Celebrating Excellence: SSP America’s 2025 PASSION Award Winners

At SSP America, hospitality isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. Every day, our people bring heart, dedication, and extraordinary skill to airports across North America. During our annual PASSION Summit, we honor some team members who have elevated our mission in truly exceptional ways.

At the center of our celebration this year were three remarkable team members whose commitment to our values embodies what makes SSP America special. The PASSION Award is one of the highest honors within our company. It is a recognition reserved for the individuals who live our values of team, ownership, curiosity, and passion every single day. These winners don’t just do their jobs well; they inspire the people around them, elevate the guest experience, and strengthen our culture in ways that ripple far beyond their own locations.

We are proud to celebrate Jessica Roman, Jonathan White, and Julia Payne, our 2025 PASSION Award winners.

Jessica Roman, Server, Brooklyn Diner, LaGuardia Airport

Jessica is the heartbeat of Brooklyn Diner at LaGuardia Airport, the kind of person guests remember long after their flight has departed. Known for treating every guest like family, she brings warmth, positivity, and a genuine love for hospitality to every shift.

Jessica’s leadership shines through in her actions. Whether guiding teammates, taking ownership during the busiest rushes, or stepping into multiple roles when needed, she never loses her energy or her smile. During challenging shifts, Jessica can seamlessly support the team by covering multiple stations, all while maintaining the exceptional service guests expect.

Her colleagues describe her as hardworking, hospitable, and unfailingly optimistic, someone whose passion elevates everyone around her. Jessica doesn’t just serve guests; she creates experiences.

Jonathan White, Manager of Operations, Spokane International Airport

Jonathan leads with integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment. He is the kind of leader who inspires excellence not through authority, but through example.

Jonathan is known for his selfless approach and his dedication to doing the right thing. By prioritizing trust, open communication, and the success of his team, he has created a culture where people feel valued and supported. His leadership invites curiosity, encourages ownership, and brings out the best in everyone around him.

His colleagues often say that working alongside Jonathan is an absolute pleasure. His ability to foster belonging, collaboration, and excellence has had a profound impact on his team and on the guest experience at SSP America.

Julia Payne, Senior Director of Learning & Development

Julia is a visionary builder, a culture-shaper, and a driving force behind how SSP America learns, grows, and leads. She is a shining example of our global values in action, turning challenges into opportunities and continually raising the bar for what training and development can be.

In the past year, Julia led the design and launch of transformative training programs across the US and Canada, fundamentally reshaping how our teams operate. She introduced Grab & Grow, SSP America’s first-ever leadership podcast, expanding access to development in a fresh and inspiring way. She also co-created a new performance coaching model that is helping leaders embrace a stronger, more consistent coaching culture.

Julia’s colleagues say she builds capability, confidence, and connection. Her innovative mindset, commitment to inclusion, and passion for people make her an extraordinary member of our team.

Jessica, Jonathan, and Julia remind us that passion lives in the people who bring our mission to life every day. Their contributions go far beyond their roles; they shape the guest experience, strengthen our teams, and move our business forward. As we continue to advance SSP America’s global strategy across North America, their leadership and example will help light the way.

Congratulations to our 2025 PASSION Award winners, and thank you for embodying what makes SSP America the best part of the journey. 

For those looking for work opportunities or restaurant jobs, SSP America offers a culture built on respect, opportunity, and heart.