As Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) celebrates its 25th anniversary, the spotlight turns to Ramonika Carr, a Guest Services Officer who has been with the airport since its inception in 1999. Carr's journey from intern to leading the Guest Services Division mirrors the growth and evolution of AUS.
Carr began her career at AUS in the summer of 1998, just before the airport's grand opening. "In those early days, I knew everybody," she recalls, reflecting on the close-knit community integral to the airport's operations. Starting as an intern in the Public Information Office (PIO), she was involved in planning the grand opening event. "It was an exciting time, with new facilities and everyone, including the Mayor, involved. I got to see how things worked behind the scenes and learned everyone’s roles," she says.
Among her most memorable moments at AUS is undoubtedly the grand opening. "It was the first time the public and the Austin community experienced the airport. No one knew what to expect. The tours were amazing, and it was incredible to see the community come together," she reminisces.
Carr also fondly remembers events like "Take Your Children to Work Day" and ceremonies involving Girl Scouts retiring US flags alongside veterans within aviation. These events highlighted AUS's strong community spirit.
Discussing her role in guest services, Carr emphasizes flexibility, open-mindedness, and proactivity as crucial qualities for employees. "The aviation industry can change at the drop of a hat, so it's crucial to be open to changes daily," she explains. She stresses that while many aspects of airport operations are beyond control, customer experience can always be improved through small gestures like greeting passengers with a smile.
Reflecting on her 26-year tenure, Carr attributes her sustained motivation and passion to continuous opportunities for growth and connection. "Guest services didn’t exist when I started; it evolved over time," she notes. Her journey included various roles that eventually led her back to guest services in 2016, where she now oversees over 50 employees.
As AUS continues its trajectory of growth, Ramonika Carr remains a cornerstone of its success. Her journey exemplifies dedication and adaptability while underscoring the importance of community engagement and exceptional customer service at AUS.
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