Dave Harris is a dynamic aviation executive and servant leader with a commitment to cultivating positive change across people, communities, and enterprises. With a robust background spanning military service, entrepreneurship, consulting, and government contracting, he has honed core competencies in advisory board consultancy, strategic planning, military/commercial/recreational aviation, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
Most recently, Dave spearheaded the strategic growth of 2 Circle, Inc., a fast-growing, leading player in the federal government aerospace consulting services industry. Serving in roles from Director of Business Development to Executive Vice President to advisor to the Executive Board, he was instrumental in contract negotiations, customer engagement, budget management, talent recruitment, and product innovation. Notably, in his operational role, Dave designed and implemented a transformative, data-driven approach to aircrew performance development for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. He is also the co-inventor of the RAPID software capability which integrates all sources of human performance data, audio and video and employs AI/ML algorithms for predictive and prescriptive analysis, revolutionizing training methodologies—often referred to as “Moneyball for Fighter Pilots.”
Prior to 2 Circle, Dave held the position of Senior Vice President and Executive Advisory Board member at Tactical Air Support, Inc. (TacAir), a commercial aviation provider. Recruited by the CEO to establish a new business operations center, he oversaw all aspects of business development, including marketing, sales, pricing, and contract negotiations. Operationally, his leadership was pivotal in recruiting, hiring and managing over 50 pilots. At TacAir, Dave operated the L-29 Delfin and AT-29 Super Tucano aircraft.
Before joining TacAir, Dave founded TD3 Holdings to develop Lake Magnolia, North Carolina’s premier watersports community. He led the design team, secured capital, and managed construction and sales. During this time, he earned a North Carolina home builder’s license and delivered custom, high-performance homes featuring advanced construction techniques and incorporating the latest technological solutions in home management systems.
Dave’s military career as a Naval Aviator spans twenty years, featuring six combat deployments and experience operationally managing $770 million in military aircraft, leading over 100 officers and enlisted and responsibility for hangar facility operations and maintenance. At TOPGUN, he served as the senior advisor to Congress and the Pentagon regarding recommendations for the development and acquisition of new capabilities to meet National Command Authority objectives His significant contributions to military training and capabilities are detailed in the book TOPGUN, The Legacy (Elward, 2021). Dave operationally employed the F-14 and FA-18 strike-fighter aircraft.
Dave holds a B.S. in Business Management from North Carolina State University (Summa Cum Laude) and is pursuing a Certification from the American Association of Airport Executives, expected in February 2025. He actively volunteers on the advisory board for the Southern Region of the USA Waterski Association and coaches youth sports in support of the Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department. Dave and his family have formed deep roots in the Johnston county community where they have resided for the last 17 years.
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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. 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 books, 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.
Page last updated: January 28, 2025
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