How Renesha Mason Elevates ISS Aviation

When Renesha Mason made the move from life sciences to aviation, she wasn't just changing industries — she was stepping into a faster, louder and far less predictable world. As a Key Account Manager for ISS in the aviation sector, Renesha has brought with her a sharp eye for standards, a hands-on leadership style and a personal mission to open doors for people who didn't know those doors existed.

A Different Kind of Clean

In life sciences, everything is controlled, with sterilization protocols and strict compliance measures defining the environment. Aviation, as Renesha describes it, requires a completely different approach, one that is fast-paced, high-energy and constantly in motion.

"It's very dirty," she says with a laugh, "but rewarding at the same time."

What she carried from one industry to the other wasn't a specific set of technical skills, but something more fundamental: structure. "I believe in following SOPs," she says. "There are a lot of moving parts in aviation. They're not as stringent as life sciences, but for us it's about continuing to maintain ISS standards." That means hands-on training, one-on-one coaching and keeping her team aligned with both ISS expectations and the client's own standards for cleanliness and customer experience.

No Two Days Are the Same

If you're looking for routine and repetition, aviation isn't your industry. Renesha describes her role as "ever-changing” and she means it. When an ice storm recently caught her city and the airport off guard, her team stepped up, bringing in extra personnel and arranging hotel rooms and transportation to keep operations running.

"You prepare, then you prepare again, then you throw all those preparations out the window and you just improvise — safely," she says.

Beyond janitorial services, Renesha’s team is also responsible for cabin cleaning, making them "a line of defense for aircraft." The work carries real weight. Every cleaned cabin and cleared aisle is part of an operational chain that keeps passengers and their environment safe.

Happily Leading the Way

Renesha's leadership philosophy is simple: show up and show out. She works side by side with her team, believing that actions speak louder than any motivational speech.

"I think the team is more motivated when they see that, hey, she's working hard right along with me," she says. "I want to let them know we're in this together."

Her goal is to make sure every member of her team feels seen. While maintenance and custodial work is often overlooked, Renesha is intentional about shifting that dynamic. "I need them — they don't need me," she says. "I’m here to empower the team as best I can and work on improving the culture. Seeing people that used to frown or not speak be more social, say hello, give me high fives, smile. Those are simple things, but they have a huge impact on morale."

Ready for Take-off

Renesha’s gaze is set on the horizon both professionally and personally. On the professional side, she sees aviation as a wide-open opportunity. "I think we can be the lighthouse," she says of the ISS aviation team. "I think our opportunities are unlimited, and I want to help tap into that space."

Personally, her ambitions are just as meaningful. "I want to be a mentor to those that may not know this career path is an option. I want to open doors for those that may not have known doors existed."

And to anyone considering a move into aviation, or any new sector within ISS, her advice is straightforward: “Do it. Raise your hand, ask questions. It's okay not to know, but it's not okay not to ask.”