Protocol & International Affairs

Background & History

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) is an agency of the Miami-Dade County government that manages airports. MDAD operates Miami International Airport (MIA), and four general aviation airports:

• Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF)
• Miami Executive Airport (TMB)
• Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51)
• Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT)

Miami International Airport’s (MIA) and the General Aviation Airports’ annual economic impact is approximately $32 billion. MIA and related aviation industries contribute more than 276,000 jobs directly and indirectly to the local economy, which equates to one out of every 4.6 jobs. Also, more than forty-six (46) million passengers travelled through MIA in 2019.

The core mission of Protocol and International Affairs Division of Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) is to facilitate the movement of dignitaries, delegations, official guests, and VIPs through Miami International Airport and support the airport’s international programs and initiatives. MDAD’s Protocol and International Affairs Division was created in 1988 from the airport’s International Gateway Receptionist Program to provide a lasting and good impression of our community. The receptionist program was funded by a grant obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Travel and Tourism Administration (U.S.T.T.A) - to maintain a service recognized worldwide for projecting a positive image of the community to foreign visitors and to meet the demands of the burgeoning local and international diplomatic communities in  South Florida. Subsequently, the international receptionists and front-line supervisors under the U.S.T.T.A program were reclassified into the existing County structure and renamed Terminal Operations Specialists.

Miami International Airport was the first airport in the United States, and one of the few major airports in the world, to offer a full array of services specifically tailored to the needs of traveling foreign diplomats, government officials, dignitaries and VIPs. Ms. Monique Denes served as MIA’s first Chief of Protocol under the Public Services Section at the airport’s Terminal Operations, from 1989 until 1997. The program grew from its original mission to assist arriving international passengers, through the federal inspection process, and expanded into MIA’s primary liaison with international organizations, federal, state, local agencies, etc. The Protocol section also became Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s liaison and link to the Consular Corps of Miami.

In 1994, the Clinton Administration selected Miami as host city for the First Summit of the Americas for leaders from across North and South America to establish the Free Trade Area of the Americas, (FTAA). The Office of Protocol played a pivotal role during the Summit. It created the outdoor national flag display in front of Concourse E and a Consular Lounge (now located in Concourse F) for the purpose of welcoming the Heads of States during the Summit. The Consular Lounge, unique only to MIA, is a private Miami-Dade Aviation Department-operated facility reserved for the international diplomatic community and members of the Consular Corps of Miami. It provides a full range of services and amenities to official delegations at presidential, ministerial levels, etc.

As the functions of protocol at the airport became highly specialized and elevated to the fine art of meeting, greeting and assisting heads of states and other dignitaries, the protocol functions were moved to the Marketing and Communications Section. The Office was subsequently renamed - Protocol and International Affairs Division. Irving Fourcand was the Division Director from 2001 until July 2018.

In April 2019, U. Desmond Alufohai officially assumed the position of the Division Director. He immediately set a vision to solidify MIA’s pre-eminence in protocol and international affairs, while ensuring continued and close cooperation with South Florida’s diplomatic community. He expanded the Division’s strategic role in supporting the airport’s international  programs and  initiatives and collaboration with organizations such as: Protocol & Diplomacy International - Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA), The Protocol School ofWashington ®, North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), etc.

Currently, the Protocol Division consist of multi-lingual staff with proficiency in the following languages: Creole, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The staff have acquired skills from diverse fields, including customer service, cultural diversity, diplomacy, etiquette, intercultural norms, international relations and protocol.

Protocol expedite escort service and other assignments are performed 365 days a year from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The Office also coordinates logistics associated with official missions / delegations, special events and diplomatic arrivals/departures with representatives of the airlines, U.S. government agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Secret Service, the Department of State, the TSA, U.S. Southern Command (SouthCom), the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM), etc. Support for these functions are also received from other agencies such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Dade Police Department, etc. The Protocol Division also provides escorts associated with diplomatic mail and courier requests and maintains the international outdoor flags located in front of Concourse E. 

