Houston Airports honors volunteers who set the tone for travelers

From milestone service to quiet acts of support, airport volunteers deliver Houston-friendly hospitality where it matters most.

Jan 5, 2026

They are often the first people travelers see and the last to offer reassurance before boarding. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors are a crucial role in the airport system’s plan to deliver a world-class passenger experience, each and every time.

During a recent recognition celebration at Houston City Hall, Houston Airports honored volunteers who have marked five, 10, and 15 years of service. Houston Airports Director Jim Szczesniak, along with the general managers for IAH and HOU and the Houston Airports Guest Experience team, personally thanked volunteers for a job well don. The luncheon also highlighted a broader message about consistency and reliability in a complex environment.

“Milestones mattered, but the message was broader,” said Ella Ghica, manager of volunteer programs for Houston Airports. “Every volunteer plays a role in making our airports feel organized, functional and welcoming.” The Volunteer Ambassador Program began in the summer of 2002. Ghica joined in 2008, when the program had just eight volunteers. Today, the program includes 75 volunteers at Bush Airport and 49 at Hobby Airport. In 2025, volunteers contributed more than 14,222 hours of service, supporting millions of passengers moving through Houston’s airports.

Volunteers assist with directions, accessibility needs and customer questions while adapting to changing conditions across terminals. Some step in on short notice to cover shifts. Others mentor new volunteers, maintain Little Free Libraries or support pet therapy teams. This year, Houston Airports also recognized 12 recipients of the Supportive Service Award, six at each airport. The award honors volunteers who regularly go beyond their assigned roles to keep the program running smoothly. Selecting recipients was difficult, Ghica said, because the same commitment shows up daily across the program.

The volunteer corps also included 22 teen volunteers during the summer and three corporate partners, with plans to expand corporate participation as Houston prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Behind the scenes, the Volunteer Ambassador Program supports the mission of Houston Airports: to connect people, businesses, cultures and economies to Houston. For passengers, that mission is often experienced through a single interaction that helps them move forward with confidence.

Those interested in joining the Volunteer Ambassador Program can learn more and apply at Fly2Houston.com.