Laurie Noyes
Age: 38
Director of Concessions
Tampa International Airport
- Alma Mater: University of Delaware
- Something people may not know about me: My first job was dressing up as mascot.
- Favorite book: The Red Tent
- Favorite TV show: Shark Tank
- Favorite movie: Paul Blart: Mall Cop
- Favorite hobby(s): Dance parties with my kids.
In her job, Laurie Noyes had the responsibility for planning and executing the complete overhaul of the concessions program at Tampa International Airport (TPA) after the end of a 30-plus year master concessions program. Under that effort, she has breathed new life into a program that is bringing in innovative and unique concessions with a local Tampa feel using her years of experience in the shopping mall industry.
As a result of Noyes’ overseeing the most aggressive concessions redevelopment program in the airport’s 45-year history, passengers have access to 65 new shops and restaurants. She also led the effort to redefine airport policies and creating the first concessions design criteria manual.
“I enjoy the fact that my customers are internal and external. I provide service at all levels,” said Noyes. “I not only touch the end user, but I also get to support the airport’s vision and mission.”
Noyes said she spent her career with one company since graduating from the University of Delaware in 1999: mall operator Westfield. “Many of my colleagues from the company were taking jobs in airports because the work was similar to what they did in shopping malls,” she said. “So as my family expanded, it was only natural to look at airports too.”
Passengers are used to getting the experiences that airports give them, said Noyes. “They don’t ask for more because we are only a step to their final destination. I want to make their journey part of something they can look forward to,” she said. “If we can drive ourselves to be visionaries by elevating our service standards and experience offerings, then airports will continue to thrive.”