Protocol & Diplomatic Functions

Courtesies of Port

• Coordinate and facilitate the movement of high level officials, dignitaries, delegates, guests and VIPs through MIA.
• Provide protocol expedited escort service for important guests and greeters.
• Coordinate the pre-clearance of guests and airport greeters
• Provide guests and greeters with“protocol gate passes” and “international arrival access badges.” to expedite post-security acess
• Provide escorts for diplomatic pouches and couriers.
• Coordinate security details with Federal, State and local
  agencies.
• Assist MDAD and other agencies with protocol, ceremonial and official events.

Consular Corps of Miami, Florida

• Provide airport courtesy parking cards to the Consular Corps of Miami.
• Organize an annual airport seminar for the Consular Corps
• Organize an annual end-of-year holiday reception for the
  Consular Corps
• Assist the Consulates in organizing their national-day event and/or other programs.
• Liaise from time to time with embassies, The United Nations, The White House & U.S. Department of State Protocol
  Offices, Office of Foreign Missions, U.S. Southern
  Command, Florida’s Secretary of State, etc.

Professional Affiliation & Educational Opportunities

• Coordinate educational, skills acquisition and
  professional development programs in furtherance and
  advancement of international protocol/diplomacy &
  ceremonial profession.
• Collaborate with the Protocol School of Washington ®,
  Protocol & Diplomacy International - Protocol Officers
  Association (PDI-POA), Office of Protocol - U.S. Department of State, International Ceremonial and Protocol Organization (OICP), World Federation of Consuls (FICAC), etc.

Diplomatic Lounge

• Operate MIA’s diplomatic lounge located in Concourse F.
• Coordinate and assist with activities organized at the lounge.

International Affairs Programs & Initiatives

Official Missions and Delegations

• Support MDAD’s route development and expansion initiatives.
• Participate in out-going missions.
• Host, coordinate, provide briefings and assist with logistics / protocol for in-coming delegations.
• Organize and coordinate airport tours for members of the
  Consular Corps of Miami and delegations.
• Research and prepare intelligence reports, country-background notes and socio-political conditions of countries, upon request.

Sister Airport Program

• Coordinate MIA’s Sister Airport Program (Airport-to-Airport agreements and relationships that promote best practices,
  international understanding and goodwill).

Events & Outreach Activities

• Support, host, and coordinate conferences, seminars, meetings and special events, in furtherance of the goals and mission of the Protocol Division.
• Collaborate with strategic partners such to the United Nations agencies, African Union (AU), European Union (EU),
  Organization of American States (OAS), international
  diplomatic agencies, foreign governments, NGO’s, etc.
• Participate in local, state, national and international
  conferences and events to foster protocol, diplomacy and
  international relations.
• Provide translation services upon request.
• Publish a monthly newsletter and an annual report of the
  Division’s activities.

Outdoor International Flags

• Maintain MIA’s outdoor international flag display in front of Concourse E.
• Collaborate with the North American Vexillological
  Association (NAVA).

U. Desmond Alufohai

Division Director, Protocol & International Affairs

Direct: + 1-305-876-7087

DAlufohai@flyMIA.com

U. Desmond Alufohai was appointed Director of Protocol & International Affairs Division, Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) in April 2019. The Office of Protocol and International Affairs Division was created in 1988 to facilitate the movement of diplomats, dignitaries, elected officials, and VIPs and to support the airport’s international programs and initiatives. Miami International Airport (MIA) was the first airport in the U.S., one of the few major airports worldwide, to offer a full array of protocol services, including a diplomatic lounge. Mr. Alufohai leads the largest protocol office of any airport in the United States. For more information on Mr. Alufohai click here.

Vera Philoctete

Administrator Officer lll

Direct: + 1-305-876-7089

Mobile: + 1-305-297-0507

vphiloctete@flyMIA.com

Ms. Philoctete has been with the Protocol & International Affairs Division since 2001. She assists the Division Director in various functions, such as identifying problem areas and determining trends. She presents findings and recommends solutions or alternatives as appropriate to the Division Director. She is responsible for the coordination of all administrative functions pertaining to the Protocol Division and serves as the office liaison person for administrative issues. She manages the disbursement, and the accounting of the special funds allocated to Protocol events. She writes and performs protocol assignments as deem necessary. She writes special reports as requested by the Division Director.

