Airport Staff

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Phil Lanier
Remote Support Staff

 

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Casey Hayes
Executive Administrator

Casey Hayes joined the Johnston Regional Team in 2020 while pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work Degree Program at the University of North Carolina - Wilmington. During her studies, Casey served as a Disaster Relief Case Worker for the American Red Cross, assisting individuals who had lost their homes due to various disasters. The BSW Degree program equipped Casey with valuable insights into human dynamics and community well-being. After graduating in 2021, Casey accepted a full-time role as the airport’s lead Customer Service Representative. Over time, Casey’s dedication and expertise led to her current role as Executive Administrator, which she accepted in 2022. Whether handling public inquiries, managing the airport's customer service team, coordinating logistics, finding strategic solutions to extraordinary challenges, or keeping Airport Authority Board meetings on track, Casey's commitment to excellence is unwavering. Beyond her professional career, Casey enjoys assisting her husband in training law enforcement K9s for patrol or police therapy dog work. When not at the airport or training K9s, Casey enjoys spending time with family, diving into theology books, unraveling murder mysteries, and experimenting with new baking recipes in the kitchen. Casey plays a pivotal role here at Johnston Regional Airport and has a bright future ahead of her!

 

 

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Lesa Denning
Finance Administrator

Lesa Denning joined the Johnston Regional Team in 2023. She brings with her 26 years of dedicated service to NC State University, working in various financial roles and departments. Her expertise spans grant management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and ensuring smooth financial operations. Beyond spreadsheets and ledgers, Lesa seeks enchantment at Disney parks. The thrill of Space Mountain and the wonder of Cinderella’s Castle remind her that dreams really do come true. Lesa proudly supports the Green Bay Packers, celebrates the tenacity of the Randolph Macon Yellowjackets, and always rallies behind the NC State Wolfpack. With her husband, three children, two grandchildren, and her loyal Bordie Collie Bree, she embraces every moment spent with loved ones—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a laughter-filled outing. Lesa Denning’s financial acumen, warm spirit, and passion for both numbers and people make her an invaluable asset to our team.

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Keegan Lax
Line Service Supervisor

Keegan is an aviation enthusiast. He has been working in aviation ground service since 2013. He got his start while in the Navy working for a squadron in Japan, since then he has worked at the FBOs in Wilmington, NC, and Raleigh, NC. He has multiple degrees in Airport Management and looks forward to providing the best customer service possible.

 

 

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Zak McLamb
Operations and Maintenance

Zak oversees the Operations and Maintenance here at Johnston Regional Airport.  As a lifetime resident of Johnston County, he has watched this area evolve into an important economic location and is honored to serve his home community.  Zak attended Benson Elementary and South Johnston High School before graduating from North Carolina State University.  When not at work he enjoys playing upright bass, church activities, camping, piloting R/C cars and aircraft, and family time.

 

 

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Chris has been in customer service since 2012. After securing a job in line service at KILM in 2013, he focused on mastering his trade. He was promoted to Shift Supervisor shortly before leaving to work at KRDU. It was here that he continued to show his skill and leadership abilities, being promoted to Shift Supervisor again after only 6 months. He is most skilled with a tug underneath him, amassing over 25,000 safe tows in his career without incident. Now here at KJNX, he is looking forward to being part of the incredible growth and potential of this airfield and lending his expertise when possible. In his free time, he likes to work on his car, play video games, and stay up to date on the latest Star Wars content.

 

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Robert Ruggiero

Line Service

Rob is a retired United States Navy Chief Warrant Officer.  With 28 years of Active duty experience in Aviation Fuels Afloat, Transient Line, Shore Based Arresting Gear, and Air Terminal and Cargo operations. He has an AA in Management. A recent North Carolina resident he currently resides in Goldsboro with his wife Molly and their two Bull Terriers Nero and Carley and Dachshund Daisy.

 

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Trina Bahe-Gossett

Customer Service Representative

 

Originally from the enchanting state of New Mexico, Trina brings a wealth of expertise to the aviation industry. With over 13 years of experience in airport accounting, customer service, and operations, she has become a seasoned professional.  Trina’s professional journey led her to the Gallup Municipal Airport, where she served as the lead FBO Customer Service Representative. Her various roles encompassed both FBO and Air Ambulance operations, ensuring seamless services for travelers and patients alike.  In 2023, Trina joined the Johnston Regional Team, where she currently oversees the Customer Service and Front Desk operations. Her commitment to excellence ensures that every customer’s experience is nothing short of exceptional. Whether it’s a seasoned traveler or a nervous first-timer, Trina strives to create a comfortable and hassle-free travel environment.  When she’s not assisting passengers or managing operations, you might find her engrossed in word searches, puzzles, real rock climbing (not artificial rock climbing!), hiking, and gardening.