Employee Spotlight: Deacon Dr. Joe Krzanowski, Airport Chaplain

For many, traveling can be a stressful experience. That's where the Tampa Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy program and its seven volunteer chaplains step in to help. 

Meet Deacon Dr. Joe Krzanowski. For nearly 13 years, Joe has been a comforting presence at Tampa International Airport, offering support, encouragement and the frequent lollipop for anyone who crosses his path.

“The whole airport is my office,” he said. 

Joe moved to Tampa in 1971 to help open the University of South Florida’s College of Medicine. As a former faculty member (and now professor emeritus), he was one of the very first medical professors in the fledgling program, teaching medical pharmacology, critical care medicine and nursing pharmacology, among many others subjects. His tenure offered him the chance to provide wisdom and insight to generations of future professionals. 

Several years after settling in Tampa Bay, in 1982, Joe suffered a family tragedy when his brother and several other relatives died in an Air Florida plane crash. Through his grief, he saw a need to start an airport chaplaincy program at TPA. Five years later, Joe became an ordained deacon, earning the nickname “Deacon Joe,” which he now proudly goes by and has embroidered on a custom shirt he wears around the Airport.

In 1998, the Tampa Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy program was born and has been a fixture at Tampa International Airport ever since. The program is completely volunteer-based, with chaplains often available at TPA about four days a week and on call.

Deacon Joe joined the program in 2012. On a typical day at America’s Favorite Airport, Joe often walks for about 6 hours, making his way from the Main Terminal to the Rental Car Center to the “belly of TPA” – its behind-the-scenes baggage belt system. He said that approximately 90 percent of his time at TPA is given to employees of the Airport, offering comfort and words of encouragement. 

“You’ll find me just about everywhere,” Deacon Joe said. “I’m here to help those who are often forgotten or unseen by providing them with spiritual support.“

The goal for both Deacon Joe and the program overall is not to be focused on or grounded in any one religion or faith, but rather to offer encouragement to anyone who requests it. Deacon Joe views his ministry as one of simply being present. 

“Sometimes, people just need someone to talk or vent to,” Deacon Joe said. “Even though I can’t change what’s happened in their life, I can help them grieve and process. I want them to know that I care.”

All volunteer members of the program come from different walks of life and backgrounds – some are religious, some are not. 

“We never recruit or evangelize anyone," Deacon Joe said. "We’re here to offer a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind smile whenever needed.”