Denise Erickson

Denise Erickson is the Vice President of the Airport Division at Duty Free Americas (DFA) North America. She oversees Miami International Airport, Terminal 7 at JFK International Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Denise is responsible for the day-to-day Duty Free operations of four airports and 40 stores to include: airport relationships, business development, staffing, marketing, customer service, brand assortment and distribution. She works with local agencies to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations pertaining to DFA business.

Denise has been in the travel retail industry for 28 years. While attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, she began her career with Fenton Hill International/Duty Free International. She started at DFA in 1995 as a supervisor in JFK Terminal 7 while finishing her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Merchandise management. Her career accelerated soon after, and she was promoted to the General Manager position at Terminal 7. In 2001, Duty Free Americas acquired DFI, and Denise’s role expanded to Regional Manager overseeing LGA, Boston, Cincinnati, BWI, and JFK. In July of 2020, Denise was promoted to Vice President of the Airport Division.

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How did you get your start working in the aviation industry?

Denise Erickson: I started with Fenton Hill American in 1995 as a supervisor while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, studying Buying and Merchandising. The airport was my backyard growing up in Howard Beach and Ozone Park; it truly was a local opportunity for me.

Was working in the aviation industry or at airports your first choice for your career path? 

Denise Erickson: I dreamed of working in the Fashion district until I started at the airport. The opportunities were endless, and I swiftly grew my career with Duty Free before making the decision to stay in Travel retail. I fell in love with meeting new people, helping charity organizations, and building a second family, my airport family.

How has networking or involvement in the Airport Community benefited your career? 

Denise Erickson: Being part of the JFK Rotary Club and JFK Chamber of Commerce enables me to give back to our community. My relationships with my peers are strong; together, we can successfully support our local community. The JFK community has faced many challenges, such as 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the top skills a new airport worker should have to succeed? 

Denise Erickson: Travel retail is different from traditional retail, and the skills needed are somewhat different. To succeed, you need to be outgoing and engaging, be able to work as part of a team and have a strong work ethic. We represent the JFK Airport community and need to be able to leave a lasting impression on our passengers.

What is the most memorable moment during your career in aviation or at the airports? 

Denise Erickson: I have many, but two would be The JFK Rotary Club annual holiday party for local children with special needs—this is my favorite! Nothing is more fulfilling than being with 400 children and providing a moment in their lives where they dance, play, meet Santa, and smile. 

The second is being honored in 2023 as “Woman of the Year” during the Bishop Wright Aviation Industry Awards Luncheon and again in August by the JFK Rotary Club. 

Did you have a mentor at the beginning of your career?

Denise Erickson: Throughout my professional career, I have had several mentors, and I have learned the value of making and maintaining relationships for yourself and your company.

What is the most significant barrier to finding an airport job in our area?

Denise Erickson: There are few barriers to finding work at the local airport. Jobs are available in every segment of the airport market. When I started in 1995, I had no idea what the airport had to offer regarding opportunities. 

Our challenge is spreading the word within the surrounding airport communities. Duty Free Americas is doing this by participating in local community outreach programs and attending local employment and career fairs.