Cristine Keller

Senior Protocol Coordinator

Direct: + 1-305-876-3860

Mobile: + 1-786-593-1349

ckeller@flyMIA.com

After working for the Miami Dade Aviation Department since November 2015, Ms. Keller joined the Protocol and International Affairs Division in September 2018.  Cristine has an undergraduate degree in Geography and a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy.  In October 2021, she completed the 40-hour Protocol Officer Training course offered by The Protocol School of Washington.  Currently, Cristine serves as the Senior Protocol Coordinator for the Division.  She speaks French, German, Spanish, and English.

 Protocol Officers

Marie Bea MBong

Aviation Protocol Officer

Direct: + 1-305-876-3856

Mobile: + 1-645-248-2324

MBeaMbong@flyMIA.com

Ms. Marie Delphine Béa Mbong is a candidate for her third master’s degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship. She holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from Florida State University (FSU) and a master’s degree in French from the University of South Florida (USF). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Literature, and Foreign Civilizations from the University of Paris XII. Her early academic career included serving as a Teaching Assistant in French at Florida State University and the University of South Florida, where she refined her intercultural communication and instructional skills. 

 She currently volunteers with a nonprofit organization, teaching Spanish and French to children in Haiti and expanding access to multilingual education. For the past five years, she has acted as a judge for the Congrès de la Culture Française in Orlando, an academic competition established in 1952. 

 Through partnerships with educational NGOs, Ms. Béa Mbong supports learning opportunities for children in underserved communities across Africa. A 2025 Fulbright semi-finalist, she is committed to global diplomacy and cross-cultural education, contributing her expertise to the Protocol and International Affairs Division of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. She serves as a Cultural Ambassador for Académie Sainte Cécile de Yaoundé and served as President of the African Graduate Students Association at Florida State University (2024). She also participated in the Young Black Leadership Summit at the White House in 2018 and 2019. 

 Ms. Béa Mbong is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, with basic proficiency in German, Portuguese, Mandarin, and several African languages. 

Ekaterina Stepanenko

Aviation Protocol Officer

Direct: + 1-305-876-8034

Mobile: + 1-645-248-2160

EStepanenko@flyMIA.com

Ms. Ekaterina Stepanenko, brings a distinguished blend of international experience, aviation expertise, and a strong commitment to public service. Originally from Siberia, Russia, she immigrated to the United States two decades ago and now contributes her global perspective and service driven approach to her role as Airport Protocol Officer. 

Ms. Stepanenko began her tenure with the Miami Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) in 2024 as a Landside Officer. During this time, she demonstrated exemplary professionalism, dedication, and a sincere passion for community engagement. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, foster positive interactions, and cultivate meaningful relationships has been a defining strength throughout her career. These qualities, combined with her multicultural background and strong interpersonal skills, make her an asset to the Protocol and International Affairs Division. 

Prior to joining MDAD, Ms. Stepanenko spent more than a decade with Swissport Inc., serving as a Passenger Service Agent and later as a Lead Passenger Service Agent. In these roles, she supported several major international airlines at Miami International Airport, gaining extensive experience in customer relations, operational coordination, and assisting passengers from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. 

Ms. Stepanenko’s academic background includes studies in Economics at Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University in Russia and in Business Administration at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida. She remains committed to continuing her education as she advances her career in aviation. She is fluent in English and Russian and is actively enhancing her Spanish language proficiency. 

 Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Stepanenko enjoys spending time with her two children, traveling, and exploring new destinations. She has a strong interest in history and nature and values opportunities to discover unique places and cultures. A lifelong learner with an energetic and inquisitive spirit, she also enjoys trivia, board games, pickleball, paddleboarding, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Her enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to service reflect the values that guide both her personal and professional endeavors. 

