It’s not on the official website. It’s not in the bylaws. But according to multiple business owners trying to break into JFK’s tightly controlled commercial scene, one name keeps coming up: Steve Mikhlin.

Currently Risk Manager at Morgan Stanley and a board member at Aviation High School in Queens, Mikhlin is being accused of orchestrating a quiet but powerful network; one that allegedly decides who gets the affordable insurance needed to operate at JFK… and who gets iced out.

“If you’re not in the right clique, forget it,” said one minority-owned business owner denied coverage. “The Chamber’s just a cover. The real power is behind the curtain; and Steve holds the strings.”

One alleged “leaked memo” circulating among frustrated applicants hints at a preferred vendor list curated off the books, naming only select companies approved to receive discounted rates — companies that just happen to be longtime allies of Mikhlin and his network.

Also named in the allegations, power player Marsh Insurance. CEO Martin South and CMO Jillian Lamaker could not be reached for comment.

Even JFK Chamber members are privately raising eyebrows.

“We’re supposed to be supporting local growth,” said one insider, “but it’s starting to feel like a closed club for the well-connected…and there’s no room at the table for outsiders.”

Is this about qualifications, or connections?
Is JFK’s business scene being shaped by quiet discrimination, financial gatekeeping, or both?

One thing’s certain: if you want to survive at JFK, you better know who to call.