EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Suzette Noble, Chief Executive Officer 

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Suzette Noble, a Vantage Airport Group senior executive, is Chief Executive Officer, LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private entity selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to manage and redevelop LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B.  Suzette joined LGP in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer, leading the delivery of an exceptional and seamless guest experience for all stakeholders, maximizing commercial revenue, and implementing processes and metrics for the organization and its partners.  Just over one year later, Terminal B was awarded 5 stars from Skytrax, a leading airport rating firm as well as named ‘World’s Best New Airport Terminal’.  Suzette is an experienced leader with more than 20 years of experience developing and operating transformational guest experiences at companies recognized for customer service excellence and brand loyalty, including Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, Krispy Kreme, and Great Wolf Lodge. Suzette has served as Board Director for multiple hospitality and tourism associations.

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James Haviaris, Chief Technical Officer

James Haviaris joined the LaGuardia Gateway Partners team in February 2017.  He is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations and maintenance of all airport facilities managed by LaGuardia Gateway Partners.  Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Rutgers University and has received designation as Real Property Administrator from the Building Owners and Managers Institute in NYC.  Previously Jamie served as President, Northeast at ISS Facility Services  and as SVP of Operations and Management for The Rockefeller Group Development Corporation. ​

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Kenneth Schuhmacher, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

As the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Kenneth Schuhmacher is responsible for managing all legal matters, compliance and corporate governance of LaGuardia Gateway Partners.  Kenneth has extensive legal and commercial experience in global transactional work through previous experience as a partner at two leading international law firms as well as through his role as Commercial Director and General Counsel for Skanska Infrastructure Development North America.  He holds a B.A. in History from Dartmouth College, a J.D. from University of Michigan Law School and an L.L.M. from Queens College of Cambridge University in England.

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Mercedes Rendon, Chief Financial Officer 

As the Chief Financial Officer, Mercedes Rendon oversees all of the company’s corporate finance and manages stakeholder obligations connected to the terminal redevelopment and management.   Prior to her role as CFO,   Mercedes was LGP’s Controller, with responsibility for the company’s accounting operations and financial planning and reporting.   A skilled finance executive,  Mercedes has over 25 years experience, including her role as SVP, Financial Controller of SmartStream Technologies.   Mercedes is a graduate of Baruch College.

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Derek Thielmann, Project Director, Design & Construction 

Derek Thielmann was named Project Director of Design & Construction in May, 2016. Derek manages the design build and is the day-to-day construction liaison between the operational and construction partners of the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B. He supervises the installation coordination of construction materials and the completion of Terminal B without infringing on the flow of passengers for the existing terminal. Derek comes to LaGuardia Gateway Partners from Vantage Airport Group and from Vancouver Airport Authority as Director of Engineering.

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