William E. Herrera

Protocol and International Affairs Officer

Direct: + 1-305-869-4242

Mobile: + 1-305-215-6583

wherrera@flyMIA.com

Mr. William E. Herrera has worked for The Miami-Dade Aviation Department for 43 years. He has been with Protocol @ International Affairs for 28 years. He has also worked as Terminal Operation Specialist at Immigration and Customs as well as Airport Public Service at Operations Control Center. Through the years, he has gained invaluable experience in cultural, protocol, and international relation affairs, assisting countless numbers of heads of State as well as Royalty.  William has two degrees from Florida International University: Finance and International Business. William has taken Training from the Protocol School Of Washington. He is also Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese. In his spare time, William enjoys traveling, playing golf, soccer, fishing and spending time with his family.

Marc Jacquemin

Protocol and International Affairs Officer

Direct: + 1-305-876-3858

Mobile: + 1-305-794-0020

mjacquemin@flyMIA.com

Mr. Jacquemin has worked in the Protocol & International Affairs office since 1991 and has been with MDAD since 1982. Marc has a degree in Political Science from Florida International University. He lived in France, Viet-Nam and Brazil before coming to the United States. He is fluent in French, Portuguese and Spanish and is an avid soccer fan. Marc also has soccer marketing and operations experience having worked part time as Director of Operations / Competition Manager / Game-day Operations at Soccer Marketing and Promotions Inc. from 1997 until 2012.

Emmanuel Lopez-Gonzal

Protocol and International Affairs Officer

Direct + 1-305-876-7540

Mobile + 1-645-200-4183

elopezgonzal@flymia.com

Mr. Lopez joined the Protocol & International Affairs Division team in August 2024. Before joining the Protocol Division, he worked as a Customer Service Specialist for Florida Power & Light (FPL) company and as Administrative Assistant / Special Assistant to the Director General at the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (TECO) in Miami. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Florida International University with a Certificate in Latin American and Asian Studies. He is proficient in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and has basic understanding in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Veronique Louis

Protocol and International Affairs Officer

Direct: +1 305-876-6968

Mobile: +1 786-4796948

VLouis@flyMIA.com 

Ms. Veronique Louis has worked for the Miami Dade Aviation Department since January 2018. Before joining the Protocol Division, she worked as an Airport Public Service Assistant in the Airport Operations Control room and for the Paging and Information Center. She obtained a Master’s degree in foreign languages (English & German- applied to law, business, international trade, and management studies). Prior to emigrating to the U.S. in August 2014, she served as an import-export manager for a French company, attending international trade shows. She is proficient in French, English, and German, and has a basic understanding in Spanish. Furthermore, she received the Protocol Officer Training Certificate from The Protocol School of Washington.  

Moraima Mercade-Meijaard

Protocol and International Affairs Officer

Direct: + 1-305-876-3859

Mobile: + 1-305-215-8483

MMercade-Meijaard@flyMIA.com

Ms. Mercade-Meijaard is a 30-year veteran of Miami Dade Aviation Department.  She joined the Aviation family in December 1988 as an International Receptionist. In this capacity she assisted both international arriving passengers as well as terminal operations. Her passion for interpersonal and international relations brought her to the Protocol and International Affairs Division where she has dedicated the best etiquettes and hospitality practices to domestic and foreign dignitaries since 1994.  Ms. Mercade-Meijaard is a highly effective liaison between all government agencies at MIA. As one of the most senior and experienced protocol officers, she has gained the trust, respect and loyalty of the international diplomatic community in South Florida. Her extended knowledge of the airport, the aviation industry, intercultural etiquette, international protocol, diplomacy, and governmental relations have contributed to her recognition as a resource person and instrumental asset to Miami-Dade Aviation Department.  In her own words: “We are the ambassadors of first impression for those who arrive at MIA from around the globe.”  Ms. Mercade-Meijaard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and French from Florida International University.  Furthermore, she received the Protocol Officer Training Certificate from The Protocol School of Washington.   She is married with two wonderful daughters. She enjoys her family here and abroad, loves traveling and reading biographies.

