Pilot Spotlight: Aviation operations manager stacy leveille
The Beginnings of an Aviation Career
Growing up in Massachusetts, Stacy found herself surrounded by engines, from go-karts and 3-wheelers to classic cars and weekend drag races. Add to this mix the proximity of Westover Air Reserve Base and Barnes Air National Guard Base, where air shows became a highlight of her summer, and it’s easy to see how aviation subtly seeped into her life.
Yet, aviation wasn’t initially on Stacy’s radar as a career path. She dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and applied to colleges with a focus on animal sciences. But then, a brochure from Daniel Webster College arrived, introducing her to the possibility of a career in aviation. It was a pivotal moment that changed everything. "That sounds cool! I want to do that!" she thought, and with that, her journey in aviation officially began.
Stacy attended Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire, initially pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Operations. However, after attending a Women in Aviation conference, she realized that a degree in aviation management would give her more career flexibility. She switched majors and, in 2010, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associate of Science in Aviation Flight Operations. Since then, Stacy has dedicated her life to the aviation industry.
Stepping into the Role of Airport Operations Manager:
Today, Stacy serves as the Airport Operations Manager, a role that requires her to ensure the airport's day-to-day safety and security. Her job revolves around compliance with FAA Part 139 standards and TSA regulations, which are crucial for air carriers to operate smoothly in and out of the airport. Stacy manages everything from airfield inspections and perimeter security to scheduling, payroll, and resource allocation for the operations department.
“Every day is different. There’s a lot behind the scenes that people don’t realize, and that’s part of what I love about my job.”
Her responsibilities are far-reaching, but one of her proudest achievements is receiving the Certified Member certification through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). This certification, earned after passing a challenging 180-question test, has deepened her understanding of airport operations and enhanced her ability to navigate complex industry meetings and discussions.
Challenges and Rewards:
Transitioning into a leadership role as the Airport Operations Manager presented Stacy with personal challenges. “I’ve always been a people pleaser and an introvert,” she admits. “Suddenly, I had to become a leader and guide the department in a positive direction. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone, but that’s how you grow.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Stacy’s job is her close working relationship with the Vermont Army and Air National Guard units. She takes immense pride in supporting their missions and maintaining a strong partnership. "The military presence on the airfield is significant, and good communication is key to our mutual success."
A Love for Learning and Continuous Improvement:
Stacy’s passion for aviation is matched by her commitment to ongoing professional development. She is an active member of the AAAE and credits the organization for providing valuable learning opportunities through conferences and certifications. Her Certified Member certification has been particularly beneficial, giving her the tools and knowledge to excel in her role.
Her advice to aspiring airport operations professionals is straightforward: “Be flexible in your college courses and internships, learn as much as you can, and network with others in the industry. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for the challenges of the job.”
Favorite Moments at the Airport
For Stacy, no two days are ever the same, and that’s one of the things she loves most about her job. Whether it’s watching F-35s take off, assisting with airfield tasks, or engaging with pilots about their experiences, she thrives on the dynamic nature of her work.
“I love that my job is equal parts desk work and fieldwork,” she says. “I can be in the office one minute and out on the airfield the next. It keeps things interesting and ensures I stay engaged.”
What are your future goals or ambitions within the aviation industry?
I still aspire to be a professional pilot, but I also know that the reality is quickly fading. I am happy with my current career choice and don’t plan to leave it anytime soon. I figure if I can’t be a pilot professionally, the next best thing is to be in a position where I can still go outside and enjoy aviation by talking to pilots and seeing all the unique aircraft coming in. Plus, my airport has a healthy mix of Military, General Aviation, and Commercial service, so it’s not necessarily seeing the same aircraft every day. Mostly, though, I love the airport that I work at and have been here for 13 years. It is my home, where all my aviation friends and connections are. Because of that, I have no desire to leave my role anytime soon.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? How do you unwind after a busy day at the airport?
My three main passions in life are aviation, animals, and music. I satisfy my hunger for aviation through work, so when I am away from work, I immerse myself in my animals and music. I have a small zoo of pets that I love and dote on while also assisting a wildlife rehabilitator in transporting and caring for sick and injured wild animals.
I also attend many concerts, which I consider my form of therapy. I always have headphones in while doing chores and things around the house. There is rarely a time during my day when I am not listening to music. This is partly because I started playing clarinet in 3rd grade and have been a music geek ever since.
One of my most cherished memories of my adult life was inadvertently combining music and wildlife on the same road trip. The night before I was to attend a concert with a friend, he found a bird not native to Vermont that had been blown off course and ended up far from home. The next day, we had the adventure of a lifetime trying to return the bird to the ocean where it belonged and then attend the concert afterward! We made it happen, and it is an epic story I will never forget. But that is a long story for another time!
I’m on a mission to gather some incredible pilot stories to feature on the On Final blog. Whether you’re just beginning your flight training or you’ve been soaring through the skies for years, I want to hear from you!
Your experiences and stories can inspire others in the aviation community, and I’m excited to share them on the blog. If you’re up for it, please send me your story and some photos through the link below:
