American’s new Phoenix chief took varied path in aviation

Sophia Philis-Ortiz, the new managing director of American Airlines’ Phoenix operations, began her career as an agent for American Eagle in New York, and has worked in roles that include customer service and ensuring aircraft are properly loaded for weight and balance. “When you’re running your own city, you kind of create your own destiny,” Philis-Ortiz said, and “your failure and your success is based on everything you do.”