. She is an exceptional member of our team and deserving of this award.”
As a founding member of the agency’s local Professional Development Work Group, Tamayo mentors TSOs who are at various stages of their careers, hosting resume writing sessions and sharpening their interview skills. She has also been key in identifying recruitment opportunities to ensure candidates of all backgrounds are aware of career options offered by TSA.
Last year, Tamayo was instrumental in the commissioning of a new six-lane security checkpoint located in the western portion of Terminal 1 at LAX. In the months leading up to the checkpoint opening in May 2021, she involved members of her staff in the project, giving them opportunities to learn about construction scheduling, equipment acquisition and the importance of developing strong relationships with airline and airport stakeholders.
A Los Angeles native, LTSM Tamayo has worked at LAX since 2012. LAX is TSA’s busiest airport for security checkpoint operations screening more than 23.1 million departing passengers and crew in 2021.