Axel Tullmann

Protocol and International Affairs Officer

Direct + 1-305-869-3875

atullmann@flymia.com

Mr. Tullmann joined the Protocol & International Affairs Division in September 2024. Previously, he worked in Operations at the Miami-Dade Aviation Department starting in November 2021. He holds the equivalent of today's Bachelor of Science in Architecture and began his aviation career with Swissair in 1992, gaining experience in cities like Johannesburg, New York, San Juan, and the headquarters in Zurich. After five years with Visa, he returned to the aviation industry with Swissport at MIA. In 2017, he joined the Lufthansa Group account and earned his Operations certification for the Airbus A380 in Germany. He has worked with several airlines and assisted VIPs and foreign dignitaries, among various other roles and positions. Mr. Tullmann is proficient in German, English, Spanish, and French, with basic knowledge of Portuguese and Japanese.

James Carlin

Protocol Representative

Direct: + 1-305-876-1032

Mobile: + 1-305-439-0128

jcarlin@flyMIA.com

The Protocol Representative is responsible for researching and compiling reports on the economic and political conditions of foreign nations, coordinating the logistics of official visits by foreign aviation and cultural teams.  The protocol representative possesses considerable knowledge of the regulations of U. S. Federal inspection agencies as well as flag protocol.  Other important roles of the Protocol Representative in the Division are maintaining the Consular Lounge, administering the Consular Corps Courtesy Parking Program, and maintaining the Consular Corps directory.

Hellen C. Thompson

Administrative Secretary

Direct + 1-305-876-7142

Mobile + 1-645-200-4174

hthompson@flyMIA.com

Ms. Hellen C. Thompson is the Administrative Secretary to the Division Director II for the Protocol & International Affairs.

Prior to joining the Division, she served in the following capacities:

• Director of Meeting Planning, Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel
• Meeting & Event Planner for Mayfair Hotel & Spa, Hilton Bentley Miami Beach Hotel, Hilton Miami Airport, and Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

Ms. Thompson is a Certified Administrative & Personal Assistant, Certified in Event Management and Certified Wedding Consultant. She obtained an Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade College and is pursuing her bachelor’s at Florida International University in Hospitality/Event Management. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. Furthermore, she received the Protocol & Business Etiquette Certificate and the Protocol Officer Training Certificate from The Protocol School of Washington, as well as a Diploma and Certification in Human Resources Management and Administration.

The Consular Lounge at Miami International Airport is located at the second level of Concourse F, door #14 (pre-security). The Lounge offers the diplomatic community, VIPs, official delegations, etc., the opportunity to relax before boarding or after a flight. The traveling guest can fully enjoy its amenities provided with a special touch of class which proudly reflects our destination and our famed hospitality.

The charming and entrancing ambiance of the Lounge gives you the feeling of being home away from home and the feeling of being miles away from the hustle and bustle of the major hub that is Miami International Airport. Elegance joins with a host of specially tailored amenities to give this Lounge what it takes to make the experience of the guests the most rewarding, comfortable, and a memorable one observed at most major international airport facilities of its class.

The use of the Consular Lounge is further enhanced by the assistance of MDAD’s Protocol and International Affairs staff that the diplomatic community is accustomed to at this airport. This makes for a unique experience for the traveling guest.

The Lounge also offers the opportunity for Consulates, organizations, institutions, and businesses to host special events, including press briefings, dinners, receptions, seminars, workshops, etc. The Lounge has a capacity of up to 180.

Membership is not required. Reservation is on a first come, first-served basis, pending review and approval.

Lounge Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Business center with computers, internet access and faxing capabilities
• Conference/meeting room
• Tele-conferencing (upon advanced request)
• Ability to host special functions (upon advanced request)
• LED televisions

For additional information regarding the use of the Consular Lounge please contact the Protocol and International Affairs Division at 305-876-7457 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM weekdays or via email at Protocol@miami-airport.com

Reception

Seating 1

Seating 2

Seating 3

Seating 4

Seating 5

Bar Area

Conference Room

Business Center

The offical newsletter of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department Office of Protocol and International Affairs. Published monthly as a communication platform for the traveling public and industry partners.

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