Rebecca Gallas, the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation Director, will be transitioning throughout December into her new role as Division Engineer for NCDOT Division 5. NCDOT’s Assistant Unit Head for Photogrammetry Nick Short, PE will serve as the interim Aviation Director.
Moving up in NCDOT is a bittersweet transition for Gallas, whose office window looks out over one of the runways at Raleigh Durham International Airport. Reflecting on her time as Division of Aviation director, Gallas said she is deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities she’s had to collaborate with extraordinary teams and partners across the industry. “Working closely with airports, the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), and fellow directors, I’ve seen firsthand how a shared commitment to innovation, safety, and community-building can transform challenges into opportunities. From leading hurricane response efforts that mobilized millions of pounds of supplies and saved countless lives, to driving initiatives like the GA Airport Programmatic Review workgroup, these moments have showcased the resilience and ingenuity of our aviation community,” said Gallas. “The Programmatic Review workgroup, in particular, has been a shining example of how collaboration between airport leaders, consultants, and stakeholders can result in meaningful solutions that streamline project implementation and improve our processes for years to come.”
For Gallas, the response to Hurricane Helene stands out as the capstone of her time as director, bringing together so many aspects of what makes aviation vital. “From flying aerial imaging over 1.6 million acres to coordinating hundreds of drone missions and airport operations, the aviation community demonstrated unmatched resilience and collaboration during a time of widespread devastation,” noted Gallas. “The stories of heroism and innovation from this effort will always be a source of pride and a testament to the strength of our industry. Helene underscored the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together in service of our communities.”
One of the most exciting aspects of this role for Gallas has been championing North Carolina’s leadership in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) through initiatives like the Advance Mobility NC framework and the AAM/UAS Center of Excellence. “These projects not only position our state as a pioneer in emerging aviation technologies but also provide a roadmap for safe, innovative solutions that benefit all our communities,” said Gallas. “I am especially proud of how we’ve engaged stakeholders, creating competitive programs that invite municipalities, universities, and planners to be part of this journey. Looking back, I am in awe of what we’ve achieved together and confident in the Division of Aviation’s continued success under new leadership. The future of aviation in North Carolina is bright, and I feel privileged to have played a part in shaping it.”
