Rebecca Gallas Named NCDOT Aviation Director

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has named Rebecca Gallas as Director of Aviation for NCDOT. Becca, who has been serving as Interim Director for the Division, brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served NCDOT in a variety of capacities, including in the Chief Engineer’s Office.

Rebecca Gallas

“I am excited to lead NCDOT’s Aviation team and shape the future of flight in our state,” said Ms. Gallas. “I believe that aviation is a powerful force for economic growth, and I am committed to working with our airports and partners to ensure that our state builds upon our vibrant Aviation heritage.”

Gallas has a proven track record of success in leading and managing complex organizational projects and diverse teams, noted Julie White, Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation for NCDOT. “I am confident that she will continue to be an asset to the Department and to our aviation partners.”

During her interim role, she advocated for North Carolina airports on Capitol Hill in the FAA reauthorization, launched the Advance Mobility NC program at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2023, and supported the Airport Development team in realizing their goal of returning to full staffing.

Gallas has a strong commitment to partnership and quality customer service, which she plans to demonstrate by visiting most of state’s 72 airports in the next fiscal year to understand the unique challenges each airport faces. She also recognizes the opportunities that are coming to the aviation industry with UAS and AAM and has bold plans to continue North Carolina’s “First in Flight” legacy.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.